Holiday Guide - Part Two

Unique ---- Inexpensive.
Everyone has come across some store or item that was just unique. You should keep a list of these great finds so you can easily go back when you want that something extra special.

IMAGES by Kathy Brant. Ms. Brant has been a photographer for years. She recently started putting her images on her own hand made cards and taking them to local events to sell. She has her own beautiful pictures but you can also hire her to take pictures for you and then will make you your own personal cards. I met her a few weeks ago and bought about 10 cards for $22.00. She didn’t have a website (or store) but has an email address: kgbnorsk@comcast.net and number (630) 963-1849.

The Chillster. (http://www.stopbeerwarming.com/).
This is a truly unique gift that is all about reuse! The Chillster is a reusable mug that keeps your drinks cold and keeps cups out of the garbage and landfills. Perfect for hanging out and watching sporting events at home, for parties, you name it. Someone you know is going to love this gift.

The Delta Institute. (http://deltacarbon.org/offsets/)
Here is a unique stocking stuffer for your really climate conscious friends and relatives: carbon offsets.

Cobrahead.com (http://www.cobrahead.com/)
This is a unique weeding tool, a must have for the avid gardener in your life. It was created by an avid gardener in Wisconsin and supports USA created and made products.

Visit your Local Holiday Bazaar.
Lot’s of schools, church’s and community groups have Holiday Bazaars. A great place to go to support your local businesses, entrepreneurs, and especially fun for those people who have to shop in person and get the story behind their gift. You can try The Green Holiday Bazaar (http://www.gcc-op.org/), this December 6th, in Oak Park to find many great gifts that are local, green, and sustainable.

Thoughtful
While any gifts from the above mentioned places can be considered thoughtful, I’m taking this idea to a different place. These ideas never go out of style, are always appreciated, and are truly priceless.

Write a Personal Note. You can’t do this for everyone! You can do it for different people different times of the year. Make a list, get some cards, and start writing.

Make Cookies. Your friends, your neighbors, all of those people you would like to buy something for but you just can’t, well they would all love this personal gift from you (really, I called them and they said so). It can take just one evening to make, and can be fun when other people join in to bake with you. And what fun it is to personally hand your neighbor some cookies and actually say hello.

Go to a Movie. It’s fun.

Play a Game. Turn off the T.V., forget the grab bag, and pull out the old Trivial Pursuit, Candy Land, or whatever is collecting dust in the closet and play a game. It really is fun and brings you closer together. Spend time together laughing and talking. Children LOVE this because they really do value your time and attention.

A smile, a hug, an “I love you” are all genuine, priceless, caring gifts that make you and the receiver feel good. Stop the rush, the pressure, the stress and share that moment, be in that moment, and you will feel wonderful and the person you are sharing with will feel wonderful too.

But if you just have to buy something, make it a meaningful gift that you can truly feel good about giving. And whatever you are celebrating, have a truly joyous holiday this year.