Pamper the Senses

For way too long, I gave my mother-in-law things like serving utensils, outdoor plates and platters. OK, seeing this in print makes me realize just how un-fun these gifts are. Well, one day she said, "Please don't get me anything else for the kitchen."  

Turns out, practical gifts aren't necessarily good gifts.

Not to say that impractical gifts are always welcome, either. Take the hearse my friend received from her father for her twenty-first birthday. Like any Harold and Maude fan, I thought it was cool. But a hearse in NYC?

What makes for a good gift?

Before handing over the credit card, ask yourself:

• Is this special?

• Is this my taste or his?

• Is this something she would enjoy?

Fran's father doesn't want more stuff. So she and her siblings now give him experiences that "pamper the senses". Last spring, as they drove through a mountain range, he lit up as he recalled a trip he and their mother had taken years before. And this led to new conversation. Beautiful ripple effect.

You can't go wrong with feasts for the heart. And you don't even have to leave the house. Family Love Letters is an experiential gift that brings stories to life. Our free gift takes you through the steps of collaborating with your loved one on his or her letter. Or we can facilitate this for you and your loved one. Either way, it'll be a memorable and meaningful experience. 

What are some of the best gifts you've given?