As our kids get older, and their flocks of friends grow, we increasingly hear them say they want to buy holiday presents for all of them.
We’re touched. Our kids love their friends and they want to prove this love via trips to Target and ToysRUs. But we can’t afford to buy these old and new friends gifts from the store. And we wouldn’t want to make all of those purchases, even if we could budget for it.
We’re trying to help our kids to grow up to see more value in People rather than Things. We want Bluey and Plum to value the stuff people do for each other, or experiences they have with their friends, rather than some product they might get.
So we plan to create homemade gifts in an attempt to teach our kids that a well thought out, hand-crafted gift, is better than a new toy from some random box store.
We start our efforts by example. Recently, TR Dad’s friend gave us passes to get into the World Dairy Expo. How did we thank him? We baked him some cookies and offered to walk his adorable dog if he ever needs a favor.
And we know that not all of our friends will follow the same guidelines for their holidays: and that’s OK. Part of the holiday season is about learning to graciously accept all gifts: whether they are over the top, or underwhelming, or unexpected.
It really is the thought that counts. Love your friends. Give them your time. Give them a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, a hug when they need it, and perhaps a homemade gift.