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Give Presence Not Presents


Throughout the year we have many gift-giving opportunities to show love to those around us. From Christmas to Birthdays, Valentines Day and more, our thoughts turn to finding the perfect gift. Before you shop and wrap remember that our loved ones need more of our presence than our presents! This type of gift giving uses more creativity, less of our money and more of our heart. Need some ideas on how you can give of your presence and not just store bought presents?

DINNER FOR 2

Instead of purchasing restaurant gift certificates for someone, invite them to dinner with you! Make sure they understand that you are picking up the tab as your gift to them, but the real gift will be the time you get to spend together.

SHOPPING SPREE GIFTS

My mother simply hates shopping for me. She also hates shopping with me. Ok, she hates shopping period. But she knows how much I love it! That's why it is such a wonderful gift to me when she takes me on a shopping spree for my birthday every year. If you had planned to buy a loved one something at the store, you can still give of your presence too. Invite your special someone to come pick it out with you. I still remember when I was younger, and a boyfriend took me shopping. He had me model the knit sweater for him before he bought it for me. The sweater is long gone and moth eaten but the memory is still knit tightly in my mind.

COUPONS

Clipping coupons is an excellent way to save money when shopping but they are also a great way to save money when gift giving. The home computer has made coupon books easy and professional looking. Trying to think creatively about what your loved one needs is the hardest part of making meaningful coupons. Would your husband love his own indoor tailgate party with a coupon for a night of uninterrupted football coverage complete with his favorite snacks and drinks? Or maybe your young teenage daughter needs a coupon book offering taxi rides anywhere her and her friends want to be chauffeured for the night? You get the idea. Be creative.

INCENTIVES & BRIBES

Whatever politically correct word you use, incentives for children to get good grades or allowance given to complete weekly chores or reach behavioral goals are generally money or present oriented. I would like to suggest that you substitute presence for presents in this situation too once in a while. My parents used to take me to a good movie when I got good grades at the end of each quarter, even if I would have preferred the cash like my friends got, it strengthened our relationship more than the money ever would have.

When I was potty training my oldest daughter, instead of giving her candy to reinforce her efforts, I would let her draw an activity from a jar. She knew that I would drop everything and give her my undivided attention and presence to read her a story, color with her, eat a Popsicle with her, etc. Now that this same daughter is 8 and she would much rather have me cater and entertain at her sleep over party, than to be given an allowance as appreciation for doing her chores!

If you truly believe that Time = Money, than give a gift worth it's wealth in gold.

About The Author

Author Rachel Webb has been married 9 years and enjoys 4 children. She designs 100% Magnetic Fridge Calendars in order to Schedule Family First. 5 affordable designs made entirely out of heavy duty magnet http://www.Note-Ables.com or Rachel@Note-Ables.com and mention this publication for a $2 off Coupon!


"Holidays" in the News:

Reuters Blogs (blog)

Toys "R" Us gearing up for holidays with mini stores
South Florida Business Journal
This sizeable rollout of pop-up stores represents an additional 2.4 million square feet of toy-selling space for the holiday season. ...
Toys R Us opens express stores for the holidaysBaltimore Sun (blog)
Toys R Us to operate more pop-up stores this Christmas seasonLos Angeles Times
Toys R Us invades the mall for the holidaysThe Associated Press
BloggingStocks (blog) -Orlando Sentinel -One News Page
all 199 news articles »


Analysis: Holiday shipping up in the air in weak U.S. economy
Reuters
LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Toy store owner Eric Masoncup is playing a high-stakes game as he readies holiday ...

and more »


Retailers to Step Up Hiring for the Holidays
CNBC
The majority of the nation's largest retail chains are planning to hang up "Wanted" signs this holiday season as they either hold seasonal hiring steady ...
Holiday Job Outlook Stays FlatWall Street Journal

all 10 news articles »


ABC News

Iran to free female American for holiday clemency
The Associated Press
While flights to Dubai, such as the one taken by the Americans' mothers, are much more frequent, they are probably all booked because of the holidays. ...
FP Passport: Catching a ride back homeForeign Policy (blog)
Iran to release female American after 13 monthsThe Associated Press

all 910 news articles »


Reuters India

Jewish High Holidays for newcomers
Washington Post (blog)
The Jewish High Holidays begin on September 8, and for synagogues, that means undertaking complex logistical arrangements to ...
Jewish High Holidays a sacred — and busy — time for First Coast rabbisFlorida Times-Union
Temples fighting economic downturn as High Holidays arrivePalm Beach Post
Jewish High Holidays and the Mosque at Ground ZeroSanta Barbara Independent
Morning Sentinel -Kansas City Star -Reuters Blogs (blog)
all 50 news articles »


Kindle arriving to Best Buy in time for the holidays
Geek.com
It makes a lot of sense, especially considering the significant surge in foot traffic during the all-important holiday shopping season.

and more »


FOXNews

The High Holidays begin with Rosh Hashanah
Shore News Today
Rosh Hashanah is the start of the High Holidays, ten days of repentance for Jews that ends with Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, on Saturday, Sept.17. ...
New Year, New Start: Jewish holiday allows for reflectionRed and Black
Rosh Hashanah 2010 – Jewish Holidays 2010Spreadit.org
High holidays with a new rabbi in ChambersburgChambersburg Public Opinion
World Correspondents (blog) -Brooklyn Daily Eagle -Patch
all 695 news articles »


China's economic planner calls for regulations on price hikes during holidays
Xinhua
Complaints and reports from the public will be accepted at hotline phone number "12358", said the official. This year's Mid-autumn Festival holiday is Sept. ...
"Most complicated" holiday plan confuses ChineseXinhua

all 6 news articles »


Holiday Job Seekers Should Start Searching Today
WXIA-TV
ATLANTA -- The holidays may be months away, but if you're looking to snag one of those coveted seasonal jobs, now's the time to get busy. ...

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iPad Will Dominate During Holidays and 2011 — Analyst
Phone Plus (blog)
Um anticipates the iPad, in combination with the new iPhone 4 and iPod upgrades, will make Apple the darling of the holiday shopping season. ...

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