Whether it’s that spa certificate from your husband, or that handmade card from your child, there’s nothing like getting a gift from somebody you love. But it can be even more fun when you are the one doing the giving. With the holidays behind us and summer upon us, what better time to let your kids, your husband, your friends, or your family, know how much you love them with a gift?

Here are some gift giving ideas that can help you make someone else’s day any time of the year:

1. Make it a surprise. Summer can be the best time to surprise someone with a gift. Give your husband a portrait of you and the kids…just because. Buy your sister a bag of her favorite coffee the next time you’re at the coffee shop. Or get your kids their favorite popsicles the next time you are at the grocery store, just to surprise them. Sometimes when gifts are given “out of the blue”, they can have the most impact.

2. Make it homemade. Who doesn’t love a gift that’s been made just for them? Putting time, thought, and effort into making a gift can say a lot to the person you're giving it to. Take the kids on a nature walk and help them collect items to make a surprise for Daddy before he gets home. Take pictures of a fun summer activity with the kids and send a photo album with the pictures to Grandma and Grandpa.
3. Make it personal. Personalization can add that extra touch to any item. And there are many places online where you can find some great personalized summer products like beach bags, towels, and t-shirts.

4. Make it unique. Everybody loves the not-so-common gift. Have fun and be creative. Google “unique gifts.”  Get all your girlfriends together to design a scrapbook. Or get out the craft supplies and have your kids make something.

5. Make a difference. Give a gift that helps others. One of the most meaningful gifts I've gotten was from a friend who donated a goat to a family in Africa in my name. Visit organizations like WorldVision.com to see how you can honor someone in your life by giving donations to needy families around the world in their name.
And when you make a difference, not only in the life of your loved one, but in the lives of others, that may end up being the greatest gift of all.

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Genny Heikka

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