Gift giving is the last thing on your mind when grieving, but your children and grandchildren will expect Christmas gift giving to continue, as it has in the past.  Our energy is low when grieving and joyful gift shopping is definitely low on our list of things we want to do. Here are a few tips to help you:

• Stick to just one present per person.

 

• Get them to go online and put what they want on their “wish list”. See web retailers such as Walmart .com, ToysRUs .com and Macys .com and pick a gift from their list that is within your budget.

 

• If you can, do last minute shopping to get the best discounts.

 

• Save on shipping by sending gift certificates, magazine subscriptions or club memberships.

 

• Do up a gift basket with homemade food and gifts. Something personal from you.

 

• Do a photo book – do it the week before Christmas when on sale. Lots of great online companies where you can do this without having to leave the house (but those have to be done ahead because of shipping).

 

• Download stores free apps to get alerts sent to your phone, or visit company websites to get notices of sales.

 

• It is okay to re-gift something you received in the past, just make sure it’s not to the original person or someone close to them that may recognize the gift.

 

• Fill a jar with pre-measured dry ingredients to make a loved one’s favorite recipe, printed out on label. Food memories are special jurying the holidays.

 

• Give a charitable gift to a third world county where an animal, water jugs, school supplies etc. are just a small list of many needs out there. Donate in their name:  Examples UNICEF where 75% goes to good works, heifer .org or oxfamgifts .com

 

• Buy a gift in memory of your loved one and give it to a local charity of your choice.