What do you consider to be the perfect gift for this holiday season? A dear friend shared with me some ideas for gifts from the heart.  Perhaps the perfect gift isn’t one that is found in a store, or on Amazon, instead, the perfect gift is one that doesn’t cost a thing.  

When someone has a baby or is getting married, they will create a “registry” at a department store or specialty shop so that a buyer can purchase the perfectly selected gift by the person who created the gift registry.  The buyer doesn’t have to put too much effort into thinking about the perfect gift.   They just have to consider their own budget and then choose a gift that is appropriate.  But what if there was a registry created for “nontangible” gifts?  Those gifts that you can’t put a price tag on are perhaps the most special gifts that anyone can receive, a true gift from the heart.

Here are some wonderful ideas for those last minute gift ideas that don’t cost a thing.

The gift of listening

Create a certificate that states you will actively listen to your friend, spouse, or another family member without making any judgments, no interruptions, just total focus on listening and hearing.

The gift of laughter

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.”

(Proverbs 15:30) 

Choose to watch a fun movie, tell some funny jokes, or share some fun family memories whatever you do smile, laugh, and enjoy being together.

The gift of a written note

A simple note of thanks or just a note to a friend or relative living far away can mean so much.  We don’t take the time to actually write out our thoughts.  Let someone special know how much they mean to you, perhaps this person has had a major impact on your life.  Your words can bring so much joy and even change someone’s life.  

The gift of a sincere compliment

Choosing words of kindness and encouragement can totally make someone’s day.  

The gift of walking

Make a date to take a walk with a loved one, or dear friend either weekly or bimonthly.  Whatever you can do will bring lasting memories of your time together.

The gift of conversation

Plan to call a family member, or friend once a week.

The gift of time

There is nothing more important than saying to another, “I have time for you!”  Whatever it is you choose to do with your time, nothing says you are more important to me than spending time together.

Your presence is the perfect present

These are just a few ideas, you may have some of your own that you will want to do.  Remember that YOU  are the most important gift that you can give to another.  This year, when we are not able to be with our loved ones try to find a way to show that you care by making time to do something special.   Whether it be a socially distant gathering, a telephone call, or getting together on zoom, literally your presence is the best present!

So go ahead and wrap a gift under your tree to share with a loved one.  When they open the gift, they will see a note from your heart.

This Christmas is all about the simple things and not any extravagant gifts, “but what about some token of love-what about love itself…and friendship…and understanding…and consideration…and a helping hand…and a smile…and a prayer?  You can’t buy these in a store, and these are the very things people need. 

Let us not permit the crowds and the rush to crowd Christmas out of our hearts…for that is where it belongs.  Christmas is not in the stores-but in the hearts of people.” 

(Let’s Keep Christmas a sermon by Peter Marshall)

Merry Christmas!

Feel free to download a copy of one of the resources including the Family Devotional -“We Hunger for a Calmer Life” , 2021 Devotional Calendar or 31 Day Father Devotional. All free and easy to download or share as gifts from the heart. Click here to go to the resource page.