LUCY BURDETTE: Happy New Year's day Reds! Here's wishing a great one for every one of you... now on with the blog.
The science of happiness (and common sense) tells us that spending money on other people makes us happier than spending on ourselves. I thought I’d share a couple of gifts I gave this year that were BIG HITS.
First, a couple of years ago on this blog we hosted guest Gail Donovan talking about her middle grade book, Sparrow Being Sparrow. I bought it for my granddaughter Thea, and her father told me it had become her favorite book. So we bought her SPARROW SPREADS HER WINGS for Christmas—you should have seen the joy on her face when she opened it!
I also gave out signed copies of Jeff Kinney’s Wimpy Kid books, acquired when I visited An Unlikely Story this summer. Very well received by kids ages 6 to 10!
And finally, my sister in law Margaret brought her famous and beloved sesame noodles to many gatherings. We miss her and we miss her noodles so I had tea towels made with the recipe written in her handwriting.
Over to you Reds--did you give (or receive) any particularly memorable gifts this year? Be sure to come back tomorrow to hear about my very favorite...
Best [received] gifts . . . granddaughters' drawings [all now on display in our living room] . . . grandson played a special song for me on his violin AND drew me a picture of his violin . . . best [given] gifts . . . books [of course] . . .
ReplyDeleteWonderful Joan!
DeleteBest gifts for Christmas? Time with my family and of course books books on Christmas 🎄 Eve! And I added the sparrow book to my tbr!
ReplyDeleteBest given gifts were the large size box of Ruth Hunt bourbon balls, a Kentucky specialty, remote control spiders to a friend's grandkids with instructions to torment their grandmother with them, a really pretty bird feeder to that same friend so she will forgive me for the spiders, and money to a couple of Kevin's friends who are trying to keep up with living expenses. My granddaughter receive from us a big lego-like set (but I don't think it's Lego) and money. Money and candy to everyone else. I bought myself some books, which I do each year. Philip was supposed to pick out something, but he hasn't yet, although I did get him a new coat. Buying Christmas gifts was quite easy this year because of people wanting money.
ReplyDeletethe spiders are funny Kathy, sort of:)
DeleteI love the custom tea towels!
ReplyDeleteGreat book choices! Are the Sparrow books too old for a seven year old?
ReplyDeleteI gave silk long underwear to my and son and his wife who moved here from Puerto Rico. They were delighted. Alexandra also got wool socks and John David some boiled wool slippers (they are trying to wear only natural fabrics). Everybody loved their Penzy's Spice gift cards, too.
A healthy, joyful, book-filled New Year to all the Reds and Reddies!
Oh! And I gave everyone Japanese nail clippers. I got a pair there and they are the BEST (I'd read they make the Cadillac of clippers, and it's true). I wanted to pass along the good fortune.
DeleteEdith - where can I find those clippers? I've been waiting a lifetime for a good pair.
DeleteDid not know that about Japanese clippers! Edith, the Sparrow book is listed for 7-10. Thea was 7 and her dad read it to her. I suspect she could read it herself now. It's about a 4th grader.
DeleteThanks, Lucy! Amanda, look for KAI brand. I found a bunch of new packages on ebay.
DeleteLucy -- that tea towel is pure genius; and love. What a great gift to give and to receive.
ReplyDeleteI gave artisanal soap made by the woman who co-owns the farm where we get our pasture-raised-happy-chicken eggs. The soap scent is divine and every person who received a bar loved it -- and the fact that the soap comes from "our" farm. I can claim no credit other than making a close-to-home choice for my gift this year.
The soap sounds lovely!
DeleteGood morning, 2025! I can hardly believe that a whole year has passed. The best received gifts throughout the year, were gifts of money. It does feel good to give and sometimes, even a small amount, will change someone's life.
ReplyDeleteHope it's a good year for the world! and you!
DeleteAs some of you know, this has been a challenging year for me. Being homeless has been quite an adventure. The greatest and most humbling gift I received this year was from a friend and former neighbor. She now lives about 85 miles away and although we message often, we hadn't seen each other since 2017. She has been aware of my situation and expressed concern. Earlier this month she said she and her hubby would be in my area and they had something for me.
ReplyDeleteWell, she explained that they had a holiday party for family and friends and the "price of admission" was a "blessing for Ms. Victoria." She then presented me with a basket filled with gifts ranging from a Santa mug to a journal (complete with a set of pens!), pajamas, throw blanket, slippers, socks, personal care products and numerous gift cards. I am rarely rendered speechless, but this totally floored me. Outside of her husband and daughters, I didn't know any of these folks, yet they took great care in choosing gifts for me.
I believe this is truly what the holidays should represent. Yes, have a holiday party, but instead of worrying about what you have to find great-aunt Matilda who hates everything, pick someone in need and bless them. There is such beauty and simplicity in that gesture. And you truly will make a difference in someone's life. -- Victoria
That's a lovely story and good advice for all of us. Happy new year!
DeleteSuch a beautiful story, Victoria. I really hope things are better for you in 2025. Years ago, after a co-worker had told me about her financial struggles, I anonymously mailed her cash and gift cards in a hefty amount. I never told her or anyone who knew her, but I felt good because I knew it helped.
DeleteI’m glad you received this gift Victoria and I wish you the best for 2025.
DeleteDanielle
What a wonderful gift from your friend, Victoria. I wish you the warmth and safety and dignity of a home in the coming year.
DeleteFrom Celia: thank you for sharing Victoria, I hope this new year will bring you home again.
DeleteVictoria, I too wish you all good things in 2025! I've been to company parties where silly games were played, even sillier gifts were given, and I think food and a relaxed time to enjoy the moment would have been sufficient--why not use the rest of the money to help others in need?
DeleteVictoria I am so sorry you’ve been through this trying time. I hope the new year brings you the help you need to be resettled. Where are you ? Maybe one of us has a connection that could help
DeleteThank you so much for you kind words and wishes. This group has been a salve on my soul this past year. You folks give so much more than you realize. Know you are appreciated. --Victoria
DeleteRhys, I am in Suwanee, GA which is about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta. I trust doors will open this year for a wonderful new beginning. It feels like a trial by fire is ending and the next experience will be very different. I can say this has been a blessing. I have learned so much. I have often told friends that I feel like I was a pebble dropped into a lake and what matters is not me, but the ripples that pebble creates. It has given folks a new comprehension of the definition of homelessness, has allowed them to give in ways they are able and to come along on this journey which is very much a journey of faith. It is humbling and amazing at the same time. Everyone here has helped me rise out of self and learn new things. What a gift! -- Victoria
DeleteVictoria, we are wishing you joy and happiness and peace and love… xxx
DeleteVictoria, wishing you a safe and settled 2025, and thank you for sharing with us.
DeleteHappy New Year everyone !
ReplyDeleteMy best gift for a lonely friend was to invite her at home a whole day having lunch, making cookies and watching a film. She was very pleased. As I was too, I could say it was also a good gift for me.
Danielle
That's a beautiful gift, Danielle.
DeleteLovely idea Danielle!
DeleteI give everybody two pairs of socks from the running shoe store, a total of 14 pairs (buy 3 get one free). The stocking stuffer that keeps on giving all year long.
ReplyDeleteAt Fleet Feet, Margaret? That sounds like a great deal.
DeleteMargaret, for years and years I asked for socks for Christmas. Nobody took it seriously! There’s no such thing as too many socks!
DeleteDebRo
I gave my other son and d-i-l SolMates socks - they are purposely mismatched and last forever. I might have learned about them here!
DeleteWishing the best of 2025 for you all.
ReplyDeleteWe had a very low-key Christmas this year, gift-wise. My grandson, who loves to cook, was thrilled with the box of different jars of chili crisp I gave him. Can't wait to see what he makes with it. He loves hot chocolate, and was pretty excited by the bag of peppermint marshmallows, too. My daughter loved her Charley Harper socks, and I immediately put on the poinsettia earrings she gave me. All the men in the family were beyond excited about the insanely bright rechargeable LED flashlights I found at Costco.
My husband surprised me with... a TV. The last time he bought "me" one it was for my 50th birthday (23 years ago, and we still have it). Who says romance is dead? LOL
I especially love the box of chili crisps! what a great idea for a cook!
DeleteI hope you're enjoying the TV, Karen! 23 years is a big jump in technology!
DeleteWe are, Debs. A friend has given us two other TVs in the intervening years, when he wanted the next cool thing, so we are not unfamiliar with the advances. The most amazing advancement, to me, is how much lighter the new ones are. And you get so much more, but at half the price we paid for the first one. How??
DeleteFrom Celia: my daughter had bought me a selection of new clothes as I'm a different size now. She had focused on soft and comfortable to help me through. She had had tee shirt quilts made for her boys covering their lives so far. Such a great idea. I have been blessed with all the love I've received following Victors death too. I am so grateful to everyone.
ReplyDeleteSoft hugs and love, Celia.
DeleteSending hugs, Celia! Especially one from my 9-year-old grand-nephew--he gives the best hugs!
DeleteOur hearts are with you Celia as you adjust to your very big loss. xox
DeleteCelia, keeping you in my thoughts.
DeleteLove you so much, Celia.
DeleteMuch love to you, Celia. We are holding you in our hearts.
DeleteCelia, the clothes were a most thoughtful gift from your daughter. I'm sure she knew that's something you didn't feel like messing with. Hugs to you and your lovely daughter.
DeleteI think the best gift we received this year was new friends we met playing pickleball inviting us to their home for dinner and games on Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteI always think the best gift I give is books. Not sure all the recipients would agree.
The best gift I gave was to my grand-nephew--two books that he was happy to receive--a new hardcover Dogman book and a graphic novel version of the I Survived: The Destruction of Pompeii. He had checked out the paperback version of the I Survived book first from his school library, then from our local library. His eyes lit up when he realized these were now HIS books to add to his collection. His dad was also pleased with his gift--a binder full of his favorite recipes from dishes I make--typed so he can read them and inserted into plastic sleeves--with lots of extra sleeves so he can add new recipes.
ReplyDeleteThere is something so precious in seeing a child realize a book is all theirs. He's lucky to have you for an aunt! -- Victoria
DeleteMy best gift was a scarf that my granddaughter knitted for me. Such a beautiful complicated pattern and made more special because she stayed up to 4 am thr night before to finish it for me. That is love!
ReplyDeleteI saw the picture on Facebook, and marveled at the intricacy of the work. She is a very talented knitter.
DeleteLove that your granddaughter knitted you a scarf, Rhys. May I ask what color ?
DeleteThat scarf is amazing, Rhys! What a treasure! (As is the knitter!)
DeleteRoyal blue.
DeleteLucy, what wonderful gifts for the grands and I love the idea of the tea towel recipe. A truly lovely gift and tribute. Happy New Year, Reds and Readers.
ReplyDeleteby September I was getting catalogs with beautiful, charming, distinctive, small gifts, but I have been thinking for a while that many of us have so many things already. So I decided to look through my own collected treasures and find an individually chosen gift for everyone in my family and my close friends and to share those instead of buying new objects. For each gift, I included a card that explained why I chose this. I was a little nervous, but the reactions on Christmas were just wonderful. I gave art, jewelry, and significant memorabilia, and every gift was fitted precisely to that person. I also asked everyone to give me only presents that could be enjoyed until they disappeared, which meant I received lots of food!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea, Susan!
DeleteOh, the recipe tea towels is an absolute genius, genius. Genius idea! Brilliant! What an heirloom.
ReplyDeleteLucy, I, too, love the idea of the handwritten recipe tea towels. One question in the recipe: is that margarine or mayo listed below the soy sauce in the sauce portion? — Pat S
ReplyDeleteI gave my granddaughter Christina Tosi's Milk Bar: Kids Only cookbook, which she'd asked for and she was so thrilled. Also, Roald Dahl's Matilda and The BFG. Other gifts given were books and food--tea and Texas olive oil (2 liters to my friend in KC!), etc. If you're thinking Rick was neglected, he got a new phone before Christmas, with which he is absolutely thrilled. My favorite received gift was a copy of Stanley Tucci's cookbook, The Tucci Table, from my daughter, which I have now read cover to cover. Maybe I should cook something from it, too?
ReplyDeleteLucy, I've just ordered Sparrow Being Sparrow for Wren.
I also gave Hugh a new phone, which he desperately needed. He opened the separately wrapped case first and thought it was for the old phone. He's been unusually effusive in his thanks!
DeleteHappy New Year all. I give myself books all year long. My sister's family usually gets a food gift from me but this year I decided it should be for New Year's instead of Christmas. It arrives tomorrow instead of yesterday. I'll get the timing better next year.
ReplyDeleteI saw a print ad for Ollie's that featured a remote control tarantula, for ages 8+. Laughed as I told my husband that would have been a hoot to have when my youngest sister was alive. I swear she could teleport if she found herself by some icky bug. Guess what I got for Christmas?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds so unromantic, I doubt many would find this a memorable gift, but this year, The Maine Millennial and the new Mrs. Millennial gave me a brand-new, top of the line, energy efficient space heater, and it is THE BOMB. In my cold, drafty, 200+ year old house, I've been using a space heater in my office. With the doors closed, I can stay cozy while keeping the heat down in the rest of the place. (No area zoning. My thermostat is top of the line 1984 technology.)
ReplyDeleteHowever, my last heater was fading. If I cranked up the oil heat temporarily, and then put it on, it could keep the room - tolerable. Also, it was super noisy - like a tiny jet engine trying to take off.
This new one, though? It heats up the room in a matter if minutes, and it's so quiet I had to check the first couple of times I used it to make sure it was running. I can't wait to see my electricity bill for January and see if it's made a difference. So I guess what my daughter and daughter-in-law gave me was warmth and coziness - not a bad Christmas gift at all!
Julia, please share the brand. The one I use in my office (in lieu of heating the entire second floor) is noisy and on its last legs!
DeleteI love getting and giving socks. I always give Bombas socks because for every sock you buy they donate a pair of socks to homeless groups. I know this is true because I volunteer at a homeless shelter and every year we get socks from them.
ReplyDeletethat's a cool idea!
DeleteMy brother successfully negotiated with my sister for my baby album and professional first communion photos with our parish monsignor. This last photo he framed for me along with my original birth certificate from the hospital where I was born. This blew me away! My gift to certain special folks in my life is homemade chocolates assembled on a festive tray that also includes some Swedish cookies and a few gold chocolate coins also referred to as Hanukkah Gelt. My parents always put these coins in our stockings! Each year the smiles and enjoyment are overwhelming for all of us. (Lucy: Great to meet you last summer at the Unlikely Story!)
ReplyDelete