Create a Tradition: A Thanksgiving Box

I thought it would be nice to remember those friends and relatives that are far away during Thanksgiving.

We need to remember those who cannot be home and are also special in our lives. And as this photo says, family isn't always blood.  So I put on my own thinking cap and set out to find how we can remember those far away during this time of the year. 

I came up with this idea. Create a tradition of sending a Thanksgiving Box with a card and photo out to those who cannot be nearby to share the day with you. (This idea is great for Christmas too!)

Let the ones who can't be with you today know that you are thankful for them and they are in your hearts and minds by sending them a regular greeting card along with a special gift basket/box that says that you remembered them.  You could also snap a family photo sometime earlier (if you have time) during a normal family day and send it off with your love in that basket/box.  (An older photo is good too, but one from right now is best.)

Some may not agree with me, but putting together a gift basket is creative as well as fun.  It just takes thinking outside of the standard gift giving rules. All it takes is to just toss their favorites in that gift box -- that you hopefully will mail this week in time for Thanksgiving, next Thursday.

Here are some ideas of what to add to the box or basket:

• Their favorite sweet treats, like: chewy cookies, brownies, chocolate wafer cookies, chocolate and milk bars, assorted dry fruits, licorice, granola bars, homemade treats, etc.  You get the idea.
• The higher price shampoo that they really love, but don't often buy... surrounded with hair essentials or packs of gum or candy that they love. (great for the college kids)
• Gourmet gift basket with olive oil, cutting board, spaghetti and sauce. (great for couples)
• Tea and cookie basket with pack of green tea, iced tea, butter wafers, candy and cookies. (I'm thinking for older folk)
• Gift certificates to a favorite restaurant or another favorite store or such, but BE SURE to add something personal too, even if it is just a can of the fancier cookies.
• bath, body and spa gifts - depends upon the recipient
• men love barbecue and sports related gifts - again depends on the recipient. You would not want to send a football fan another teams item! Again, personalize these!
• a basket of handmade scented candles with a candle stand is a great gift idea.
• an action movie DVD with the microwave popcorn and seasonings with M&M's candies.
• A photo book from somewhere like Shutterfly - this is a bit more spendy, but may be perfect for someone.

FOCUS on personalized gift baskets - What does the recipient like? Think about it and make it special. And be sure to always add the Thanksgiving or Christmas (or other) card too and maybe a family snapshot. Believe me, the photo really makes the difference!

For those who are in your hearts but can no longer be with you, say a prayer of thanks for their blessing upon your life or light a pretty candle in memory and in thankfulness of their life.

I hope you enjoyed my own personal blog posting this time around. Gift baskets and photo albums are close to my heart and I had to share my thoughts. I hope you consider this idea this year.
   ~ Carol