How-To Book
Acts of Service
Help someone get a step closer to realizing a dream (e.g., gift a "How-To" book, sign them up for a course, etc.). Here is a list of 101 ways to learn a new skill!
Book Highlights
Words of Affirmation
Are you crafty or creative? Sometimes people highlight words or phrases in books that speak meaningfully to them. If you want to give a fun gift, secretly find one or several of these highlights and have them made up into chalk art.
Custom Trophy
Receiving Gifts
Find a local or online trophy shop and create a customized trophy for a friend or relative. Be creative and fun, but most of all make it personal. For example, if your mother prides herself on her Southern Fried Chicken recipe, this would be the perfect trophy.
Now and Laters
Physical Touch
Get a little physical with your spouse playing this sweet game. Pick up a few packs of individually wrapped Now and Laters®. Stash them around the house for your spouse to find. Instruct them that every time they find one to let you know. When they do, they get a 60-second hug or kiss now AND 60 seconds toward a massage or other agreed upon activity later when they “cash in” their candy.
Affirmation Jar
Words of Affirmation
Write a list of genuine, specific compliments or affirmations on individual scraps of paper and put them in a jar, so they can be opened and read whenever your loved one needs a pick-me-up. (Also, the only cost is some time and a container!)
Make a Movie
Quality Time
Give a Movie Certificate, but not for the theater. Plan to record your own short adventure movie or humerous skit with your family or special someone. Go small or invest big—but either way, here are some ideas to get you started on a gift filled with plenty of Quality Time.
Personalized Stationary
Words of Affirmation
Create some personalized stationary for the people you love. Every time they see it, they will think of you.
Zoom Time
Quality Time
Set Outlook or Gmail calendar appointments randomly once per week and spend 10 minutes together talking (in person, via Zoom, on the phone, etc.). Drop whatever you're doing and spend time together. Then just go right back to regularly scheduled programming.
Custom Books
Quality Time
Children love stories—especially when they are read aloud together. Imagine how surprised they will be when the next storybook you read together is all about them!
Air Travel
Quality Time
Often airlines will offer exceptional specials to certain locations this time of year. Why not jump on your favorite airline's website and check their general specials (for example, this page at Southwest)? Choose your departure city, find the most financially reasonable destination, and book a trip! Plan it further by looking into hotel deals and searching for the most interesting restaurants and sights to see!