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Creative Gifts for Our Loved Ones

How we turned our time and talents into meaningful gifts for family and friends

by: Lucy Hood, from: AARP VIVA, Winter 2011‒2012

Practical streak

“I like to share the gift of my experience as Max’s mommy.”
—Gina Toole Saunders, art director

— Illustration by: Greg Clarke

Whether she's on the giving or receiving end, Gina prefers practical gifts. "I don't like a lot of extra stuff," she says. "And I'm not good at acting surprised when I get something I don't want."

So it makes sense that after the birth of her son, Max, five years ago, she created a practical gift for the parents of newborns: a care package to help with the day-to-day challenges. It includes various medicines; a portable formula dispenser; and a traveling diaper-change kit, which comes with a pad, plenty of space for several diapers and a case for baby wipes. "I give parents what they will need before they know they need it," she says.

Next: An artist's touch. >>

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Smart gift-giving ideas

Charitable Giving. Make a donation in your loved one's name to a favorite cause. Check charities out at sites such as Charity Navigator or GuideStar.

Travel. Whet someone's love of travel with airline gift cards. Choose an airline that goes to a favorite destination, whether to visit family or take a dream trip.

Finance. For children who have enough stuff, put money into savings reserved for college. Consult a financial adviser for the best strategy, considering your budget and the economy.

Technology. Give the avid — or reticent — reader an e-reader or tablet, set up to get books free in English or Spanish from a local or online library.

Health. For an ill loved one and the caregivers, buy a whiteboard and markers, and improvise a system to notate the time, dose and administration of medicine.

Nutrition. For the foodie in your life, print out healthy recipes for each month and buy 12 bottles of wine to match. Check recipes with a Latin flavor by chef Denisse Oller.