Holiday Gifts

Find the Perfect Holiday to Inspire the Perfect Holiday Gifts

Holiday gifts are one of the most overlooked expressions of kindness. Buying a gift for friends and family should not be limited to birthdays and Christmas, though most of us do just that. Consider all the holidays that come around every year. Each provides an opportunity for you to give holiday gifts.

Several holidays have their own built-in gift-giving rituals. We don't really think of the candy we hand out on Halloween as "Holiday Gifts", but why shouldn't we? And why should we limit our Halloween holiday gifts to only those spooks who show up at our doors yelling for treats? Halloween decorations (given a few days before the event, of course) would make great holiday gifts for family and friends.

Similarly, we don't really think of Easter eggs as holiday gifts, but why shouldn't we? Perhaps painted eggs would make great holiday gifts for the women in your life who love items to set out for holidays. Know a child who really wants a pet? Why not an Easter bunny or chick? If you purchase a pretty breed that will remain small, keeping the animal in the long-term shouldn't be a serious problem.

St. Patrick's Day is another spring holiday. While we associate the color green with this particular holiday, we don't often hand out holiday gifts on St. Patrick's Day. How about a sweater in Irish green for your dad or brother? The gift will likely be worn for many St. Patrick Days to come.

Maybe there isn't a holiday coming around soon and you still want the chance to hand out some holiday gifts. There are several online sources for "unusual holidays," most with a decidedly wacky slant. For example, Well Cat has published a calendar of holidays that you probably won't find anywhere else. Located online at www.wellcat.com/holiday.html, this company even offers to customize a way for your business or organization to celebrate the holiday. According to a review of the book, the options for unusual celebrations include "Answer Your Cat's Question Day" on Jan. 22, and what better gift to accompany this holiday than a cat-grooming certificate for your friend who owns a cat?

Whether you use a legitimate holiday, one of the wacky holidays, or simply make one up, consider a holiday an opportunity to give holiday gifts. Who knows, you might start a tradition that becomes well-known among your family and friends.