{courtesy of Michelle Pino}
Time-honored wisdom tells us that the best gifts reflect
both the recipient and the giver. I like to take my gift-giving a step further.
Why not give gifts that not only reflect my personal taste and preferences but
also benefit me as well as the recipient? As long as the recipient truly enjoys
the gift, my methods aren’t selfish at all, merely a form of enlightened
self-interest. Father’s Day is a particularly great time to incorporate this
technique in gift giving. I like to find something my husband will enjoy, but
we both know I always give a gift that I’ll get a little something out of as
well.
My husband and I are both winelovers, so a couple of years in a row, I got him a wine club membership. We
both enjoyed the monthly deliveries, and we even shared some of the monthly
treats with guests. It was such a hit that last year on Mother’s Day he
returned the favor.
If you’d like more help in the kitchen, consider taking the
things you do there outside. Putting together a meal on the grill is so much
more manly than using oven mitts to take dinner out of the oven. This Father’s
Day, get Dad a grill he can proudly show off to neighbors and guests. Chances
are you’ll spend much less time cooped up in the kitchen this summer.
Treat your husband to a day or weekend at a resort. Of
course, he’ll have to bring you along. You can enjoy the romantic getaway
together and also participate in activities you personally enjoy. At Turning
Stone they have started to create resort packages specifically catered to a couple’s
day retreat. Let your husband enjoy a round of golf or win big at the poker tables. Meanwhile
you can have a spa day and relax by the pool. Afterwards you guys can meet up
for a romantic dinner and night out.
Get fit together. Has your husband been talking about
getting in shape but spending more time watching television than watching his
weight? Get a gym membership for the two of you, or sign up to take a fitness challenge
together. You’ll enjoy quality time together, and you’ll be doing something
good for your health as well.
Gifts that benefit the giver aren’t simple indications of
selfishness. In fact, when time for gift giving comes, selflessness can be
easily overrated. Everyone wins when a gift makes everyone happy. Inject a
little enlightened self-interest into your life this Father’s Day. Your whole
family will be happier.
Michelle Pino has contributed this piece based
on the knowledge she has acquired while working
at Skana,
one of New York’s finest spas. When
Michelle isn’t working you will
find her
baking,
crafting, reading a magazine or catching up on
her favorite TV
shows . If you have any questions
or comments feel free to contact
Michelle via email at
michellepino@turningstone.com
My wife loves getting me things for Father's Day that she'll enjoy too. And I don't mind. I enjoy sharing with her. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm happy to be your newest follower! I'd love it if you could take a second to check out my blog and follow me back :)
Thanks so much,
Tyson @ www.uplifting-love.com
Grat ideas! My honey has been teaching homself to play guitar, so I am giving him a year of online lessons. I can' t wait for him to serenade me!
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