I went shopping for a birthday
gift for a 7 year old boy recently and came home empty handed. I found myself overwhelmed with the choices and in disbelief of the high prices for toys. $30-$50 bucks for something they’ll play with once or twice? For something they’ll probably
break or lose? Sheez. I just can’t bring myself to spend that much on toys,
because frankly, I don’t think many of them add much value to a child’s life.
In fact, I believe some toys limit creativity and imagination during playtime.
After my disappointing hunt for the perfect gift in the toy section, I wandered
over to the clothes section, but seriously, when have you seen a kid get
excited over clothes? Sigh…the hunt continues.
The truth is, I look at things
much differently now. Most people I know already have everything they need and more. In my opinion, if you
acquire something you don’t need, it becomes clutter, and I hate clutter – with
passion! I don’t want to own it and I don’t want to gift it. See my dilemma?
Despite my discontent with clutter and culture’s obsession with acquiring an excessive amount of unnecessary material possessions, I think of myself as a very generous person. I give to different
charities on a regular basis and I like to surprise my loved ones with special
treats every now and then, especially on random days instead of the days our
culture has designated for gift-giving. I also like to put a lot of thought
into it; I don’t mind spending a decent amount of money on a gift, if it fulfills
a need or if it will be of value in someone’s life.
My above mentioned dilemma got
me thinking about my own birthday wishes for this year. With it being about a
week away, I can honestly say that all I want on that day (and every day of my
life) is a good, filling, flavorful meal and the continued love and support
from my family and friends.
But what would make my day
EXTRA special? A bit of your time.
Yes, time. Time to:
- Become workout buddies
- Have breakfast at Elmer’s (I LOVE their pancakes)
- Go hiking together
- Take a Zumba master class together
- Sign up to run a 5k or 10k together
- Paint pottery
- Treat ourselves to manis and pedis
- Enjoy a weekend getaway, somewhere neither of us has been before
- Enjoy a Grey’s Anatomy Netflix marathon, complete with pizza, snacks and drinks
- Hanging out at a coffee shop chatting the night away
The most valuable gift one can
ever receive are memories made with YOU. Kids are too young to understand it,
but I’m glad I do. And in time, they will too.
Cheers! To the wonderful
holiday season ahead and another year of life to make more memories.
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