Heartfelt Gift Giving

by Terah Kathryn Collins

Tis the Season of Gifts, whether we like it or not! I have learned that when I approach gift-giving ‘from the heart,’ it transforms a forced march into a series of delightful opportunities to deeply connect with my loved ones and my community.

Hearfelt gift-giving often begins in our local communities, where our gift-dollars can support the talents and efforts of those who live around us.

Gift-certificates from local businesses can make fabulous one-of-a-kind gifts that honor your loved ones’ unique tastes and interests. These include restaurant or garden center certificates, club memberships, and yoga, dance, or art classes. Services from local salons and spas are often special treats, as well as tickets to the theater and other live performances.

Our local artists and crafts people make their living creating beautiful jewelry, clothing, pottery, and handicrafts that are essentially original art at affordable prices. When we know the artist, it deepens the meaning of the gift as we share the story of how it was made, what inspired the artist to make it, etc.

YOU may be the artist or gift-maker! Instead of shopping, you may find it is much more fun to spend time in your kitchen or studio making your own love-infused gifts.

Re-gifting has also become a popular way of keeping things ‘in the flow.’ When you receive a gift that you’d rather not keep, consider who would love it and pass it on! Collectively, we seem to be losing all interest in accumulating goods that do not make our hearts sing.

And, heartfelt gift-giving can reach outside of our local communities into any other community in the world via the many organizations who are helping people improve their lives. One of my favorites is KIVA, who gives micro-loans to help people fund their businesses. As soon as the loans are paid back, the money is available to be loaned again. Several years ago, I gave $25 in honor of each of my family members and these gifts have now been re-loaned 29 times, and counting – truly gifts that keep giving!

Whether you shop locally or globally, enjoy the flurry of synchronicities that await you! Your heartfelt choices carry your loving intentions and expand the meaningful connections you have with those you love.