#519: Precious Gifts Need Not Be Expensive

We often equate how much a present costs with its quality. But the most precious gifts need not be expensive as Lori (MOMMA_LITTLE) showed in her December 4th blog www.sparkpeople.com/mypa
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al.asp?blog_id=4612526 .

Her grandson Clayton was thrilled over a Santa Pez candy dispenser and a coloring book. The looks on his face with these two presents will make you smile.

Since reading that story I have been reminded of several inexpensive gifts I treasured over the years. Two in particular come to mind.



The simple bookmark I received at Christmas of 2001 from a co-worker has gotten a tad shabby and its tassel is now missing but I still use the marker and think of her every time I read the inscription on its back. She knew I enjoyed reading and liked astrological things and combined the two interests into a gift that maybe cost no more than a dollar, if that.

The other gift I remember fondly was given me by my nephew Evan a few years ago when he was four. It was a mystery book he had seen at a dollar store. He couldn't read, of course, but the book had a red swatch across the cover and, as he told his mom, "Uncle Louie likes red." It was an exciting read and he was so very excited to give the book to me.

No, precious gifts do not need to be expensive. A homemade something knitted, a plate of homemade cookies, even a telephone call like the one I received last night from my best and longest known friend will provide lasting feelings of gratitude and thankfulness.

It isn't how much we pay for something that adds value, it is the thoughtfulness that goes into the selection that makes a present invaluable.

Like a simple bookmark or book.