Relational Gift-giving Gaining Popularity

Oct. 21, 2009 - PRLog -- The concept of “relational gifts” has been steadily gaining momentum since the “Advent Conspiracy” started in 2007 at an Oregon church. The idea is to save money by making meaningful gifts for family and friends and then donating the amount you saved on expensive gifts to a worthy charity.
Relational gift giving focuses on the unique relationship the giver and recipient share. The first step in creating a meaningful gift is examining what is important to the recipient and giving a gift that only you can give. It usually takes an investment of time and planning versus money.
Keepsake gift expert Teri Harrison offers easy-to-do suggestions that let the recipient know they are special. “I give ideas for gifts that celebrate the holidays in a meaningful and memorable way,” she said.
Her ideas include:
*Make a keepsake wreath out of old toys, jewelry, etc.
*Create a timeline with family photos
*Have children make a thumbprint tree artwork
*Decorate a special Christmas box for cards, letters to Santa, photos, etc.
*Frame a special art project
*Share recipes, family stories and traditions. Put them in a book format for use year after year.
*For baby’s first Christmas, have family members write a letter for that child to open when he turns 21.
*Adult children create a memory book for parents
Grandparents or parents can give children a meaningful item that they want to pass down now. It may even be a tradition or treasured holiday item. One grandfather wrapped a piece of coal in mesh and made it into an ornament. Attached was a story of how he actually received coal in his stocking.
One of Teri’s favorite ideas is the letter-of-the-month gift. Teri enlisted about 20 family members to participate in a gift for her 95-year-old grandmother. Each month, every family writes a letter, sends photos or kids’ drawings to their grandmother. Grandma Nell’s life has been changed by this gift!
Teri has more gift ideas and ready-made gifts on her website, www.thegrandparentgiftco.com. For the past 15 years, Teri’s regular interaction with customers has continued to fuel her creativity as a business owner in the gift industry. She personally enjoys creating unique gifts for her own extended family.
Contact: Teri Harrison (770) 772-1098

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Wholesaler/retailer. Founded in 1995, owned by Teri and Martin Harrison.
Teri creates gifts that bring meaning and memories to life's milestones. Gifts include: cards, frames, brag books, mirrors, ornaments, ultrasound gifts, journal, memory book & more