Thanks to Valentine’s Day, February is considered the month of love, usually romantic love. Christian love, however, extends to friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, neighbors, co-workers, and even strangers and knows no seasonal boundaries. I want to share some practical ways to put the Biblical model of loving one another into action with meaningful gifts.
With our large family there’s a constant need for presents: birthday (the number of birthday parties you’re invited to is directly proportional to the number of children you have), thank you, and “just thinking of you” gifts. I watch the monthly specials at DaySpring and stock up on sale items, including greeting cards to go with them.
Keeping a small stash of mugs, journals, totes, and little jewelry boxes spares me a lot of drama and emergency shopping trips (although secretly I think my 12-year-old daughter doesn’t appreciate my preparation: she enjoyed all of those excuses to go shopping).
With this month’s “buy 2 get 1 free” deals on select gift collections, now is a great time to stock up!
There are so many options with these sale sets: if you need a big gift, give a complete set and wrap it in the included gift bag; if you need something smaller, separate the set and you have multiple smaller gifts to give.
My husband and I have the Mr. and Mrs. Mugs (although my 15-year-old daughter thinks the Mr. is hers. Don’t ask.). I gave a set to my dad and stepmother last year. My kids tell me that they use them every morning, a thought which just makes me happy. We’re sending the full Mr. and Mrs. Love Collection as part of a wedding gift and I’m getting the Two in One Inspirational Journal for Valentine’s so I can scrawl sweet nothings back and forth with my hubby.
I’m so serious about being prepared for gift-giving occasions that I even pre-wrapped some of my DaySpring stash. In January I used them for a birthday, a thank you, three “thinking of yous”, and even an apology. Mugs are probably my favorite item to give.
I hope the recipients are a fraction as happy as I am in the giving.
What about you? Do you keep a gift stash? What are your favorite gift items to give?
By Dawn Camp, My Home Sweet Home
ABOUT DAWN CAMP
Dawn is a homeschooling mother of eight and online shop owner who lives life with a camera in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. A Photoshop...
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I don’t, but I might now! Great idea!
Lisa, it is seriously so handy to just grab a pre-wrapped gift. We don’t have nearly so many forgotten-gift scenarios. :)
I don’t necessarily have a gift stash, but I always have “stuff” on hand that I can give out as presents. Mainly for the many babes in my life, like craft stuff and stickers. But, these are some great ideas for the older set in my life :-)
I really appreciate the Blessed & Loved gift set. Thanks for all that you do! http://heatherlconrad.com/2012/02/13/a-beautiful-gift-set/
I got giddy as I opened up my Everyday Joy gift set. I love the colors and the encouragement!
http://theuncontainabletruth.com/2012/02/choosing-to-see-joy/