TEN Really Great (But Not So Usual) Gift Ideas to Transform Your Holiday

Dec. 7, 2010 - PRLog -- FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - We get pressure to buy, buy, buy – as if that is the only way to really show someone else how much we care.  That being said, and in the holiday spirit, here are 10 really great (but not so usual) gift ideas for the people you love. Maybe they will inspire you to think differently about gift-giving.

ONE - Give the gift of a weekly uninterrupted, non-distracted phone call. No multi-tasking. No talking and driving. Be really present. Listen. Share.
TWO - Give the gift of getting fit together. Commit to walking together, going to the gym, riding bikes or other fitness method. Give the gift of one month, six months or a year of getting fit together.
THREE - Give the gift of a no-internet day. One day each week, shut the internet down and use the time to eat as a family, play games, work on projects together – connect as people.
FOUR - Give the gift of story. Share one story that has moved or changed your life, and the wisdom in it. Share wisdom and humor in a story at a special story dinner, a time before opening other gifts, or at a party. By sharing stories, we connect with other more significantly; it is a gift we always remember.
FIVE - Give a recycled gift. Make the stipulation that no money can be spent on the gift, and it must be appropriate for the other person. Look through your old stuff that, with a little labor modification, may be just right for someone else.
SIX - Give the gift of a healthy diet. Lose the processed foods, sugar snacks and unhealthy options. Buy a couple of new healthy-focused cookbooks and make healthy cooking a family event.
SEVEN - Give the gift of donation. As a family or group of friends, commit to donating resources or time to those who need. Collect for the Salvation Army, donate and cook at a food kitchen, teach CPR, respond to a community need, etc.
EIGHT - Give the gift of help. Find the family of a local serviceperson serving in the Afghanistan or Iraq, and offer to help with yardwork, repairs, babysitting, shopping, cleaning or other need, because a key member of the household is away and the workload is unbalanced.
NINE - Give the gift of celebration. Celebrate one thing each day. Host a celebration dinner each week. Build in a greater focus on fun, activity and celebration. As my dad used to say, when you treat yourself to a little celebration every day, you don’t need a once a year blow out. Besides, small constant celebrations are great for sustaining a great attitude.
TEN - Give the gift of forgiveness. Right one wrong. Make things right. Patch an old wound. Forgive an old adversary. Release the hurt.

“I am still of the mindset that the best gifts are never things. The best gifts come from who we are – they either use our greatness, or help us find our greatness. The best gifts are gifts given from our hearts – and those things that require us to be present, caring, loving and forgiving. This is what makes a gift great for both those receiving and giving,” says Jay Forte, author of The Greatness Zone.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jay Forte, a former financial executive and corporate educator, now business and motivational speaker, workplace and life coach, and author, is a nationally ranked Thought Leader and President of Humanetrics. Jay guides organizations - their leaders and managers - in how to attract, hire and retain today's best talent. He also coaches individuals in how to reconnect to their talents and passions to achieve extraordinary personal and professional performance. A focus on discovering and living in The Greatness Zone frames the work, programs and resources he and his team provide.

To schedule an interview or request a copy of Jay’s latest book, The Greatness Zone, please contact us at 954.294.6467 or www.thegreatnesszone.com. To view a video of Jay talking about The Greatness Zone click here http://www.vimeo.com/15647872