While gifts of experiences are the most memorable, gifts from the heart can be equally if not more meaningful for the people you love, and can take on many forms: gifts of time, love, or support. Gifts of time and support are ones that are designed to help make people’s lives easier or to provide support to someone who is overwhelmed or feeling challenged in some way. These typically include things like baby-sitting, house-sitting, pet-sitting, dog-walking, tech support for the computer-challenged, gardening or decorating advice, cooking lessons, house-cleaning, going for a coffee break, preparing a meal for someone or inviting them over for a meal.

When someone you know becomes ill or somehow disabled, your first inclination is to do something nice for them or help them out in some way (run errands for them, clean or cook for them, etc.). Well why wait until something bad happens to them to reach out and do something nice for them?

Maybe they have a project they are working on and can use a little extra help to get it done but wouldn’t think of asking. Think of something your giftee needs, could really use, or you know would make them feel good. Start by asking them ‘what do you need or what can I help you create?’ This way you can help them do or create something that’s important or meaningful to them. You’re building on their idea rather than an idea of your own which may not be as important to them.

If time is a major challenge, then other heart-centered gifts include contributions to charitable causes that are important to the giftee, or gifts from companies that tithe or support similar causes.

Also, consider stepping outside your box of giving to people you know and consider giving or doing something significant for someone you don’t know –someone in need. If you look at your core intention in giving someone a gift then the process should be effortless and rewarding. And if you don’t expect something in return, then it doesn’t matter who you gift. Make the gift in the name of someone you want to give a gift to and double your gift karma!

Here are some resources you can consult for gift ideas:

For gifts to charitable causes, consult the Charity Navigator Holiday Gift Guide to help you evaluate different charities and aid organizations and make the most of your contributions.

For gifts to people in need, take a look at Kiva. Championed by former president Bill Clinton, this organization lets you use your money to make micro-loans to entrepreneurs in poor and rural parts of the world with the goal of helping them achieve economic independence and improved quality of life. Another great option in this category is Heifer International.

Posted December 8th, 2009 under Gift Ideas. Tags: gift giving, gift giving guide, Gift Ideas, gifts, holiday, holidays
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