Presence, not presents ???? budget gift ideas for all

It’s officially December

2021 has been another hectic year overshadowed with panic and misinformation with small glimmers of hope and opportunities to make memories during the summer (at least I hope you also made the most of the summer too?)

Have been thinking again as I always do this time of year ~ so much pressure to please people around you~ So much stress over whether your friends or family will ‘like’ the gifts you have chosen , or guilt at not being able to get the children what they are asking for

The older you get the more you appreciate time spent with people you love and value it over anything physical or material

I’m feeling that and know a lot of others will too after being away from loved ones these past two years. Don’t feel guilty or let others make you feel guilty for what you are able to give ... remember your presence is the present the physical gifts are just extra

Gift ideas for struggling parents -
Coloring in pages can be printed off in the library and put together in a binder, with coloring sets from dollar stores? Just an idea. You can find binders/folders for under $3 /£4 that are colorful and fun


Cookies / Biscuits / Cupcakes can make nice little gifts when decorated nicely and wrapped - Unicorns/ Angels / Cars / robots

Christmas Eve bed time stories that are Christmas themed with a hot choc treat?

You can make Christmas Day fun making memories in so many ways - a nice little children’s movie I recommend is The Polar Express - You can stream it online for free


For partner - A simple letter reminding them that you love them - freshly cut flowers - offer to help with the washing / laundry etc - or a scrap book where you can write down happy memories of time gone by with him/her
It is easy to find a scrapbook and fill it with photos and written memories or small love notes or inspirational messages etc. photos of your wedding day, holidays, children..

For Parents - Baked goods - some can last quite a while when sealed in an airtight tin container - Blankets — practical help goes a long way too.. it might be too cold to cut the grass but there’s always something they will treasure.. maybe a lift to go to Midnight mass or to spend time with them remembering another parent who’s passed away. Time on the phone with them - etc

Friends - I don’t know what a friend appreciates more than your precious time , TLC, if they are genuine. Can be hard when you have to juggle work and family but a coffee date for the new year written on an invitation or something will bring a smile and it’s priceless for now

Pets don’t want anything just your company and love full stop


Oh and remember to take care of yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Ask for help from people around you because most of us are guilty for soldiering on and saying we can deal with it, when really we could use some help

Hope you all have a nice festive period despite all the madness in the world . Don’t forget to leave some food out for the winter birds if you can .... they will need it to keep warm

Cloud wrote: Oh and remember to take care of yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Ask for help from people around you because most of us are guilty for soldiering on and saying we can deal with it, when really we could use some help

Hope you all have a nice festive period despite all the madness in the world . Don’t forget to leave some food out for the winter birds if you can .... they will need it to keep warm

One way to seek emotional refuge is through self-care rituals.

Self-care is imperative at any time of year.

It is not a selfish practice.

Ground yourself with positive, nurturing pursuits.

Sleep is the gift that keeps on giving,  and acts as an insurance policy for your mental and physical stamina.

This is also the time of year to go deep.

Helping others that are less fortunate.