As I mentioned in my Gifts for Kids post, I’m always trying to tame the “stuff chaos” by making intentional gift choices. Here are some favorites for the grown-ups…

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond VA

Experiences top my list, just as they do for kids, and work for the whole family: museum memberships, restaurant gift cards, botanical gardens, movie tickets, amusement park passes, or a day-trip excursion.
Locally made products and art - like this soap, handmade planters that support a great cause, or notecards that can be framed for artwork or used for some good old-fashioned letter writing. Oh, and of course jewelry.
Plants - preferably plants that can be planted and enjoyed for years to come
Something Handmade - I love making something from the heart, and my kids burst with pride in giving something made with their own hands. Grandparents live for this stuff. handmade photo album (or digital version showcasing the memories from this years family vacation) can be enjoyed for many years.
Personally, we have a tradition of having the kids make ornaments every year for family members, and they really reflect their interests that year (thumbprint trees when they were babies, colored scribbles cut into stars when they were toddlers, and perler bead creations once their fine motor skills were refined. I’ll share this year’s creations once they are gifted!
Donations to the recipients favorite cause or nonprofit