by Angelina Marshall

Created on: December 30, 2008   Last Updated: April 02, 2012

Every year when the holiday season rolls around, my mother tells me, "Don't get me anything. Don't spend your money." But of course, I have to buy her something. Normally I would buy an electronic gadget like a DVD player or cell phone that I feel she needs, in which she proceeds to look at me as if I have two heads. If I get her jewelry, she'll never wear it. She has enough of that commodity such that she could wear a different piece every day of the year. She doesn't like perfumes, spa kits, and heaven forbid I buy her clothing!

One year I thought I was really going to nail it. I imported fancy rose bushes for her garden. Her response, "Where am I going to plant all these roses? Not every tree grows in my garden. I like to pick my own flowers. Etc."

So every Christmas, I rack my head about what to get her. A great idea occurred to me this year. She always records her shows on the VCR, so maybe Tivo would make her life easier. As I was on a line waiting to purchase it, I was sure in my thinking that I had the best gift ever for her. Then I saw this little cloud above my head with her face and her voice, "When am I going to use this? How do you work it? I like my VCR!" At that point, it occurred to me that I buy her gifts that I want or think that she needs. In reality, she is set in her ways and comfortable with they ways she does things.

What then, do you get the woman who doesn't want anything or has everything she needs? The solution could be to work on a gift around what she loves. The one thing my mother loves more anything is her family. I created a photo calendar of her favorite memories with the family. It was the first time a present of mine moved her to tears rather than lecturing me. In some cases, it really is the thought that counts. This present meant more to her, because she knew thought and effort went into it rather than choosing something generic from a store.

Kodak.com has great photo gift ideas, there's nothing better than capturing a memory forever! Or try making your own gift such as a meaningful collage, hand made items, or a personalized album. Papyrus and Barnes and Noble have some really great scrap book making kits, for the person who has time to make such a gift! Anyone can buy off a shelf; the key is to make it personal to that person. Give from the heart and your best intentions will shine through.

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