Find the joy in giving meaningful gifts

Gift giving goes hand in hand with the holiday season for many people.

And while some are easy to shop for, others are a bit trickier.

There’s the mom who insists she just needs a new pair of socks. There’s the dad who’s tired of getting the same old box of chocolates, yet only reveals what he really wants at the last minute.

Or maybe you have a friend who somehow always manages to one-up you with an amazing present every year.

The good news is that finding meaningful gifts for those you love doesn’t have to be a challenge.

Here are some ideas to get

you started.

Get crafty

If you’re on a budget but still want to go the extra mile to let someone know how much they mean to you, write down whatever special thoughts come to mind when you think about them. Remember when you first met? What moments made you both laugh until you cried? What qualities do you admire most about the person? Use nice-looking notecards for each thought and place them inside a decorated glass jar. Place a tag on the lid with a note that reads: “Thinking of you.”

Get scrappy

Take time to make a scrapbook that highlights your best moments together. You might have to do a little digging to find your favourite photos and keepsakes to include, but it’s worth it to see the joy on your loved one’s face and give them something they can treasure for years to come.

Out of this world

Does the person you’re shopping for have an interest in astrology? Try looking for a gift that includes their zodiac sign, such as a nice mug, keychain or piece of jewelry that suits their style.

If you have a bigger budget to work with, consider finding a local astrologer who does personal readings and see if they offer gift certificates. That way, the gift recipient gets to book the appointment for whenever it works best for them.

What a gem

If the person you have in mind is an open book when it comes to their dating life, or is seeking a new career opportunity or going through a difficult time, they might like to receive a gemstone that suits their situation. There are many kinds used for a wide variety of things, such as love, prosperity, anti-anxiety and protection, to name just a few.

Give back What can you give to a person who enjoys volunteering and/or donates to a certain cause, notfor-profit organization or foundation? If they have a special place in their heart for a local food bank, hospital, pet rescue, theatre or school program, for example, making a donation in their name can mean a lot to them and go a long way for others.