The Joy of Giving

The end of the year is here! In these final months of 2020, as we prepare our hearts and homes for the holidays, we wanted to highlight gratitude and giving. It has been a difficult year for everyone, from parents to kids to small-business owners and beyond. Many of the people in your life may be struggling right about now, whether materially or emotionally. Imagine how much joy you could give an unemployed friend, a depressed family member or a stressed-out colleague just by investing a little bit of time into a thoughtful gift or small token of appreciation. In this blog, we’re sharing our favorite ideas for giving back and injecting a little bit of joy into the lives of others.

1. Hide an anonymous gift card. Take a $5 or $10 gift card, wrap it up in pretty paper, and stash it in your friend’s mailbox, on their porch, or in their car.
2. Bake or cook. Gifted in the kitchen? Bake, cook, preserve, and freeze!
3. Gifts of service. If you’re good at gutter repairs, plumbing issues, mowing lawns, fixing cars, or fixing computers, share that gift with others! It may take some of your time and energy but imagine the joy and relief you could be giving your friend or relative by handling a challenging task that you find simple.
4. Sharing flowers. Everyone loves receiving flowers. They don’t have to be super fancy, giant bouquets, either – just a simple bunch of flowers from your local grocery store can spread joy.
5. Give tiny gifts. Colorful office supplies, a bar of chocolate, a gift of stationery, little earrings, crayons and a coloring book… the options for tiny gifts are limitless!
6. Create homemade gifts. Calling all cross-stitched beauties, little paintings on canvas or rocks, knitted scarfs, or crocheted handwarmers! If you are gifted at handmade and homemade, share your gifts and bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
7. Gift of time. Are you a great babysitter? Could you take your friend’s car for an oil change? Do you know an elderly person who just wants to have someone to have coffee with? Sometimes the greatest gift is you.
8. Pick up the phone. Got a loved one on the other side of the country, the state, or the county? Maybe you’re social distancing. Make a phone call. You never know who needs that extra boost of human contact to help make it through a difficult time.
9. Write a letter. The art of writing notes has fallen by the wayside. Revive it! You don’t have to be super eloquent or have perfect handwriting – just the act of putting pen or pencil to paper is enough to get your thoughts flowing and brighten someone’s day.
10. Give a gift subscription. Think about the gift of a magazine subscription, little monthly boxes, a membership to a fun center or a gift certificate for a visit to a local rock-climbing joint.

Do you have ideas for how to spread joy to others? Share with us over on social media and we might feature your idea on an upcoming post!

Remember, if you ever need a little help, we’re here to serve you! We love helping people at Christmas with shopping, meal prep, gift wrapping, shipping and plenty more. Call 615-970-7700 today to get a free quote for how we can help you this season!