Over the past five years, I’ve changed the way I buy and give gifts. Once upon a time, I bought ‘needed’ gifts. I then progressed to ‘should have’ gifts. Then I gave ‘you get it any way’ gifts. All of this obviously came from my theory about what others needed, wanted, or had to have no matter what.

I’m past all these internal theories related to gift giving. I now look for gifts ‘from the heart’. I’ve found that it is such a beautiful thing to find a special charm to add to the lovely gold charm bracelet I gave my daughter several years ago. I’m adding charms that tell a story of our lives together.

Last year I decided to add these mementos in a special gift basket that I make for each of my children and my niece. I found lovely gold charms created by a craftsman who only sells them at fairs. He takes gold coins, actual coins from other countries, and cuts them into beautiful patterns. Since I appreciated his gold coins, as well as, the jewelry he made with diamonds, he spent some time talking to me describing his craft.

He actually agreed to make me several more pieces. I was truly appreciative since he does not do orders. He is a one of a kind craftsman who willingly shared his time and artistry with gold with me. These beautiful gold coins were a wonderful addition to last year’s gift basket.

I have not found the ‘perfect I Love You’ gift for this year but I’m sure I will.