The Fine Art of Family Magazine

The secret to giving the perfect holiday gift has less to do with what’s in your wallet and more to do with what’s in your heart. Some of the best gifts I’ve ever given or received have been directly linked to a great memory that I shared with someone special. It makes for a much more personal and sentimental experience for both of you—and isn’t that the point?

Here’s one gift I’ll never forget: My dad owns this old camera that once belonged to his father when he was young. He was very close to grandpa, who he lost at a young age. Since the camera was broken, I never saw my father, an amateur photographer, use it. One year, I decided to take this camera that permanently (and symbolically) sits on my father’s library shelf to a repair shop to have it fixed. I gave it to my dad as a holiday gift and he was very touched. I might have even seen a tear in the eye of the man who taught me how to see things from an artistic angle. It was so rewarding.

When searching for that ideal gift, I urge you to think back to one of your best memories with the recipient. If they’re a big part of your life, chances are you already have something in your home that you can easily turn into a unique, personal, and emotionally-invaluable present. Go for a treasure hunt in your home and see what you can find. The priceless, heirloom-quality stuff is usually in plain sight. You just have to know where to look. To help you with your search, I came up with seven easy-to-do, affordable examples of what I think would make unforgettable holiday gifts. Happy hunting!

1. Dig up an old book your mom or dad used to read to you as a child. Write a note on the inside cover (perhaps your favorite story time memory or how much you enjoyed that precious time with them) and give it to them.

2. Take a ring that belonged to a family member, put it on a chain (necklace or bracelet) and give to a daughter or niece or other young female relative.

3. Grab the old family watch from your dad, husband, or boyfriend’s drawer and add a special engraving on the back. Spend a bit to get it cleaned and running again.

4. Write a little note about your feelings for someone and hide it in their wallet or handbag. It will mean so much to them when they unexpectedly discover it the day after a holiday.

5. Frame an old recipe or poem or saying that you know has special meaning to someone.

6. Find an old cigarette case or powder compact from a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle. Put a photo inside and give it as a gift to someone in the family.

7. Bring an old object back to life like your dad or granddad’s tool(s), golf club(s), or grandma’s frying pan or old cook book.

xox,

M

P.S. Check back this week for more holiday gift ideas, including these adorable vintage, hard-to-find American ornaments (see Good Buy on Your Budget), and a rare, classic board game any family would love (see One-Click Collectible).

[Photography by Scott Casey]

Published on December 14, 2009

Tags: Celebrating, Family, Heirlooms, Home, Monicas Blog