The Most Meaningful Gifts We Can Give

Every year at this time shoppers are busily hustling and bustling around town trying with all their might to find "the perfect gift" for the special ones in their lives. Commercials ring out "He went to Jared!" or "Every kiss begins with Kay" in an attempt to lure customers into particular stores in the hopes of making a profit.

This leads me to ask myself, what is a gift? I know how the dictionary defines the word, but how do we define it for ourselves on a daily basis? Do we believe that a true gift has to cost an enormous amount of money and come in a neatly wrapped box with a big red bow? Do we believe that a true gift must come from the heart and hold value in our lives like a long lost treasure? Maybe it's a combination of both.

What if a true gift need not cost anything at all? What if the premise surrounding gift giving was to give something of yourself; something no one else could offer, something you couldn't find in a store, something that could not possibly be purchased or boxed much less put on super-sale at the local mall.

To demonstrate my point, I would like to present to you 5 ideas for giving meaningful gifts this holiday season. These are a few ways you can give of your time, talent, and treasure without breaking the bank. You can rest assured your gift this year will not be something the receiver already has and your gift will definitely not be regifted.

Give the Gift of Your Time

In this fast-paced world of constant "go, go, go" people understand how precious time really is. Take a moment to visit a friend or family member you haven't seen in a while...maybe bring some cookies or hot chocolate to share while you catch up. Visit a nursing home and volunteer to help make ornaments or cards. You can even give of your intentions by making coupon books for "one lunch date" or "a cup of tea on me". These little gestures show that you care enough to take time out of your hectic holiday schedule to show someone you care...and we all know that actions speak louder than words.

Give the Gift of Your Talents

A friend of mine had done a considerable amount of traveling one year. In each place she visited, she purchased a souvenier shirt with the name of the location on it. Later in the year, she used her sewing skills to create a beautiful quilt out of the shirts. She then presented the quilt to her ailing mother as a gift, telling her that although she was unable to be with her on her trips, she always held her mother in her heart as if she were there with her. 

My friend used her talent of sewing to create a gift that her mother will cherish forever. Maybe you have a gift you can use to create such a gift for your special ones this year. Is baking your thing? You could create a "Pie of the Month" certificate and let the recipient choose the flavor. Maybe you work with wood...building someone a lovely piece of furniture or a picture frame surely would be a gift to be remembered. Whatever you talent, I challenge you to get those creative juices flowing and create a gift that will be one-of-a-kind...just like you!

Give an Apology

As I mentioned earlier, sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren't "things" at all. They are simply gifts that come from the heart. I am a huge advocate of making peace with our pasts, resolving past hurts, offering forgiveness, and moving on in a positive direction. This is an exceptional time of year to do just that. If you have been holding a grudge towards someone; if you have an apology owed to someone, this would be a wonderful gift to give this year. Not only will you touch the heart of the person receiving the apology, but you will also be able to put your mind at rest about the situation and feel at peace with it. Sounds like a win-win to me...no red bow required.

Give a Donation to Charity in Someone's Name

What better gift to give than to help out a charity, right? Maybe you have a friend who is an animal lover. You could give a donation in their name to the ASPCA in their area. Maybe you know someone who served in the military. Donating in their name to a charity such as the Wounded Warrior Project might be a good option. Your donation can help others in need and you are supporting a cause that is important to your loved one. I really like this option! 

Give Thanks

There is no doubt our loved ones are precious to us. Most days we become so busy with "life" that we don't take time out to actually thank our loved ones for all they give us. This is a great time of year to do just that. You could take time during your daily meditation to express gratitude for your loved ones. Putting together a "Book of Gratitude" for someone would be a wonderful idea as well. Include photos of the two of you together, stories of times when your loved one was there for you in a special way, let them know how much they mean to you and how your life would not be the same without them. It doesn't have to be anything hugely ornate. Keep it simple...I'm sure whatever you put together will be lovely and much appreciated.

Look deep inside yourself this holiday season and ask, "What does the word 'gift' truly mean to me." I think you will find that your answer spans much farther than the latest iPhone or tablet. 

Sacred Affirmations for this moment:

I acknowledge that I have precious gifts within me to be shared with others.

I acknowledge that, my loved ones deserve to know how much they mean to me.

I forgive myself for not taking time to treasure the people in my life more openly.

I give myself permission to express my love and gratitude in a way that will be treasured for years to come.

Take a few moments to reflect on these thoughts, share and discuss this blog. Your insights could help another reader, so don't hold back, share the love. Tell me what you think? What were you present to when you read this article, The Most Meaningful Gifts We Can Give? I am so honored that you spent time in this sacred space with me. You make a difference in the Universe, always remember that! Now don't hold back, speak your truth! The Universe is listening.....!

Namaste,

Richa xoxox

Richa Badami is a transformation leader, meditation teacher, spiritual coach and mentor. She inspires her clients and students to create lasting transformation and success by leveraging their inner power. Her private and group programs have helped hundreds heal, transform and powerfully create lives that they love! To receive Richa's podcast, videos and blogs delivered right to your mailbox, subscribe to her bi-weekly newsletter "The Pause". For media inquiries send email to [email protected]