ONE DOZEN PRACTICAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT PEOPLE LOVE AND COMMUNITIES THRIVE ON

Let's face it.  We're not all knitters, crocheters or carpenters.  Most of us don't have the know-how or time to make a gift for everyone on our Christmas list....and even if we do, are we making something they really want??  That is the question.

The following list is a practical guide to buying needed and/or loved items for our family and friends.  My cousin Dawn sent many of these ideas to our family.  I have to agree that I would really like to get most of these so I am sure that my family will love them too... and our communities will be better off for them.  

Here's to paying it forward!!

1. HAIR CUTS:  Everyone...Yes EVERYONE... gets their hair cut. Gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber shop are welcome items in any household.  If you can find out where they regularly shop for cuts, even better.

2. GYM MEMBERSHIPS:  This gift is appropriate for all ages who are thinking about improving their health.  In parts of the world where the winters are long and cold, this gift often gives people an excuse to get out of the house to improve their mood.  NOTE TO HUSBANDS...Do NOT get this for your wife...just sayin'.

3.  CAR DETAILING:  Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates for that matter.



 4. BIG TICKET ITEM:  Do you have someone on your list that you like to spend lots of money on each year?  Instead of buying them yet another watch, television...or whatever....maybe they would like to have their driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter...Yard Jobs are always a pain and a happy gift to be had.

5.  GOLF:  Do you need a big gift for that special golfer in your life?  How about a membership to the local Golf Club or certificates for 5, 10, 15 games?

6. FOOD!!: Everybody eats.  Everyone likes an evening out on the town.  Owner-Run Restaurants often offer gift certificates that don't expire or last for 1 full year. Also, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Supporting our home town financially helps owner-run restaurants keep their doors open.

7. AUTOMOBILE STUFF:  Every car needs an oil change! How about giving out a few certificates for that, or an alignment or any other automotive need?

8. GIVE HER A BREAK!:  Does your wife, mom, sister, aunt, work hard raising kids/working outside the home?  How about 1, 2, 3, or more gift certificates for a Cleaning Lady for the day?  Small, local businesses and cleaning ladies often offer specials. Ask for their best offer and grab it!

9.  COMPUTER WOES:   Anyone who owns a computer more than 6 months knows that they slow down over time. They get bogged down with junk files, spam and need the latest and greatest updates.  Find a reputable computer woman/guy in your area and grab a certificate for a computer tune-up.


10.  THE CRAFTY ONE:  Do you have a grandma who loves the yard sales and flea markets?  Take a Saturday or Sunday to frequent your local flea market and/or find your local craft people.  Find just the thing that reminds you of grandma and grab it...and buy a certificate to the store while you're at it. (Pottery, Jewelry, Scarves, Gloves, Wooden Carvings...the possibilities are endless!)

11.  THE ARTSY ONE:   Local high schools, community colleges, community theater programs and even some churches hold plays throughout the year.  They are always looking for sponsors and hoping to sell tickets.  Check out the Theater Programs in your area and buy 1, 2, 3.... or even a Season Package for the Musical/Play/Ballet/Orchestra/Opera lover in your life!

12. THE MUSICAL ONE:  Check out local venues who spotlight up and coming bands.  Grab a ticket or two for a few weekends that will give the music lover in your life a reason to get out for an evening of auditory bliss!