You know I listen to everyone this time of the year and how hectic things seem to get as you are chasing around looking for the “perfect gift” which brings me to this post of the best gift that you can give anytime, any season, any reason, and any occasion.

If you think back through the years – do you remember all the materials things (toys, presents, and gifts) that you got – I know I don’t.  What I remember is the time that my Mom did things with me, the time that Grandma showed me something and that Grandpa took me to the park and pushed me on the swings.

The reason that I’m even talking about this is I listen to stories all over the internet and even from friends that I know can’t afford to buy gifts this year and thought that I’d make a few suggestions for people online and offline and all that it cost you is a little bit or your “TIME”  Yep that is the best gift that you can give anytime and as you get older a person realizes it even more.

I’m just going to give you a few suggestions here to get your mind flowing with ideas to be creative with.

For the kids……
A home made certificate for an hour of your time – they pick the activity (and as crazy as it is – just do it)
A certificate of the meal of their choice (yes their choice)
A day to make a family scrapbook together – sorting thru photos etc.
A scavenger hunt where the winner picks tonight dessert
A night to set and listen to their music and watch them do a dance to one of their favorite songs ( my granddaughter loves this one)
An afternoon to play their favorite game – yea even if it’s one of those crazy computer games

For siblings/friends with kids
A home made certificate to watch the kids so they can have a nite out.
Another certificate to make their favorite meal
A scavenger hunt with both families – winner picks the prize
How about making them a cd of their favorite songs

For your parents
Certificates for chores around the house – cleaning, cooking, mowing the year, raking the leaves, the list here is endless.
How about an hour of your TIME just for a visit – really set down and talk to them.
A favorite movie nite they pick the movie yea and Miracle on 34th Street or another black and white movie might not be your cup of tea but to them it’s part of who they are.
One that my 2nd mom always enjoyed us to do was to go to midnight mass with her and don’t make excuses not to – just go

Your online friends
How about sharing a video with them or even just a comment on their FB or even a smiley in their Skype can often make a person’s day.
Sometimes because you can’t see a person you really don’t know what kind of day they are having.
How about a video from you just for them – don’t be shy – get on there and sing Happy Birthday to them – get on there and tell them some funny jokes etc. – you got the idea.
If you do graphics, make they a banner, splash page, etc that would help them promote what they are doing
Offer to take some online classes with them – you both gain that way
Create a virtual vacation for them – DREAM – if you had all the money in the world where would you take your online friend and where would you like to meet them for real – you can make it real

Ok, I think you have the idea – and believe me it works as the best gift that I remember over the years that I got from my son was a cd collection of my favorite country classics that he remember hearing when he was growing up – it was pure torture for him but those cds are just priceless to me.  He said it took him weeks to do and he didn’t understand why I enjoyed that music – also said he didn’t know if he should divorce his wife, shoot the dog, cry in his beer but it’s the fact that he took the “TIME”