I am usually not excited about getting advertisements in the mail, but this week I was pleasantly surprised. Gifts are complicated for everyone when practicing minimalism. The receiver has many concerns. What if the gift isn't something they wish to keep? Will they be able to live through the guilt of giving it away? What if the giver notices? Then there is the concern of the giver. What if the gift isn't appreciated? What if it doesn't pass the standard? What if they are spending money on something that will be given away? Gifts are complicated.
I recommend consumables. Adults are somewhat easy. Many adult gifts are consumable, such as Starbucks gift cards, a bottle of wine, lunch at a favorite restaurant. When it comes to children, the consumables are not as satisfying for the giver, especially grandparents. There are only so many art supplies, play-doh, bubbles and chalk a person can buy. Those items don't cost much to begin with.
All of this explains the delight I found in my mail. It is a flyer from Highlights. They have a series called Top Secret Adventures. They send you a world map and a key chain. Then each month they send you a packet from the country of your choice for 13.95. The packet includes a book, puzzles to solve, and villains to chase. My son loves heroes and villains. This slides in a little education on the side. Once the puzzle is solved, we can donate the book or keep it in our modest collection of books, if we so choose. Best of all, what a perfect gift from a grandparent. A year's supply would be around $150, the price many grandparents spend on birthdays and Christmas. Thank you Highlights!
*This post was not sponsored by Highlights. No promotional gifts were received.
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