Practical Gift Ideas
With almost everyone feeling the economic crunch, here are some practical gift ideas for the holidays, birthdays or anniversaries.
Let’s keep the giving local and support the local restaurants, independent business owners and service personnel.
Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages. How many people do you know whose New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight and get in shape? It’s a gift that keeps giving all year long!
Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Detail shops and
car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
With Yoga so popular here – who do you know that would love a punch card to a yoga studio?
Give the gift of a clean house! Any busy person would love a gift certificate to have someone come clean their house.
Perhaps someone you know would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
What about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint?
Who couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a local shop?
Couldn’t we all use our computer tuned up?
How about supporting the local crafts people? Buy some pottery or beautiful hand-made one of a kind jewelry, a handmade scarf or hat.
Have friends with young kids? Offering them a night out while you babysit would be the best gift they could ever ask for.
Know a busy Mom with a full time job? Make dinner for the family and bring it over one night.
What about a Gift Certificate to the Rec Center – the whole family can go enjoy the pool, climbing wall and equipment?
Consider donating some of your time to a local non-profit. Many are dependent upon volunteer hours and the gift goes both ways- you get more than you give. Manna Soup Kitchen, The Women’s Resource Center, Community Connections and the Boys and Girls Club would all love to have you.
Have teenagers in your family or close sphere? Are they old enough to drive? A gift card to a gas station supports both kid and parents. I’m sure they’d love a day or season pass to DMR.
Have friends visiting from out of town? Treat them to a guided, supported hike on the Colorado trail (courtesy of Colorado Mountain Expeditions www.coloradotrailhiking.com)
Pamper someone with an afternoon at Trimble Hot Springs. Maybe include a luscious massage.
Create your own packet of coupons tailored to the recipient. Let them redeem them when needed.
Be Creative – think about fun, inexpensive and unique gifts from local merchants or your own talents to surprise those you love.
Submitted by Malia Durbano, providing copywriting, editing, and more at http://writingmatterscolorado.com
