Intentional Gift Ideas
When my husband and I got married nine years ago, we had very different ideas about Christmas gifts. I came up with a specific list and he could care less about having a list and leaving it to the giver to give something intentional, thoughtful, and fitting for him. No pressure, right?
Over the past nine years, we’ve both grown to enjoy each other’s ways of gift-giving, and Jordan usually comes up with the best intentional gift ideas! Here are some that were inspired by him, some by our friends, and some that I hope to give myself. These are great for more than just Christmas gifts and most of them are inexpensive!
Notebook with letters
This is the gift that inspired this post! A few years ago, Jordan asked some close friends, family, and even people I admired to write me a letter. Each one was filled with thoughtful words. He found this perfect notebook and put a letter in each pocket. It was a complete surprise that not only would he take the time to coordinate this gift but that each person would take the time to be generous with their words.
Empty notebook to be filled throughout the year
If you want to write letters to a loved one consistently, I recommend gifting a nice leather-bound notebook with one letter to start. Then, make a reminder on your phone to write in it once a month or around holidays and special birthdays. You can add photos along the way, too. I like to add to this and not let the recipient know. Fill the notebook with a new note and let them find it on their own time!
Notebook of recipes
Another great idea from my husband… Pass around a notebook to friends and have them handwrite their favorite recipes. Recipes from friends are even better than Pinterest, I’m convinced!
Sourdough starter and beginner baking kit
Gifting a sourdough starter is a simple and cost-effective way to give many gifts if you have a long list. Sourdough truly is the gift that keeps on giving because it can live for years and go on to be given to more people! If you want to add to the gift, put a few bread baking essentials together in a basket!
Sewing kit for kids
This is a simple gift idea I’m going to put together for my daughter. Take a basket and some sewing essentials like a large blunt needle, scrap fabric, yarn, embroidery thread, child-friendly scissors, and an embroidery hoop in a basket to learn sewing skills and practice right beside you!
Photo album book and hardcover book for kids
I love Artifact Uprising’s board book option. You can put together a book filled with your child’s favorite things, family members’ photos, or even write them a little story so they have a special book written by you.
Framed note
Find an old handwritten note or a family quote and frame it!
Something Handmade -
Take an afternoon and make infused vanilla or olive oil, jam, a loaf of bread, a handmade teddy bear, a quilt…handmade doesn’t have to be complicated! Stick with what is in your wheelhouse and tie it up with a ribbon.
Storyworth
Storyworth is a great idea for any family member. I love that multiple family members can be involved in picking out questions to send to the recipient and by the end of the following year, you’ll have a book filled with your loved one’s life story!
An experience: tickets to a live performance, a day-date to a nearby town, a fancy dinner date.
For those who enjoy quality time, an experience is a perfect gift. Be sure to go ahead and plan the experience (buy the tickets, make the reservation, schedule the babysitter) so you both have something to look forward to!