SPEND TIME BEFORE YOU SPEND MONEY

Christmas day is one week away, that’s just seven days left to fill those stockings. But what are you going to fill them with, what ideas can you come up with for a gift for that co-worker, class mate, brethren or loved one? In today’s article we bring you some gift ideas that are probably not to be found on store shelves, but may just do a better job of showing someone how much you care.

'Mani – Pedis'
A very popular Christmas gift option is a gift certificate to a spa or hairdresser for a special day of pampering. Facials, manicures and pedicures provide the gift of relaxation and special treatment that is not as expensive as some may believe and are available at most salons and spas throughout the country. This service can also apply to men who could also benefit from a shave and facial combination including facial massage.

‘Goody’ Basket
Another option is the “goody” basket; this could be a fruit basket, comprising hand selection of the recipient’s favourite fruits. The goody basket could be of a favourite home cooked meal, nicely packaged and delivered with a smile. The added benefit of receiving a gift such as this is the knowledge knowing that some individualized thought went into the gift.

Movie Tickets
If you know for instance that the person on your gift list is an avid movie goer, then what could be better than giving a gift certificate or the actual movie tickets to allow that person and a guest to check out one of the upcoming blockbusters. This could also apply to a play, maybe even the traditional Boxing Day opening of the National Pantomime “Combolo”. Then there are the gift items that never stop giving. Instead of a bouquet that can be extremely costly, and will eventually fade, how about a live plant or a young fruit tree that will grow and bear fruits from year to year. In this regard, the dwarf June Plum Tree is a perfect choice as they begin to bear fruit before reaching 2 feet high. This would be especially good for persons just moving into a new home.

The gift of service
Perhaps the best gifts of all is the gift of service, if a friend is painting his or her house for Christmas, how about dropping by with some drinks and food and make a festive occasion out of painting or remodelling the home. This could extend to hanging up drapes or mowing the lawn, taking the dogs to the vet or just being there to add vibe and direction, so that the job is done properly.

What ever you do decide to buy, the important thing is to spend the time to think about the person, what they like, what they need and how best you can express your love or support, before you spend the money.

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