Giving gifts is fun and of course we want to choose these gifts wisely so that our gift is appreciated by the recipient. We need to be conscious of the impact this gift will have on the environment.
It is so easy to go into a store and make a purchase without giving a thought to the packaging the item is in. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that household garbage increases by 25 percent in the days between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. That places an enormous burden on our landfills.
Be kind to the environment and do your part to reduce the negative impact the holiday season can have on the environment. Cut down on over consumption. Celebrate the holidays, but do it responsibly.
Here are some ideas:
Keep in mind that even a greeting card or gift tag can be recycled. It may seem like a small item, but it still needs to be given consideration.
Energy efficient appliances are marked with the Energy Star logo. Giving an energy efficient appliance as a gift is much more kind to the environment.
Send our smaller sized holiday greeting cards such as a post card. Better yet, send a special holiday email greeting your your friends with computers.
Recycle your holiday greeting cards and use them the following year as gift tags.
You do not always have to purchase a new item for it to be the perfect holiday gift. Shopping at a thrift store can turn up a unique and cherished gift. Jewelry is an item that can be found at thrift stores and makes a perfect gift.
Share your talents to create a unique special gift. If you have a hobby where you collect thing, consider making a gift from duplications you have collected. Especially if the gift is for a child, you can get them started by sharing the enthusiasm of your hobby. Coin collections and stamp collections are good examples to get started with.
Consider preparing food as a gift item, either baked goods, or even simple recipes that prepared with love. These make perfect gifts for elderly or those on a fixed income.
You have knowledge that no one else has. Share these talents as a gift to someone wanting to learn about your hobby or specialty. An hour or two of your time makes a perfect gift.
Plant a tree in honor of someone.
Donate to an organization or cause the recipient cares about.
A gift certificate for a massage or facial.
This holiday season, be responsible in your gift giving. Choose gifts that are environmentally friendly. If each consumer does makes a conscious decision to buy gifts that are kind to the environment we will all benefit.
Holiday Gifts For Mom
If you have older relatives and friends and you just don't know what to give them, don't despair… you are not alone! Many seniors have made or are in the midst of life changes, downsizing to smaller living quarters or perhaps have moved to a retirement, assisted living or skilled nursing facility. As a result, most seniors do not want to receive more “things”. Their adult children and friends are faced with a tough question of what to get someone who is trying to “unclutter” at this stage.
There are countless gift giving suggestions that will be appreciated. Instead of giving traditional gifts like a necktie or another doodad to dust – try giving creative, easily consumed gifts or services, to make their lives easier. Use your knowledge about the person to tailor gifts that will be helpful to them. Telephone cards, transportation tickets, coupon books for discount services or a donation to their favorite charity are appreciated. For those with health challenges such as poor eyesight or hearing, arthritis or other physical limitations, there are myriad items that will be welcomed. Gifts such as amplified big button telephones, talking room thermometers, voice activated light switches and specially adapted utensils with large grip handles are helpful suggestions. Personalized memory books, a framed picture of a loved one or themed gift baskets designed with the senior's special interests in mind are hits! Subscriptions for magazine, large print novels, decks of cards and a stash of favored snacks are sure pleasers. With so many seniors striving to maintain their health, the “gift of health” goes a long way. Pampering services, such as a certificate for a manicure, massage or facial are surely welcomed. Keep in mind that Santa may be a distant memory, but that doesn't mean that they don't experience pleasure in unwrapping a gift!
For seniors living in assisted living or nursing homes, the holidays can be a depressing, lonely time. They may have memories of better times in their past, especially for those who have lost a spouse, have family members afar or are estranged from their families. Bring an old photograph album to refresh memories from long ago. Importantly, while visiting “mom” don't forget her roommate or neighbors. Perhaps “adopt” a senior, to help ease their “holiday blues”. These individuals not only need recognition and a friendly visitor, but can always use personal care items or small pleasures and a friendly visit. Be prepared to listen, listen and listen!
Invite your senior to a holiday gathering, so that they still feel that they are a vital part of a celebration. Offer to bring wrapping paper and lend a hand in shopping for them to buy the holidays gifts they may have in mind. Most importantly, remember the caregivers and staff at senior communities, faithfully caring for your aging loved one. They deserve to be applauded for the hard work that they do!
High on the wish list for many seniors is something that can't be bought in a store, the one thing their families may find in short supply – time. Plan ahead, make the time, involve the senior and above all don't let their limitations interfere with an enjoyable visit!
Accent on Seniors, A FREE State Licensed Senior Living Referral Service, providing personalized information about senior living throughout California. Call 888-954-6637 to obtain a detailed listing of places for your loved ones and friend or go onto the website at www.AccentOnSeniors.com.
Both Lyn Davis & Lori Solomon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Lyn Davis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Scooter, Family Travel and Hybrid Cars. Before you buy your holiday gifts, give some thought as to how your give will impact the environment. Give a . Lyn Davis's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.
Lori Solomon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Family Concerns and Home Management. Lori Solomon is President & Founder of Accent on Seniors, a CA State licensed FREE referral placement & info service. She has over 25 years of experience serving the senior community. With a Masters in Health Administration and CA Certification as a Resid. Lori Solomon's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.
Arts & Craft Shows Once you have your information, the easy part is contacting those on the list. Easy!
