Spend time not money - 5 Easy + Meaningful gift ideas

March 26, 2019

Thoughtful gifts and presents cannot be compared.

During birthdays, and especially throughout the holidays, we feel compelled to select the correct items that will impress the people in our lives.

If you’re like me, you may find that gift shopping can be quite daunting! The people you normally purchase for suddenly become the most difficult to please. You immediately find yourself doubting your choices; in seek for the perfect gift as a token of your appreciation.

To help in making somebody’s day special, let me share with you 5 up-scaled, personalised gift making and giving ideas that will have your friends and families smiling, and thanking you every time.



  1. 365 Jar

    This is one of my favourite gift ideas. It takes time, but all the time is worth it. All you need is a glass jar and different coloured sheets of paper. That’s easy right ? Now comes the relevant part. Cut small bits of paper. Colour code them into groups. For e.g. Blue for Jokes or Quotes, Pink for “You special memories”, Red to say “why you love them” etc. Now take each paper and write your special memories, reasons why you love them, random quotes, or jokes – following the colour code. Remember to have 365 such messages. One message for each day of the year. They can open whatever type of message they choose every day. You can make each day special for them and remind them of how special they are.

  2. Happy box/Memory box

    It is just a box filled with the favourite things that you like your friend to have. It may be something you shared in the past, a memory, a photograph, music cds, poster, something that remind you of them, a drawing or anything that comes to your mind when you think about them.

    Be as creative as you like. The Happy box is something that is sure to make them happy when they open it, and put a smile back on their face. It can even be something that both of you can look back on and reminisce.

  3. Alphabet of friendship

    Remember when you used flash cards during high school or university speeches? I’ve got a way to make flash cards fun. You’re going to make a pneumonic of your friendship but with all 26 alphabets. Think of each alphabet from A to Z and how you can convey something special about the person. There is only one rule, The word begins with the Alphabet you use. Be creative.

  4. Open When Letters

    These are letters that can be opened for specific reasons alone. You can think of reasons when your loved one would see you or talk to you, however, you may not be available at that time. The letters will make up for that moment and fill in for you. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our busy schedules, we can’t be with our loved ones when they need us the most. These letters are what you would say in that situation.

    Some of the ""Open When” reasons could be:

    • I am feeling low
    • I need to share something
    • I am very happy
    • I remember you
    • Possibilities are endless ….

    To write each letter, you need to imagine that situation and what you would say if you were there in person.

  5. Five senses present

    This is a gift satisfying each of the five senses for your loved one. I am sure everyone agrees on the five senses right?

    • Eyes    (e.g. picture / video)
    • Ears    (e.g. Music / Recording )
    • Touch  (e.g. Soft toy / Cushion )
    • Smell  (e.g. Perfume)
    • Taste   (e.g. Chocolates)

    Well, those are all the ideas I have for you today. Each one has a personal touch. I hope it helped. It is important to remember that you can buy any gift in the world, however the most precious gift is your time and love. That is what makes it special and is irreplaceable. Spend time with, shower love and cherish each moment that you spend to make a special gift. It will show and stay with your loved ones.

    What do you think of the gift ideas mentioned here? Do you have any that you’d like to share with me? Comment below and let me know. Let’s make our loved ones’ birthdays unforgettable this year.


This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.




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