Gifts From The Heart...

Do you still have that "impossible to buy for" person on your list? I'm a big fan of creating gifts from the heart. I'm not crafty, but I'm good with words. I know that all of you are too! So here are a few of my favorite ideas from years past that were a big hit with teachers, grandparents, and friends.

This was a simple project I did for my sons class last year. I bought a bag of cinnamon pine cones, ribbon, a frame, and a decorative tin at our local arts and crafts store. I e-mailed all of the parents in the class and asked them to send me a short phrase of appreciation about their teacher. I typed up the phrases and framed them. In the Christmas tree tin is a Visa gift card.

Here is a close view of the sentiments the kids expressed.

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Last year my son's Kindergarten teacher said she would like the kids to do a service project for the community as her holiday gift. We used some of the class funds to buy rice and beans for a local food bank. The kids helped by bagging the items into smaller family sized portions. I took this picture of them, framed it, and asked them why they loved their teacher. Those statements were typed, and then I used a glue stick to put them on the matting.

A simple bow around the frame and we were ready for the holiday party at school.

My daughter used that same idea and made a beautiful gift last Christmas for her Granddaddy. She also made one for her brother.

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With little ones you can have them draw a couple of pictures, write down their thoughts and feelings, and bind them together in a book at your local copy store with the title page saying something like..."Why I Love You!"

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You can also put your sentiments on a pillow case, a t-shirt, an apron, or a soft fleece blanket. Use fabric markers or puff paint, and consider adding hand prints, or foot prints if you have a baby.

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All of my mom's children and grandchildren have decided to surprise her this Christmas with a memory box. Everyone has written her something special to say what she means to them. On Christmas morning she will open a gift filled with heartfelt admiration for all that she has done for each of us. Just in case this inspires you to write something heartfelt for someone you love; I've decided to post what she will open from me on December 25th.

"I Remember"

I remember…

all of the amazing meals, family dinners together, big Saturday breakfasts.

I remember…

the piles of presents you purchased at Christmas time and lovingly wrapped.

I remember…

laying my head on your lap and feeling your hands rub over my forehead and hair. It is still my most comforting moments of childhood.

I remember…

sleeping in bed with you feeling so safe and secure.

I remember…

talks in the dark while we were in bed, asking questions that were too hard to ask in the daylight.

I remember…

sitting on the barstool and listening to you sing every song in the hymnal while you cooked.

I remember…

the hours you drove me here and there to get to all of the events.

I remember…

watching you enjoy life, throwing your head back in uproarious laughter, grabbing me to dance in the middle of the mall.

I remember…

you telling me over and over how pretty, and smart, and wonderful I was. I just soaked all of those words into my soul.

I remember…

our beautifully cared for home that was always so inviting and warm.

I remember…

hours of storytelling. Hearing about your childhood that was so amazingly different from my own. Never getting enough of that.

I remember…

watching you make friends with anyone we came across during the day, the waitress, the gas attendant, the man walking down the street. It taught me to love people and reach out to the world with open arms.

I remember…

looking at your hands as they did chores around the house or as you held my hand. Your beautiful nails always done to perfection. I still wish I had your nails.

I remember…

thinking how I wanted to grow up to be just as pretty as you are.

I remember…

silliness, giggles, uncontained laughter, loud music, tenderness.

I remember…

your stern finger, your head tilted to the side and your lips tight, snapping fingers, the swat on my knee in the backseat of the car. The combination of the fun and the serious sides of you taught me boundaries and respect and order.

I remember…

your love for my aunts and uncles. Listening to you recall events from long ago, singing your childhood songs in harmony, longing to be together, never allowing a grudge to exist between you.

I remember…

when I was about 10 you asked me to do the dishes. I did a terrible job but you didn’t get mad. You filled the sink again and put them back in. Then you told me that there would always be things in life I wouldn’t want to do, but I could do them as a gift for God. With each chore I could thank Him for life, for toys, for family. I still do that today when I’m tired, when I don’t feel appreciated. What an amazing perspective on life that you so lovingly taught me that day.

I remember…

how you packed us up and moved us to Minnesota because one of your children was having a baby and felt alone and afraid and needed MOM. I realize now what an enormous undertaking that must have been. What a beautiful picture that is of your heart.

I remember…

coming home really late one night after a boy broke up with me in high school. I was crushed as I walked in the door and your arms were wrapped around me without even a question about the time.

I remember…

the boo boos you prayed for, the tuck-ins at night, the books read, the snuggles on the couch, and so much more.

My dream some day is that my children will remember. Their memories will all be preciously linked to the heritage of love you tended to so carefully in my life.

I remember…and I love you too!

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That's all folks until Sunday when we will post to give out Awards.

Have a wonderful weekend!