You can’t buy happiness but you can buy fulfilling gifts. Here are 10 gifts to promote a well-rounded life.
Gift giving is hard, man! Especially when it starts to come down the wire. And the last thing I ever want is for my gift to perceived as an afterthought. A good gift should feel personal and thoughtful. It should touch on something that’s important to them but also comes from the heart. And it’s best to offer something that’s useful and not just stuff.
There are a few elements of daily life that should be tended to by each of us. From nurturing our relationships to showing up fully in all that we do, a well-rounded life is a fulfilling one. And if my gift can help them feel connected to their happiness, then I’ve gifted well.
Through my own experiences and by supporting others in their lives, I’ve discovered the Fundamentals of Fulfillment. When you weave these into your days you feel empowered in and fulfilled by your own life. There isn’t a formula of how much time you should devote to each but I do think they make a great formula for gift-giving!
Consider which of these elements you want to help your loved one explore deeper. There’s a gift for each one designed to honor this vital aspect of a life well lived.
Altruism
The act of giving fuels our happy centers more than receiving. Gifting a Kiva card to a loved one will allow them to give to someone else, over and over again.
Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. They celebrate and support people looking to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.
By lending as little as $25 on Kiva, anyone can help a borrower start or grow a business, go to school, access clean energy or realize their potential.
Curiosity
Shifting your perspective and diving deeper into a titillating subject matter can expand your mind in inspiring ways. Here are two books likely to spark the curious mind.
Boundaries
Knowing, expressing, and honoring your boundaries can be challenging but it’s crucial for a happy life. We all have that friend who say yes way too much (no matter how well-intentioned) and gives more than they should. They could probably use a reminder draw a line in the sand. This mug sends that message loud and clear but in a playful way.
Flow
Releasing the mind and falling into a flow state where time disappears is a deeply personal and fulfilling aspect of a rich life. Whether it’s music, writing, yoga, or whatever it may be, a private retreat can create the space for this inspiration. How’s about treating your partner to a weekend in the quietness and beauty of the San Juans at the Rosario Resort to spark this creativity?
Gratitude
Feeling appreciation for what you have is a straight line to fulfillment. Encouraging a loved one to expand their gratitude practice will reward them over time. According to the Greater Good Science Center, a gratitude journal is most effective when you can dive into deeper detail and done periodically as opposed to every day. No matter the approach, getting going on a gratitude practice is what matters most.
To jumpstart a practice, here’s a gratitude journal that encourages you to make a list on a regular basis.
To dive a bit deeper, gift a blank journal (everyone loves a custom one with their name on it) with the tips for keeping a gratitude journal tucked inside.
Mindfulness
It may be a buzz word these days but that’s because mindfulness really works. It helps insulate you from the frenzy of busy, chaotic lives and empowers you to find calm in the whirlwind. One of the greatest gifts I ever received was an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course. It gave me the tools I need to calm the worried thoughts that ricochet through my mind.
There are many ways to enter into a more present frame of mind. This elegant kit provides all you need to pull yourself out from behind your phone and into the calming, creative practice of coloring. It’s a tangible reminder of the importance of slowing down and being present.
Intentional Solitude
So often we’re so focused on being there for others, we neglect ourselves in the process. Taking intentional time alone helps replenish energy stores and promotes re-centering and self-compassion. Perhaps with an enticing and delicious Relaxation Gift Box from Handmade LaConner, you can give your loved one an excuse to take time for themselves.
Learning
It’s never too late to learn something new. Pair curiosity with this action and you’ll never be bored. Give your avid learner friend the nifty Paper Tablet from Moleskine. They can still write their notes on real paper but they’ll be uploaded to their device where they can be edited or stored digitally. It’s the perfect melding of analog and high-tech tools.
Nurtured bonds
There’s no doubt that strong relationships make for a happier life. Feeling connected to others is vital as the social creatures that we are. There are so many ways to nurture these bonds by spending quality time with each other, opening up about our challenges, and simply staying in touch.
With the age of technology upon us, the act of writing a letter has gained more significance. It’s so much more powerful than leaving a comment on a photo or liking a post. Promote this sincere touch with a greeting card subscription from Pike Street Press. Each month, your loved one will receive 3 beautifully designed blank cards that they can send back out into their world. They and their recipients will be grateful for this ongoing gift.
Movement
Our bodies are meant to move, not sit behind a computer or in a car all day. Nurturing your body with some exercise not only improves your physical well-being but it helps the mind and heart find clarity, too. Send your loved one on an epic adventure with a Guided Experience from Kaf Adventures to get their blood pumping. Whether they’re a newbie or an experienced adventurer, there’s something for everyone.
Though we’re in the thick of gift-giving season right now, my hope is this list will inspire you throughout the year. From birthdays to anniversaries to just-cause, tapping into the elements of a fulfilling life in the form of a gift will always be received as thoughtful and caring.
And, of course, we’re here to help our members brainstorm more gift ideas or get them ordered and delivered!
Sondra Firestein
CEO / Lead Visionary
I’m a happyseeker on the path of self-discovery. As the founder of Pursuit Concierge, my life is all about exploring fulfillment and connecting awesome people.
A few of my favorite things include eating, sleeping, tender moments with my kitty cat, falling deep into conversation, and soaking up knowledge from a good book.
Say hi on my personal Instagram.
