by Denys Trowbridge

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: November 28, 2008

Here we are again. It is the time of year when we show our love for others in the gifts we choose to give. But we are a nation that has it all. So why not try some of these environmentally and relationship friendly gifts?

Why not try giving memberships to organizations like the zoos or science centers? A lot of times memberships to these places have added benefits because many times they are linked to other science centers and zoos acrossed the nation that you can receive the benefit of free or reduced entrance to. Many museums have performances or galas or events. Try gift certificates for the movies or restaurants.

Then there are tickets to the dinner theater or ballet or even the opera. How about a membership to the theater or an experience on a dinner theater mystery train? Give a membership to the gym or a gift card to rent movies and popcorn.

Then there is the experience of a comedy club or season tickets for sporting events. Or memberships for various history museums. How about this creative idea? Wrap up a gift certificate for a restaurant and promise one a month for the next twelve months. Send a new one out every month. Or mix it up and do a little of everything. When you promise your one a month let it be for events, concerts, restaurants. You could offer to babysit for these events. Your local newspaper has a wealth of events listed. And the phone book has interesting attractions, parks, theaters,etc listed at the very beginning of it.

Some other thoughts might be to buy a discount coupon book as a gift. Try gift certificates for laser tag, bowling, skating, putt putting or amusement parks. Another idea is to give the gift of self enrichment through educational classes. You could try classes for art. A friend of mine does glass blowing at the local museum. Try voice lessons at the local community college. Sign language or a foreign language is a possibility. Try lessons for an instrument or lessons in sports or horseback riding,calligraphy,computer or even cooking just to name a few. And then if you really have the money to go over the top or you have family to go in with pay for a vacation spot or an overnight or weekend away.

The point is the holidays can cost a little or a lot. They can be meaningless or be used as relationship builders. We can give gifts that are eaten used and enjoyed. We can make blankets or do cross stitch or have a caricatures done or family portraits. But whatever we choose to do whether it costs a little or a lot it should reflect the personality of the individual whose heart we are trying to touch. May you be blessed this holiday season.

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