The gifts I have received from my two girls have always been touching. Many of them have also been very interesting and unusual!
My children learned at a very young age that I really like hand-made gifts. This prompted a proliferation of hand-made cards, some of which are legible. But once my oldest daughter turned 4, she decided that a hand-made card was not enough. So, she talked my husband into buying a wooden plaque and some paint at the local craft store. My husband is very “craft challenged” and had no idea what he was getting himself into. By the time my daughter was done painting the plaque and putting her own special touches on it, both my husband and kitchen were wrecks! But I have a lovely royal blue plaque that says “Happy Mother’s Day” on it. For my birthday, that same year, I received a lovely royal blue painted jewelry box. I guess my husband forgot his near heart attack from the first painting episode, or he just decided we should use up that lovely blue paint.
Since then, the girls have become a bit more sophisticated in their gift shopping. Now they pester me constantly for ideas shortly before a holiday. I usually get “exactly” what I have asked for. If I ask for pajamas, they want to know exactly what color and where these pajamas can be purchased. I am beginning to think my husband has something to do with this “grilling” for information, as my gifts seem to be from all three of them.
My oldest daughter is now what they call a “pre-teen”, and her very favorite store is Clair’s. She loves every single piece of jewelry in the store, and thinks that I should as well. For my birthday this year, I asked for some silver earrings. Well, I received some lovely faux diamond earrings in the shape of hearts - set in silver. Not exactly what I had in mind. But I try to remember to wear them when I take her to the skating rink with her friends so she can show off her good taste in gifts!
However, the girls are starting to show some initiative in their gift shopping. They attend a parochial school, and at Christmas time, the school provided the students with a selection of gifts they could purchase for family members. These items averaged in price at about $1.00 a piece. I gave them each five dollars to spend, and they agonized over how to spend that money. In the end, I received a beautiful key chain with flowers on it (I love flowers!), and a delicate miniature nativity (I collect nativities). I was so touched by their thoughtfulness.
In the end, I treasure each and every strange and beautiful gift they have given me, because they were given with love.