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How Do You Give a Good Gift?
I couldn’t say what the best gift I’ve ever received is. But here’s one of my favorites: It’s a vintage pitcher and tumbler set.
I have lived about three and a half hours away from home for 12 years now, and sometimes the drive seems to take too many hours out of a weekend trip. When I began working from home, I did what many Americans my age did — I visited home, a smaller place than where I live now, and I stayed longer than usual.
For the first time in a long time, I spent the majority of my evenings with family. We watched just about every Jane Austen adaptation we could find and began to plant the year’s garden and start seeds in the greenhouse. For a few free Saturdays, we went thrifting nearby in east Tennessee. We spent hours browsing.
Later that year, at Christmas, my mom gave me a pitcher and tumbler set that I’d decided to leave behind on one of those trips to Tennessee. It’s made of orange iridescent carnival glass, and it came with everything I love about gift-giving. It’s something I didn’t necessarily need, but it is something I can use. It wasn’t expensive, but it was thoughtful. It’s one-of-a-kind, and it’s a reminder of the unexpected gift of quality time we got that year. And, obviously, it’s on display in my dining room.
Isn’t it delightful when a gift is just right?
We asked the staff at Made to Flourish and Common Good what they’re excited about gifting this year and what gifts they’d love to receive. It’s not exactly a list of the newest or best things, but we hope it is a way to start thinking about the people you’re giving to, not just the gift you’re giving. — Sarah Haywood, managing editor
1. For the book lover
Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments
“This book just came out and I’m looking forward to reading it.” – Justin Mertes, director or program engagement
The Hiding Place
“I love giving and getting books! I’ve ordered The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom for a few friends for Christmas.” – Roni Leahy, director of development
The Book of Proverbs
“I would love the Alabaster publishing edition of the Book of Proverbs.” – Roni Leahy, director of development
Pen and paper
“For the writers in your life, I love Paper Source.” – Paige Wiley, program manager
2. For the homebody
Lake’s pajamas
“Pajamas from Lake are on my list every single year, and I gift a few pairs each Christmas, too.” – Tara Jeroszko, digital marketing specialist
Eye patches from Barefaced
“These reusable eye patches are on my list, too. I love everything Barefaced, and I can’t wait to try these. – Tara Jeroszko, digital marketing specialist
A weighted blanket
“I would love a weighted blanket. These are reportedly the best.” – Roni Leahy, director of development
Little gifts from Little Things Studio
“This year, more than a few gifts on my list came from Little Things Studio. Their Hymn Tea Towels, colorful art prints, and sweet stickers were perfect for the Christ-loving women in my life. – Bethany Van Eps, program manager
3. For the traveler
A National Parks inspired French Press
“I’m a huge fan of Parks Project stocked with national parks themed clothes and merch, both to give and receive. I’ve personally got my eye on a golden French Press.” – Paige Wiley, program manager
A subscription to going.com
(Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) “The yearly fee for the premium members is only $50, and even if you don’t buy the $362 flight to Paris next month, it’s fun to dream.” – Sarah Haywood, managing editor of Common Good
4. For the pragmatic
A gift card for take out
“I give Door Dash gift cards to college kids.” – Roni Leahy, director of development
A gift card for everything else
“My sister was gifted with a Costco membership last year which I have to say, is a great (and practical) gift.” – Paige Wiley, program manager
5. For the “my love language isn’t gift giving” people
Concert tickets
“I’m excited to see Nickel Creek play in Louisville in February with a friend. We’re calling our tickets our birthday gifts for each other.” – Sarah Haywood, managing editor of Common Good
Museum membership
“Your local art or history museum probably has a giftable membership. Some have discounts on gift memberships for the season.” – Sarah Haywood, managing editor of Common Good
A classic board game
“A Christmas tradition in our family is to give games when our extended family is together in Texas. We’ll have a game night with new games and some old favorites.” – Roni Leahy, director of development
The Yardball
“This is my favorite gift to give people: the yardball. Local KC company that made the perfect ball for playing catch. I literally almost never go somewhere without one of mine.” – Justin Mertes, director of program engagement
6. And for the person on your list who looks at his phone too much but who simultaneously wants to live more in the real world
Light Phone (Or Light Phone 2)
“If you know me, you know I hate my dumb smartphone. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you why. If you know me well, you know I’d rather have the Light Phone, a super paired down dumb phone that increasingly looks like a smarter choice. I’ve got some logistical hang ups — like how do I travel without the airline and Uber apps? — but those can’t be insurmountable. And small inconveniences seem like fair prices for time and attention and focus. So if you’re buying for any kids, adults, or otherwise humans, odds are they’d be better off with a smarter phone, too.” – Aaron Cline Hanbury, editor of Common Good