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To preface, I learned a lot from my late uncle. He was an intellectual, a professor at a university. He was also one of the most generous people I have ever known. And he was eccentric beyond description.
It is said that I am like him in many ways.
At Christmas, Everyone he knew got a present. And he expected nothing in return.
Thing was, most of the presents he collected free or cheap all year long. He once filled up everyones car at a gas station so he could collect stamps for free mugs and he already had planned out who was going to get each mug at Christmas !
He always shared and always thought of others.
And he was well loved.
I love to travel. I do not get to travel as much as I like but when I do I collect thihgs, especially free things. I am also on every free sample free thing email list
I collect freebies all year long.
They are included in everyones presents.
Examples for this year at Christmas
The Tampa Rays gave out free retro jerseys one game. I chose one in my brothers size. It will be his. At the Oshkosh Airshow this past summer (aka the Osh Gish this is Expensive!) Air show I collected so many free things that I had to stop by the thrift store and but a $3 duffel bag to bring them home. This includes hats , a Ford Hat for my dad, GreenBay Packers 100 year celebration cups, keychains, etc. Everytime I go somewhere and get some free item, it goes to someone else
All those stuffed animals from the crane games ? The small ones were Halloween Treats in lieu of candy, the big ones will be donated at Christmas to the local toy drive. (My son and I have the talent for cleaning out claw games and do it for the sheer pleasure of winning. We Rarely keep the prizes.)
So it is kind of funny that I have a similar modus operandi as my uncle. And I keep it within the enjoyment of what I give. My nephew loves the Packers so he will like the cup. My brother loves baseball. My dad loves hats. I usually try to fill each persons box with 5 to 10 items, some bought, most found.
I do shop clearance sales, and buy things through the year. My goal is always to be done by Thanksgiving. Usually this is easy
What a wonderful idea, and thoughtful and kind also. I applaud you for following in your kind Uncle's footsteps, and for teaching your son this kindness as well.
I like tea, and have found several I really like. I tend to put a tea bag in every greeting card whenever I send one. In the past I have put in a package of state specific flower seeds. I like to include some little surprise when I send a card. My thing now is to order a case of Jelly Belly premium jelly beans in individual packages that say "Thank You", or "Happy Birthday", or since Christmas is coming up, I have ordered "Reindeer Corn" and "Christmas Mix". I hand out as appropriate to friends, family, kids, and strangers alike. They always bring a smile.