Creative Gifting… a little bit can go a long way

Sometimes I get stuck wanting to give everyone gifts and make them feel special… But I find you just can’t do it all. Unfortunately money does not grow on tress, time isn’t limitless, and you just can’t do it all… But what I have found, “Weisser” cookies do!  Okay, okay, they don’t grow on trees, they still take time and effort to make, it still costs money for the ingredients… but everyone LOVES them.  Even with that whole word capitalized it doesn’t emphasize enough how much people LOVE these cookies. People get very passionate about them, sometimes even fighting over them, hiding them from others, or devouring them all at once to prevent from sharing. So I guess I can say cookies are always my “go to gift”.  Birthdays, showers, sports, graduations, holidays, or even get well soons… The cookies seem to suffice every need.

The cookies started as a recipe passed down to my mom from her family.  It was then inherited by all four of us daughters. At first, we “helped” my mom with the cookies, mostly just with the eating part… But then we all started making them on our own and experiencing the magic in giving away a batch of cookies. In high school I remember making cookies for every softball game (which there were alot).  Then in college was the same experience, passing on the joy in one little cookie. When I started going to Azusa Pacific University, the cookies took on a new name and became “Cougar cookies” to serve as our much needed snack to get through each double header softball game.

So this past week I had the opportunity to go watch ten of the girls I coached at APU for the last three years play their last softball game of their career.A bittersweet visit.  I have missed them a lot this past year. I miss coaching them, hanging out with them, laughing with them, and most of all praying with them.  But what an honor to celebrate their final day. It was an opportunity to reflect on how they have grown and celebrate the women they have become. And of course, I wanted to give them something as a little token for my love and excitement for each of them. But what could I do when there are TEN of them…

Two years ago I started doing a little pick me up in the fifth inning of each game. I would go to each girl and give them a “power pill” to give them a boost for the rest of the game. (really just a skittle, but I believe there was magic in them.)

So I made a little gift package with a note, a Bible verse, “power pills”, and of course, the famous Cougar Cookies. I found some cute bags and wrapped them up to make them presentable, and Voilà, perfect gift.

 

 

 

 

 

They really appreciated the gift. They were excited about each part, even though it wasn’t anything too extravagant! And I was able to do something little to send a message of my love.  There are lot of ways to show people you appreciate them, celebrate them, and give a gift without spending a ton of money. You can always get one “go to” gift that is something you are known for or your trademark. And stick with that. Think out of the box, be creative, and start being crafty!

What’s one gift you love to give??

P.S. The secret “Weisser” cookie recipe will be available later in a cookbook.