Too Darn Happy

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Father’s Day is right around the corner, so show you care: buy, buy, buy!

The bigger and more expensive the gift, the better you look.

Oops, I mean the more appreciative the recipient will be.

I don’t know about you, but I grow so weary of the messages about spending a lot and buying big to make ourselves and others happy.

They don’t.

More often they lead to an overstuffed home, an empty bank account, and a longing for something more joyful and meaningful in our lives.

To that end, I wrote a guide to gift-giving.

It’s not one of those “Must-have gifts lists” that contain lots of items you don’t really need.

It’s a list that draws you to the heart of your giving and invites you to examine the heart and habits of your recipient for clues.

I’ve listed the basics below, but I elaborate a bit further on each at the original post:

10 Rules for Delightful Gift Giving

1. Understand that what is important to you is not necessarily important to them

2. Meet your loved ones where they are

3. Just because you love crafts doesn’t mean they’ll love your creation

4. Make sure the gift is sized appropriately for the recipient.

5. Be aware of the why that drives your giving

6. Be comfortable with your choices

7. Look to their love language for clues

8. Listen closely year round

9. Be a cheerful giver

10. Expect nothing in return

I especially love #1, as I have been guilty of giving what I think is important. Apparently, I inherited this from my mom. Thanks, and love you lots anyway.

After this post originally appeared, my dad, with his signature grin, quoted this first rule to my mom more than once. Who knew it was applicable to more than gift giving? Thanks, Dad. It means the world to me that you quote me.

Sometimes the occasion just calls for something strikingly simple: [Continue reading...]