Is this a dumb idea? Thinkin about Christmas - yikes!
I love buying for the little great nieces because they still like the joy of receiving LOL! I have been pondering this, and kind of came up with an idea. I was all excited about it, but John didn't jump up and down. He always wants to play devils advocate. 
Tell me what you think. Would YOU like getting a gift like this? I am going to get calendars for each person. For each month-- there will be a gift or a suprise. For example in June I will make a note on a Saturday that says " Summer is here-- time for Pedicures" Buckie's treat! I will put that on each of the nieces calendars, as well as My Mom's and My Dad's girlfriends. Then, I will make the appts- ect and pay. For the boys, something like " Time for an oil change and fill up-- Uncle John and Buckie's treat" Each month will have something-- but not always a gift that costs $$$. Like in January, I may put something like " Let's have a party! Everyone come to our house for a night of games and pizza" Or-- For my brother that has horses-- " Take a break tonight-- John and Lori will do your chores" The idea is to spend more time with each of them--- and give them the gift that "keeps on giving" . We won't "do someting each month" but there will always be some kind of a treat each month. Even if it is just a gift certificate to Wendy's for $5. For the parents I was thinking about things like taking a drive with them in October to see the leaves-- or going to Amish Country. Just turning the calendar and seeing " Come to Lori and John's for dinner Saturday night" would be nice for them. My sisters calendar may have a month that says " Lori will bring dinner to you each Thursday this month" -- I would do that in the fall when Jake has football and they are scrambling each night to get to practice and eat dinner... My niece and her husband may get a " groceries on us this week" ( with a limit of course! ) Anyhoo-- I have a $$$ amount in mind that I will spend for each, and it is what we always give. Only differnce is-- it will be spread out to enjoy the whole year. Thoughts???? |
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I think that's an extremely creative and cool gift idea! 
If it were me, though, I'd be worried about the logistics of keeping track of all those special days throughout the next year...depending, I guess, on how many people you are doing this for 
You could even make the calenders yourself (on the computer, or at a print shop) with pictures of your family. I have a similar dilemma...everyone I have to give gifts to really doesnt need anything, and most dont even want any more "stuff" to clutter their homes. I hate gift cert.s, and have given everybody so much artwork over the years that Im sure they all have nowhere to put yet another piece.  Weve solved this problem in a number of different ways over the last few years: giving all edible gifts (so as to avoid the "clutter" issue), giving each other's dogs gifts (that was fun! ) doing a "stockings only" year (so as to keep everything small, at least)....but this year? Were stumped!  |
There are always OES.org calendars with plenty of room to write in.  Seriously, it's a good idea if you make a calendar for yourself with all the events in it so you can keep track of it. |
wendy58 wrote: There are always OES.org calendars with plenty of room to write in.
Seriously, it's a good idea if you make a calendar for yourself with all the events in it so you can keep track of it.Yes -- and I am getting ready to order!!!!  You and Laurel both mention keeping track-- and that is very important---
I also like Ravenmoonarts idea of edibles--- and the stocking... |
I think getting a calendar and doing what you said would be a great idea. Everyone knows those wine/cheese/fruit a month gifts are far more expensive than a one time super huge basket anywho. That's at least my thinking ...even if it is just 5 dollars to wendy's each month. It's 12 yummy meals!  |
IMHO that's a GREAT idea  |
| I love that idea, it means Christmas will last all year and there are no excuses for missing out on get to gethers a they are preplanned!! |
| Sounds like a great idea to me! As I get older, the last thing I need is something else to set around my house. I am trying to "downsize". My mother always likes getting this type of gift. She says going to a movie with me is much more enjoyable than any gift I could buy her to open up that she will set around or wear. Sometimes I think people get to where "time spent with them" or a chore done for them is much more meaningful. |
| It's a lovely idea!
Suggestion for parents, make their calendar with pictures of their family over the years......special vacations, pixs of the now adult as a small child on the month of their birthday. Giving of yourself instead of a materialistic item which ends up on a rummage sale years down the line. |
| Outstanding idea.
I may have to do this... |
| I think that sounds like a terrific idea!!!! I may steal that idea |
| I think it is a very generous and thoughtful idea.
I am curious why was John not too keen on the idea? |
| I think that's a great idea! Maybe for one month you could do something inclusive of everyone such as canoeing in summer or going to a Christmas play during the holidays. If the younger girls like to cook maybe a night at Buckie's learning how to make their favorite dish. |
SheepieMommy wrote: I think it is a very generous and thoughtful idea.
I am curious why was John not too keen on the idea? LOL! I am just reading this to him, and he said " Why do you always have to make me look like the bad guy". He is always looking for the easy way out when it comes to buying presents. Walmart gift card in a prewrapped box and he is done
He said it isn't that he wasn't keen on it. He's afraid I will go "hog wild" and forget there is a limit -- more on time than $$$. I think he will enjoy it too, once we get started. |
bestdogsx4 wrote: I think that's a great idea! Maybe for one month you could do something inclusive of everyone such as canoeing in summer or going to a Christmas play during the holidays. If the younger girls like to cook maybe a night at Buckie's learning how to make their favorite dish.
Wondreful suggestions! The cooking at Buckies is a great idea. They each have a favorite-- and always want to make pies like Grandma too. I see a night with all of us cooking together in the future. |
We have a similar problem as our family ( excluding me ) ages 
I have thought that since we are blessed in many ways, we could donate or volunteer for a charity. My parents are deceased and Bob's give us money which always fits, but I'm not into shopping and if we need something we have the means to buy it. I still shop for our son and grandchildren and enjoy that and they can use the help. But for the older members that really just exchange $$ or meaningless gifts, I am going to suggest we volunteer at a holiday meal or as a group donate to a charity or both. |
That is a fabulous and creative idea!  |
| I like the calender idea , I've used " Oxfam " for christmas gifts ...you donate money to buy a goat , seed or something for a country in need and oxfam send a fridge magnet and card for you to send to your friends to let them know what the gift is , I've done this for a couple of years and even the Teenagers think it's cool that they have helped to buy a goat somewhere !
Julie X |
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