Top 5 Gift Ideas for This Holiday Season

It's never too soon to start thinking about being generous, so I've put together my Top 5 recommendations for you to show your appreciation to yourself and others now that we're approaching the end of the year.

Wait - did I say, "yourself and others"?

Yes! We often think that our nearest and dearest should come first, but in fact, it is ourselves we need to take care of first and foremost (most importantly). Think about this: if we are physically, mentally or emotionally unwell, we are unable to contribute and be helpful to others. So putting ourselves first is in fact an act of kindness and unselfishness, and I'll be speaking about why and how you should invest in yourself in number 1.

But let's start at number 5 and work our way up:

5) One of the best gifts you can give anyone is something useful, and few things are as universally useful as an appealing or attractive calendar for the year ahead (2022). Think about the receiver for a few moments, and ask yourself what their hobbies and interests are, and then search for a theme that you know they will love. It can be a wall or desk calendar, with images they'll enjoy, and it'll keep you in their mind all year long!

4) The next best thing you can get anyone is something that is both useful and educational, and what could be more useful and educational than a good book. Take a few moments to think about your loved one's interests and then do a little search on a platform like Amazon for a book that they will really appreciate.

3) If not useful or educational, then make your gift humorous! A few years ago I had a whale of a time (that is, I enjoyed myself very much) making pet rocks for friends and family:

It kept me busy for several days as I sat basking in the sun (another way of saying, enjoying the sunshine), painting silly faces on stones. It was great fun to see my friends' and family's reactions as they opened their gift and saw and handled their pet rock. I also added a little inscription at the back and an instruction leaflet: "How to Care for Your Pet Rock", including indications such as, "Beware! Pet rocks are terrible swimmers, they will sink!", and "Nobody knows what pet rocks eat, you never have to worry about feeding it", and so on.

2) Another wonderful gift you can give to anyone you care for is a sincere, heartfelt Thank You note. Make a list of all your recipient's best qualities and a few things they have done for you or said to you that you really appreciate. Write an initial draft, and keep it nearby so that you can add to it and improve it over the next few days and weeks. Finally, write your Thank You note on a card or blank piece of paper and decorate it with stickers or doodles (simple drawings) in the margins or at the top or bottom. It is so nourishing, for yourself and the receiver, to let them know you are grateful to them!

1) By far the best way you can take care of others is by taking care of yourself. If you are well and healthy, happy and free from stress and worry, you will be offering the best gift you can give to those around you and to the world. You owe it to yourself to invest in your personal, professional and/or academic development. My signature programme, Confident English Training, is a one-of-a-kind language training programme, providing you with truly effective methods to genuinely improve the way you learn English from the inside out, using mindfulness training techniques, as well as the only opportunity you'll have to work directly with me as your English coach.

Feeling inspired to get started straight away? Find a day and time that suits you and book a call to see if you're a good fit to join right now!

So there you have it! A few environmentally friendly ideas for you to give yourself and others!

P.S. Have you picked up your copy of the Ultimate Guide to Revolutionise Your English yet?