Not every gift can be found under a tree.  Sometimes it comes in the way of precious time.  I was recently talking to a girlfriend, a fellow mom in the trenches of three kids, homework, practices, and all.the.things on her to-do list.  We were voice-texting emphatically about how the best gift we could receive is time to do it all. 

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Bless You, Grandparents.

A few weeks before my 33rd birthday, my mom and her husband drove to Louisville, packed up my three kids [ages 6, 4, and 1.75], and drove the two hours back to Cincinnati for an entire weekend.  What’s more?  She drove them back on Sunday morning. 

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Over that weekend, we sent photos back and forth via text messaging which only confirmed one thing.  This was the best weekend ever, for all of us. 

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Best. Gift. Ever

It’s not that I don’t love being a mom.  I do.  It’s not that I couldn’t accomplish a project while they are present.  I don’t.  It was simply the best gift ever to have two days in our home by ourselves for the first time in years.   We enjoyed a unique freedom that is rare and fleeting in young parenthood.  It was a gift I didn’t even know I wanted or needed.

Do you know a young set of parents that don’t need so much in the way of things but could reap some serious benefits of time?  I brainstormed some ideas that might just qualify for best gift ever.

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Unique Gift Ideas for Moms + Dads
of Little Ones

• Mid-afternoon babysitting services because while a night on the town is fun, a real treat is taking advantage of day time hours! 
  
• In-home/out-of-home overnight babysitting.  We were treated to a hotel staycation this spring and finally got to explore the city we’ve lived in [together] for 7 years.
• Hire a cleaning service for a one-time [or more!] visit [or DIY it!].  My mom cleans my stove and microwave every time she visits and it’s a small task, but I am always so grateful. 
• Meal delivery.  Whether you call on the professional services in your city or whip up a handful of freezer meals, I can guarantee this gift will be gladly accepted and appreciated.
  
• Gas or Grocery Gift Card!  Who wouldn’t love to free up some extra cash in their monthly budget? Put the bracelet, scarf, and gloves back and go pick up a gift card for one of life‘s necessities. Randomly, my dad will call to tell me he has an excess in Kroger points and I’ll fill up my tank for $1 off per gallon.  The littlest gift can mean a lot to a young family.
  
• Not close enough in proximity?  Consider funding a babysitter one time, five times, or a year supply of monthly date nights.  Check the local rates of a babysitter in their city and create a coupon book with the allotted cash attached. 
• Money towards Home Improvement.  This is a favorite gift of ours to receive.  This year, we are allotting our extra gifted dough to our home improvement fund and will eventually use it to replace our 12 year old carpet with hardwood. 
  

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Sure, you can’t wrap up a lot of these with a beautiful bow and put it under the tree, but these are the types of gifts that keep giving. 

Is there a gift you could give your daughter/neighbor/friend that will create a positive ripple effect in their life?  That’s the perfect one to give.  Share your ideas or the thoughtful gift you have given in the comments below.

Thank you for reading! 

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