Gift Ideas For Your Parents - 5 Gift Ideas to Give Your Parents This Christmas

We are all well aware that the there are different kinds of Christmas presents that we purchase. I am not talking about the item itself but the thought process for the purchase itself.

1. The token gift - bought for your child's teacher, the work colleague, our friends children, distant family. The tedious present to buy, bought on impulse when walking through a large department store. Little thought goes into this, price and ease of purchase are the driving forces.

2. The special friend gift - a lovely present to buy, usually a present you would like yourself. You are likely to love the same things as these people. This gift is often found in a small independent shop and will have required time and effort to find.

3. The close loved one - parents, spouse, child. The hardest present to get right. You know this person well but you have already bought something for their hobby or interest in previous years. This gift needs to be special, thought about and a gift to be treasured.

One of the reasons that buying for parents is so hard is because we have to do this every year. By the time we have reached 40, we are likely to have had to make this purchasing decision about 25 times! No wonder we are running out of ideas.

Before setting out around the shops or surfing aimlessly for hours, we should understand what we are trying to achieve.

We want to buy a gift that is:

1. treasured

2. thought about

3. correct for the age and physical/mental ability of the parent

4. related to interests or hobbies

5. a reminder of an era or past experience

A parent who loved rock climbing in the past and who is now in their 70's is unlikely to appreciate a set of new ropes but would be very pleased with a painting or limited edition print of mountains they have climbed. A novelty toy from the isle of the department store may be fine for the lucky dip work present and will end up in the bin shortly after. This is not how our parents want to be made to feel.

Gifts that can involve the whole family are a good way to solve this present problem.

This type of present could be;

1. Tickets for the theater for the family.

2. Photographs in a beautiful album.

3. A short break for close family.

4. A family portrait.

5. A smart beautifully packaged jigsaw puzzle or board game.

A jigsaw puzzle or board game draws everyone together and over the Christmas period provides entertainment and closeness. They take the stresses and strains out of the conversation minefield that is a family Christmas. Family want to be close at this time of the year but sometimes this can cause friction. By having a common goal, something neutral to join in with all together, this can create a relaxed warm atmosphere.

Obviously there are games and games, jigsaws and jigsaws. Buying your beloved parents a cheap pack of playing cards or a cardboard jigsaw is not going to give the impression of a well thought through gift. However an elegantly packaged board game or a hand designed or hand cut jigsaw will look beautiful and special.

Finally, when you are racing around the shops with a feeling of total panic, always remember that Christmas is one day, once a year. However, your parents are for life, not just for Christmas!

Gift Ideas For Your Parents - 5 Gift Ideas to Give Your Parents This Christmas

Jig Saw Table

Gift Ideas For Your Parents - 5 Gift Ideas to Give Your Parents This Christmas

Gift Ideas For Your Parents - 5 Gift Ideas to Give Your Parents This Christmas
Gift Ideas For Your Parents - 5 Gift Ideas to Give Your Parents This Christmas

Jig Saw Table

How to Decorate a Small Sitting Room

Everyone needs a spot in their home to get away and read, study, listen to music or just think! You can turn any small space into the perfect sitting room. Since we're working in small spaces, decorating should be planned in advance. Comfort and function are key when designing a sitting room.

Find a cozy chair. It could be a recliner or a comfortable chair with an ottoman to prop up your feet. A side table is a must, on which you can place a lamp and have a spot for a cup of tea and a good book. It would be helpful if your end table had a drawer or two for keeping notecards, pens, favorite CD's and the like. You can also use a floor lamp to save space. These are the essentials and if that is all your room can fit, you'll be in great shape.

The small sitting room is a place you can really personalize with artwork, accessories and decor that is special to you. Framed photos of children or family vacation memories, an embroidered pillow from grandma's house or a quirky piece of art you picked up on your travels. Sitting rooms are often themed. For example, women might prefer a garden room with a hanging birdcage, white wicker furniture, fresh green paint on the walls and baskets of lively colored fresh or silk flowers. The man of the house might like the feel of an old English library with a leather recliner, dark wood bookcases and a banker's lamp.

A sitting room can also become a place for hobbies and crafts. If space allows, a desk or table with storage drawers or bins can serve very nicely to hold the tools and materials of your handiwork. It's ideal for staying organized and leaving projects where they don't interfere with dinner or other family activities. Whether it's jigsaw puzzles or floral arrangements or model airplanes, you can work on your craft as time allows and return later. If conflicting television shows are a problem in your house, you could always have a small TV set to watch the program no one else wants to see.

Even if you don't have an actual room, you can carve out a small space just to call your own, a small alcove or far corner can become a little getaway spot. Maybe you have an attic or basement that offers space for you. Whatever you choose make it your special place.

How to Decorate a Small Sitting Room

Jig Saw Table

How to Decorate a Small Sitting Room

How to Decorate a Small Sitting Room
How to Decorate a Small Sitting Room

Jig Saw Table