Five Christmas Gifts the Family Will Never Forget

Christmas time, once again we begin the adventure of finding the perfect gift for each of our loved ones. Who doesn't love to see the look of sheer joy on someones face as they open a present and you know, "you did good." With every passing year it seems harder and harder to buy for the adults in your family doesn't it? Kids are always easy and ususally have a their Christmas wish list ready to go by December 1st. But how can you wow the adult kin? Here are unique ideas that put the spin on gift giving.

1. Create the Family book of Miracles. Ask each family member to write a 1-2 page description of a miracle they have experienced during their lifetime. They can email you or snail mail you, and be sure to give a deadline and stick to it! If you want kids to participate they too can write a miracle or ask them to do drawing of the family portrait, or an angel. You can use this for your cover or first page.
Once all the miracles have been collected, its time to retype and photocopy. A quick trip to Kinkos to bind (they have several options), and you have published, "Our Family Book of Miracles."
This is something everyone will treasure for a long long time.

2. The Shadow Box- For those of you not familiar with the shadow box concept, think of a 3rd frame with mini shelves, upon these shelves sit photos, family trinkets and heirlooms. You can generally find Shadow Box kits at your local arts store. Once you pick out the photos and keepsakes to go into the box you are half way there. You can individualize each box for each recipient. If you fear tackling the assembly yourself, often art stores assist with such projects.

3. Name a star - This gift will require a bit more money, but it is another great Christmas keepsake. You can usually purchase a beautiful certificate in a frame along with the map showing exactly where the star you have named is in the great big sky. You can google several companies online that sell the "name a star" certificates.

4. The Family Recipe Book- This can be created very much along the lines of how you would make the Miracle Book. Ask each family member to submit 2 recipes and ask them to give them family related names, for example, Fran's Fabulous Fruitcake, or Suzie's "I am on a diet," Chicken Surprise.
Those in the family that are truly handy in the kitchen might even want to submit more then 2 recipes. This makes another wonderful keepsake, and a useful one too!!

5. The Special Sister Day Certificate- Purchase a manicure, pedicure from a local salon, combine that with lunch at your favorite restaurant and create a certificate for each sister. The gift is far more then just the spa services but also the "sister" time together.

These are just a few creative ideas that have worked well for me over the years. You will be surprised what you will think up once you begin to brainstorm. Add a creative touch to your Christmas gift giving that will create new and beautiful Christmas memories.