7 Gift Ideas for Your Kids That Won’t Cost You a Dime

“Breath is the finest gift of nature. Be grateful for this wonderful gift.” — Amit Ray

I was enjoying getting lost in the large store, books piled high on every shelf. It seemed it didn’t have an end as I navigated my way through the vast categories of books.

As I sat perusing my fingers through some pages, I felt someone staring at me. I peered over the top of the pages, spotting a pair of eyes outlined with royal blue accompanied by an adorable little smile. Dressed in black pants and a striped shirt, I noticed he had drawn a mask over his eyes with a blue sharpie. No doubt he had to trace it a few times to get the full effect.

Waiving softly, I mouthed hello and smiled. His superhero face and mischievous grin warmed my heart. Instantly it took me back to those days when Lydia painted herself with make-up. The bright blue eyeshadow you couldn’t miss and the hot pink lipstick covering her mouth, chin and almost up to her nose, made you want to laugh. But she felt beautiful.

Wiping my eyes, I smiled in awe. So hard to believe she is gone. Oh those years, what I wouldn’t give to rewind time and go back, just to have one more chance. To share those gut-busting giggles, kiss those sweet freckled cheeks, to build that snowman, to do it all again.

The days of our lives are fast and furious, passing by ever so quickly. Years fly by in a second, making us look back wondering where the time went.

You see, my daughter, Lydia, just turned 15 and lives in heaven. She passed away when she was 5. In hindsight, there’s so much I would do differently. When she was here, my focus wasn’t where it should have been.

Of course, I would want to shower her with gifts and all her favorite things, especially during Christmas. However, I have learned that only brings temporary and superficial happiness, as well as empty pockets.

Now, as my daughter’s 15th birthday came and the holidays draw near, her absence is ever so present. My heart is heavy and tuned into to what matters most.

Take it from a mom who knows, here are seven gift ideas for your children that don’t cost a dime:

1. Give them your time.

Give those precious kiddos the last minutes before bedtime, the first minutes in the morning, awakening them with hugs and wide open arms. Take time to push them on the swings, play cards or attend that special event. Give them your undivided attention when you walk through that door from work, greeting them like they are the best gift ever, because they are!

2. Give them your ear.

Listen to them. Put down all the technology that we are chained to and really hear what your children are saying. Listen to the stories of their day, the drama with their friends, and the excitement about their activities. Listen to their adorable giggles, what makes them smile and what hurts them. They will forever be grateful for this.

3. Give them unconditional love.

Tell them you love them daily, even when they mess up. When they spill a bag of flour all over the kitchen floor, or when their grades are not as good as they should be, let them know how much they mean to you. When they overflow the toilet or paint on walls, embrace their uniqueness and make sure they know they are special. And when they get on your last nerve, take a deep breath and be thankful they are alive, and always end every conflict with an “I love you.”

4. Give your kids the gift of teaching them about the true meaning of Christmas.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of presents, shopping and Santa Claus. Let them know Christmas is about love. Let them know they matter. If you share my faith, let them know they were created for a reason and are beloved in the eyes of our heavenly father. Show them and teach them that faith is everlasting and provides guiding principles for life.

5. Give them the gift of giving back.

Take them to volunteer at a homeless shelter, purchase a gift for a child in need or other philanthropic acts, being sure to explain the challenges and difficulties so many endure. Let them see life from a different perspective. And as a bonus for all you parents, your children will gain hearts filled with compassion for others, guaranteed.

6. Give your children the gift of gratitude.

As they learn to be thankful and grateful for everything they have in life, they will gain maturity, responsibility, opening their eyes to the value of hard work.

7. Give them encouragement.

Make sure they know how proud you are of them. When they pass a test, get dressed by themselves, clean the house or make the sports team, tell them how delighted you are. This will empower them with confidence and give them the courage to explore and try new things.

These seem so simple, yet they are gifts that I have neglected to give my children on many occasions. Things and times I have taken for granted, which have haunted me with regret.

I too have been guilty of showing my children with tangible gifts that go unappreciated time and time again, soon to be forgotten. As parents, I know many of us have. So before you hit those sales in the stores, this year I challenge you to give your children something they will never forget, making those memories that will remain with them forever. Your heart will thank you and so will they.

A version of this post first appeared on Having Time.

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