It’s easy to go a little crazy this time of year looking for the “perfect” gifts for your family and friends, many of which will go unused or be forgotten within a month or two.

Gift giving is not about:

• Proving your love for someone
• Maintaining your image
• Pleasing people to feel accepted
• The expectations of others

 Gift giving is about:

• Looking into your heart for what feels right
• Choosing gifts that have meaning or bring more comfort to someone’s life
• Matching the gift to the needs of the receiver.  Fancy gifts don’t make sense when someone needs groceries.
• Value, not money.  A gift certificate for a couple hours babysitting to a harried mom is likely to be appreciated more than the latest thingamajig.
• Having a plan and working within a budget.  People who truly care about you will not want you to go into debt.
• The personal touch.  Little extras like words of appreciation or personal references that make it clear your gift was specially chosen for that person.
• Holding your gift to your heart and infusing it with love before passing it on