Christmas can create undue stress as we strive to find the perfect gift for our mate. But it doesn't have to be stressful. With a little creativity and a better understanding of who our spouse really is, we can get gifts they will appreciate for a lifetime and gifts that will help better their lives, learn a new skill, and make them better people as a result.
Each Christmas, spouses try their best to find the perfect gift for each other. But it gets more difficult each year that passes as the couple has been together longer. And it is especially tough when his spouse has everything they could want or need. What do you get the person who has everything? Here are six gifts your spouse will love:
1. Entertainment
If you live in an area with lots of exciting things to do, you'll never run out of gift ideas with the gift of entertainment. What is one entertainer she has wanted to see? What is one adventure he's always wanted to try? It can be as easy as scoring two tickets to their favorite music concert or as exciting as going on an airplane ride. The sky's the limit –literally! If you know your spouse well, reflect on some of the new things they would like to try. It's a very thoughtful gift to get him or her something they've always wanted to do but never had the chance to do. By buying the gift of entertainment, you're crossing items off your bucket list and sharing special memories together as you bond and do things you've never done before.
2. Nostalgia
In today's world, people want to return to a simpler time. Think about when your spouse was born. What was going on in the world at that time? What types of fads, toys, or other current events were going on? Try to re-create those by going to the same restaurant, store, or even purchasing the toys they had when they were little. Your spouses will have a blast going back in time, reliving their fond memories of childhood and allowing them a moment to be a kid again. There are many toy museums and other vintage toy stores you can visit. A company named Nacelle sells passports where you and your spouse can travel all across the country to different vintage toy stores. That could be an adventure you do together. Whatever you choose, make sure to focus on your spouse's happy memories, whether with you or in their childhood. You can even re-create the year you got married, or the year you had your first child. This will take some research and thought, but the effort you put into the gift will go a long way in securing the bond between husband and wife.
3. Relaxation
In this stressful world we live in, it's more difficult than ever to take a break. Our society admires and exalts those who are workaholics. But Jesus himself knew when to rest. He often spent mornings in lonely places praying and focusing on the Father. Jesus took time to rest during his ministry time and took a Sabbath regularly. All these things helped him minister out of a posture of rest, not having to rest out of need. Give her a gift to a spa or challenge him to groom his toenails for a pedicure or his nails for a manicure. Make an appointment for him to go to a fancy stylist or for your wife to do the same. Challenge each other to makeovers and see who does it best. Ask each other what the other would like the other person to do regarding personal improvement. It will be great to challenge each other to look your best for your spouse and also learn more about their likes and dislikes.
4. Movement
Nothing is better for your physical health and movement. In the sedentary lifestyle in which we live, however, we're not always getting enough steps in to function at optimal levels. Even the fittest person could incorporate more activity and physical movement into their lives. It will benefit them not only physically but also emotionally and mentally as well. Give them the gift of a Fitbit or a free trainer to help them at the gym. Encourage them to try something new to get more movement in, such as dance classes or a free class at the gym. You can even go dancing together! This is also a great way to increase your social activity as you'll be out in public with others, getting to know others and one another better. Giving a gift like this does not communicate you feel your spouse is out of shape or unattractive. On the contrary, it demonstrates you care enough about their health and overall well-being to give a gift that will enhance their lives and keep your marriage relationship healthy for years to come.
5. Self-Improvement
As Christmas is on the heels of the new year, many people choose to create New Year's resolutions to improve themselves in some way. While this is a noble task, many who start off well often don't complete the goals set for themselves. But that doesn't mean they can't continue to better themselves in some way. For example, if your spouse struggles with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) entering the winter months, get them the gift of an energy lamp. There are certain lamps made specifically to help with this disorder. There are also alarm clocks that help people get up in the morning without feeling groggy. If your spouse has difficulty getting up in the morning, this might be a great gift for them. Every person wants a gift that will help them improve their lives in some way. Everyone is looking to make their lives easier or have more impact on the world. They often ask themselves, "will this make my life better?" Find the gifts that will make their lives better or easier, and you'll meet a deep need in their lives.
6. Inspiration
Everyone needs inspiration in their lives. We can always be learning from others, reading books, listening to podcasts, or consuming other mediums that will help us become inspired to make a change. One of humanity's greatest abilities is that of adapting of adaptation. People who can adapt to change in their lives have a better mood and are less affected by mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Discover what your spouse's favorite writer, musician, or other artists who may inspire them to pick up a new hobby or sharpen a skill they already have. For example, if your spouse is a great artist, get them the finest drawing pencils and sketchpad. Additionally, give them an hour each evening after work to be able to practice their medium. Go one step further and get them a class at the local community center or find someone who teaches art. Help them to experiment with new ways of expressing their artistic style. If your spouse has always wanted to learn a new instrument or a new skill, get them videos and how to learn the skill and buy them all the supplies they'll need to create their first project. If your spouse has a great singing voice, connect them with someone who has a recording studio and pay for one session for free. Allow them to write music and sing it to create a keepsake DVD. Even if no one hears it, they will still enjoy the experience of using their talents as a creative outlet.
Christmas can create undue stress as we strive to find the perfect gift for our mate. But it doesn't have to be stressful. With a little creativity and a better understanding of who our spouse really is, we can get gifts they will appreciate for a lifetime and gifts that will help better their lives, learn a new skill, and make them better people as a result.
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