Being alive is exhausting.
There are so many things that must be done every day, most of which must be done again the next day, it seems almost inevitable that ‘Adult’ would change from noun to verb, and ‘Adulting’ would be the thing most of us feel we’re failing at.
When your daily tasks seem overwhelming, it’s time to turn to your support system; at the holidays, it’s time to thank them for all they do.
If you want to say thanks for all the help you are given, choosing a gift for a loved one or friends can be relatively easy. But what if you don’t know them very well? Your child’s teacher helps immensely, in so many ways, and while you’d love to get them a gift, what happens if you buy a lifetime supply of beef jerky and they’re vegan?
Well, first things first. Don’t ever buy anyone a lifetime supply of beef jerky.
But second, try one of the lovely gift shops in Sudbury with great ideas that everyone will enjoy!
Hannah Poole of downtown’s newly opened Good Luck General Store, said for the most part, two pieces of information will go a long way to helping find a great gift.
“Price range and approximate age,” she said. “This usually helps to instantly narrow down the search. I tend to like to give practical gifts, goods that can be used so they don't just take up space, especially for people I don't know super well, such as a teacher or a home-cleaner.
“From here, you can usually figure out if something like a candle or incense works for them, or if they like small tokens like a funny pin or patch. Air plants are a great gift for someone who already has plants, because they are pretty easy to take care of. If it's for a co-worker or a teacher chances are the gift buyer has seen that person's workspace so they will know if a plant will suit them. Sometimes it's even as easy as finding the right card and that's the gift.”
As well, you could try a locally made soap.
“Eclectic Clover Skin Balm by Roots of Resilience, which is all natural and handmade in Sudbury, is a nice gift for as it suits all skin types and can be used for hand, body and face,” Poole said.
If you do know something about the recipient of your thanks, you can also try The Birch Box, another fresh face downtown. An extension of her expertise in creating gift boxes for her event planning company, Lisa Bonin opened The Birch Box only recently, and offers gift boxes featuring unique, Canadian-sourced products. She adds that even the smallest bit of information can help find the right gift.
“Any little tidbit of information could spark an idea for the type of box that we could create for them,” Bonin said. “From there, I can make suggestions whether it be a relaxation spa-type box, maybe some nice stemless wine glasses with some handmade truffles (and) a nice bottle of wine, or maybe even a beautiful pashmina to keep her warm and stylish this winter. The possibilities are endless.”
Within the hustle and deafening pace of the holidays, try not to forget the people in your life who make each day easier.
Whether it is the daycare worker who stays that extra time when you’re running late, the teacher who gives extra help, the mail carrier who greets you with a happy “Hello!” or the house cleaner who never ever comments on your sink’s worth of dirty dishes, a simple gift can go a long way.
We all wish for someone to notice the little things we do, and your token of appreciation, however small, could brighten the holidays and the new year for someone you are thankful for.
Jenny Lamothe is a freelance writer, proof-reader and editor in Greater Sudbury. Contact her through her website, JennytheWriter.wordpress.com.
