buy 10 "just because" gifts.

I’d like to give them to ten different people ideally. I’m not sure if it will be a ‘buy’ 10 gifts, being very short of money at the moment, so happy to include giving home-made gifts in this.
Last year I bought mum tickets to the Chelsea Garden show and train tickets to London as a surprise gift – she’d never have gone otherwise and she loved it. I’ve bought my boyfriend just because gifts before – tickets to the theatre of a show he wanted to see, dvds, etc. and it’s always so nice to do.
Looking forward to this.

Last month when I sold my old car, I realized the money I received was in large part due to my parents generosity. I had bought the car from them in 2007. The purchase price was actually just the cost of some needed repairs. I decided that I wanted to show my appreciation for my small windfall and for their generosity in general.

But what to get? My folks are almost impossible to buy for and they don’t accept gifts well. “Why did you do that?” or “We don’t need anything, save your money” are typical responses.

I racked my brain for days until an idea came to me – a gift card to Shop Rite grocery store. My folks are hosting Thanksgiving again this year. I don’t cook but I could surely contribute this way.

I got them a cute card and put the gift card inside. They smiled at the card and even the gift card, until they they turned it over and saw the amount – $100. My mom’s face turned from a smile to stone. They didn’t surprise me by their response but I held up my hand and said “Just listen…” briefly telling them why I was doing it. I kept repeating “please accept it and just say thank you”. Mom just kept on arguing. Every time she said “Thank you BUT….” I stopped her. No buts. Thank you was all I wanted. Eventually, they both stopped, hugged me and said thank you.

I know I can never give back what I’ve received from them. But each time I give to them, maybe they’ll see that it’s OK to accept a gift and to allow others to be generous as well. I also know it feels good to give.

Last week, my folks bought a new TV – a 32’ flat screen. A big step up in technology for them. I went to Barnes and Noble to find a good DVD for them to experience on the new larger screen.
I found a multi-movie DVD: Easter Parade, Meet Me in St. Louis, Band Wagon and Singing In The Rain. A great selection. They probably hadn’t seen any of these films since they originally came out on the big screen.
My folks don’t accept gifts easily (“What did you do that for?” is the usual response) so I braced myself. Dad thanked me- he does enjoy old movies. Mom, as expected, gave me “that look” meaning “why did you waste your money on us?”. I just told them I wanted to give them something I thought they’d enjoy but that I’d be happy to keep the DVD for myself if they didn’t want it. Dad smiled and said they’d watch it.
I know, it kind of spoils the “just because” part of the goal, but honestly, I wouldn’t mind keeping it!

Last night, while visiting a friend, I pulled 2 scratch off lottery tickets out of my purse. “1 for you and 1 for me” I said. Sadly, neither one was a winner but it was fun…maybe next time! As they say – a dollar and a dream!

On Sunday, I told my mom I was going for a manicure and asked if she’d like to come with me. She hasn’t had her nails done in a long, long time. I told her it’s a clean, nice place and it wouldn’t take long. Surprise, surprise – she actually said yes. I’m glad because I’d already made an appointment for BOTH of us….

Before we went in, she asked how much it cost. I told her but said to let me take care of it because I get “points” for every dollar I spend. She said OK, she’d pay me afterward.

I was glad it was the owner that did my mom’s nails. She gave my mom a little extra attention and a little pampering. I paid for both of us before my polish went on, and tipped both ladies generously. I could tell my mom was enjoying it.

In the car afterwards, mom asked how much she owed me. I said nothing, it was on me. Well, you’d think I’d just robbed a bank the way she reacted!

“Oh, no, no – you can’t pay for me” as she started reaching into her pocketbook. I said “If you mess up those nails, you WILL have to pay – to get them redone”. She stopped reaching for her wallet but I could tell it didn’t calm her down.

“Mom – It’s not a lot of money, and I want to do it for you. Please just say Thank you and enjoy it”.

She stopped, smiled, gave me a kiss and said Thank you. No argument, no fighting. Just a thank you. That ladies and gentleman, is a first.

I went into DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse – on Friday because I had a 15% off coupon and they advertised an additional 30% off on all clearance. Bingo! That’s the way I like to shop.

When I got to the register, I suddenly decided that whatever I saved from the 15% off coupon, I’d put on a gift card for my mom. It came to about $8 so I bought a $10 gift card.

It’s not much but it’s just enough for my mom. She probably wouldn’t accept a “Just Because” gift for much more than that. When I gave it to her, she looked confused. I told her it was “just because”.

I got a big smile and a big hug. Just because….nice.

I love the idea of giving a gift to someone in my life “just because”. Maybe because the item reminds me of them or because I think they need to receive a gift.
I hope it shows them that I think of them – and not just on birthdays, etc – and how important they are in my life…and reminds me of what’s really important.

p.s. – Thanks siggypants

so far .. (2/10)

21.06.09
i bought my boyfriend a digital money box, which counts how much money you have in. its pretty funky. it was just a little something in the avon catalogue for fathers day, but he absolutely loves it :)

13.08.09
i bought my sister a cute little money box from skegness when me and my boyfriend visited an animal farm! it didnt cost much, was just a little something. as soon as i saw it, i just thought of my sister so i had to buy it :)