Like Grace, who posted her ideas for gifting her friends and family with the present of her presence, some of our gifts this season, though they may come in boxes or tied with bows, won't be things the recipient can immediately play with on Christmas morning or Hannukah night. They'll have a different value. They're coupons for gifts that can't be purchased at a store...
Gifts From The Heart: Coupons of Promise
This year, some friends will receive gifts of time or emotion in the form of coupons. Here are some I'm planning on:
- a night or day of babysitting for the friend who rarely gets an evening out with her husband. Plus I'll get some quality hang time with her kids.
- a dinner at my house for my friend who doesn't cook. I'll make her all those things she likes and she can take home the leftovers to enjoy the next day.
- a day of baking for some kids I know who enjoy messing around in kitchen (but whose parents prefer they don't make quite that much of a mess).
- a "you pick" coupon for my friend who always has a different idea of where we should go. We'll avoid an argument, get a good laugh out of it and I won't have to plan it.
- an "I'll come to your side of town" coupon for my friends who live way over by the beach (or up in Pasadena). This'll make sure I see the friends I never see in person.
- an "I'll promise to be on time" coupon for my friend who always waits patiently for my never-on-time self. And I do promise to be on time, at least that time.
- a "you win" coupon for the friend I get into heated arguments with. This is a good one to give to your significant other.
Anyone on your list who might like a coupon instead of a regular gift?
[image: kwantakoon, with a Creative Commons License]
Comments (7)
Daily Email
Top Tours
- Corey's Converted Barn
- A South Austin Sunny and Sophisticated Home!
- Lezlee & Kirk's Beverly Modern Manor
- Laura's Smallest Coolest
- Jen of Made By Girl's Vintage Chic Home
Top Posts
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Your friends should not have to cash in a coupon to get you to be on time. In some circles, being on time is known as "common courtesy."
view Griffin's profile
Griffin, did somebody hurt you?
view MonsterMash's profile
What's the return policy for these?
view Seaside's profile
you knwo, people often suggest this if you don't have money to spend or want it to be from the heart, but i can't take this seriously from anyone over the age of 10.
in fact, i think my whole class did this in elementary school.
view bluetoes's profile
Yeah, we did it for Fathers Day once, age 10 or so. Its a pretty good idea, but bad in practice as you know no one would ever really feel ok about cashing in those 'vouchers.'
view RedOrangePink's profile
I think all of you are being way too harsh. This is a great idea! If it seems skimpy/cheap just add something to it, like gift certificates to a movie theater and their favorite restaurant to go with the baby-sitting coupon, or whatever.
Besides, you never know...maybe the recipients asked for the coupons. My grandmother surprised me this year by, instead of asking for a Christmas ornament or some kind of decoration for her house like she usually does, for a coupon to come visit her "X" time(s) this year, not including birthdays and holidays (which is when we have extended family get-togethers). She says she won't accept anything else.
view Mrs.Mack's profile
I agree that the comments were too harsh. The gift of time is the most important gift we can give someone we love. Great idea in a time where holidays have become more and more about money and THINGS and less about the true meaning.
view feefee's profile