Category Archives: Money

Gifts from the Heart, Not the Wallet

09 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by in Money, Residential

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In the first week of October I wrote a blog about preparing for the holidays to reduce stress. Well, here we are! (https://pandoconcepts.com/2013/10/11/christmas-chaos-not/)

Are you “where you want to be” or are you stressed?

Spoiler alert! Christmas is December 25th. The date doesn’t change every year like Easter! This is why either having a “plan of attack” or starting early might have been a good thing to consider a few months ago.

(But it’s not too late! there are still 16 days to go, especially since all days are “shopping days”.)

My first wish for you is that you’ve got your Christmas responsibilities under control and can now start to enjoy the twinkling lights and spirit of the season. If you’re in the stores, I hope you have the pleasure of running into old friends and take time to chat and catch up. If you’re rushing through the season, you’re missing out on the best part – all the people!

Here are a few gifts that will cost little, but mean the world to the receiver! (You don’t have to cook like Emeril Lagasse, these are simple, but thoughtful, ideas.)

2013 - 12 - 7 - Xmas BasketHomemade Bread – in a simple, pretty tea towel – a simple gift all wrapped up in a bright tea towel with a ribbon around it will warm anyone’s heart. (Or bake a variety of items and create your own basket!)

Drinks – Irish Cream, Cordials, and Eggnog – I have a wonderful recipe for Irish Cream which has been a hit for years. I use beautiful bottles (which can be purchased from any craft store or Pier 1) and attach Christmas ornaments, a bow and voila! It looks as good as it tastes. (Maybe next year I’ll try making a cordial myself.)

2013 - 12 - 7 - Jar GiftsGifts in a Jar – Google this text and you’ll find hundreds of ideas! Over the years I’ve made everything from hot cocoa, flavored coffees, dips, Chex Mix, cookies, and soups – I finally even made Pies-In-A-Jar! You can personalize the tags, use a pretty Christmas fabric, and add candy canes or chocolate-covered plastic spoons!

Chocolate-Covered Anything – If you’re not really a baker, than grab a bag of pretzels, popcorn or even strawberries and dip away! Slip into a Ross’s, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, etc. and find dozens of beautiful and inexpensive containers to put them in.

2013 - 12 - 7 - Domino BroochCrafts – It doesn’t have to be edible! Over the years I’ve made bath salts, cards, decorated candles, made holiday brooches from game pieces and even went through a home-made soap-making stage! (A little dodgy to do on your own due to the chemicals – I recommend enjoying this with a friend.)2013 - 12 - Dominoes

My second wish is that as you’re making these, your heart overflows as you reflect on the recipients and the true spirit of the season. It’s “double joy” when you enjoy making them as much as giving them. (Include family in the preparations and the blessings triple!)

Follow this link to my Pinterest for more ideas from many talented people – http://www.pinterest.com/pandoconcepts/boards/

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10 Christmas Gifts That Don’t Clutter

01 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by in Clutter, Money, Personal, Residential

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It’s that time of year and we’re all being inundated with gifts (and sometimes we are the “inundaters” of gifts) that we won’t know what to do with when the tree comes down.  In the spirit of the season here are some ideas for gifts that almost anyone would be thrilled to receive and won’t take up any space after the holidays.

  1. Movie Tickets – Have a family you’re close to and don’t know what to do?  How about getting tickets for a whole family?  Tape them to a box of Orville Redenbacher’s and wrap in Christmas paper.  This is a real luxury for a family these days and they’ll think of you when they use them! 
  1. Food – There are so many possibilities, ranging from home-made to Harry and David’s Fruit of the Month Club.  The traditional fruit basket is always a hit and edible arrangements are as much a treat as an eye-catcher.  (Let’s ditch the fruit cake this year!) 
  1. Local Theatre – Do you have a friend you can never get together with?  Purchase tickets to an upcoming show and make a date to go together, you’ll make a wonderful memory for both of you and be much more inclined to “save the date”! 
  1. Massages & Facials – Here’s an indulgence that anyone would enjoy – a gift massage is even more relaxing than one that is purchased.  This is heaven to an over-whelmed parent! 
  1. Lessons – New experiences make great memories!  There are so many to choose from whether it is yoga, dancing, golf, ceramics, knitting, horseback riding or swimming.  If you really want to make this special, join your friend or be there to take some photos of them when the day arrives.  
  1. Manicures & Pedicures – another indulgence, but this one can be enjoyed for weeks!  
  1. Books – Does this sound boring? Not to a bookworm!  Receiving a gift card for a Kindle or Nook can be “just what the doctor ordered” to get through the months of January and February!  For a college student a gift card to their college library can take a lot of stress off facing the upcoming semester. 
  1. Gift Cards –retail gift cards are becoming the mainstay of America’s Christmas.  They may be the answer to everything, but take a moment to make it special in the way you give it.  If you have your children make a Christmas card to put this in, you’ll warm their hearts even before they see the gift.  
  1. Experiences – Are there any big events coming up in the next year that someone you know might enjoy?  A few years ago the U.S. Open came to Pittsburgh (Oakmont Country Club) and so I surprised my husband with tickets and another year with tickets to the Preakness.  I made up an official “invitation” to the event using parchment paper and wrapping a ribbon around it and voila!  What events would your friends of family enjoy? 
  1. For the Person Who Has Everything – Give a Gift of Charity in Their Name

The Gift of Remembrance – For the person who has everything, why not give generously in their name? There are so many wonderful opportunities whether it’s their favorite charity or a memorial in the name of their loved ones.

The Gift of Food & Life – Another way to give in another person’s name.   Options include Oxfam, World Vision, Feeding America and so many other great organizations (not to mention there is always your local Food Pantry).

The Gift of Education – School isn’t free or available everywhere.  (We just happen to be abundantly blessed.)  Why not sponsor a child’s schooling for the next year and have a friend receive information and letters of thanks from their child?  I especially recommend a child from Won By One to Jamaica as I’ve worked with this wonderful mission myself for the past 12 years.  (http://www.wonbyonetojamaica.com/school-sponsorship)WB1 - chalkboard

For as little as $25 per month you can open the door to opportunities for a young mind.

Remember almost any gift becomes twice as nice if you include a handwritten note!

Take a moment to thank a friend or family member for a kind word or deed from that year that meant something to you.  Recounting a special memory or a time of laughter with them will make them feel special and touch a chord in their heart (especially more than that Chia pet).