The Gifts We Give.

Here’s a gift idea more people should duplicate.

As loved ones age and special days come around, it’s harder to shop for them.

This Father’s Day I found myself running through a few stores searching the aisles for something I could give my dad. I couldn’t show up empty handed!

As I struggled to find an item I could wrap and present to ensure I was I loving daughter, the whole thing felt dumb. If I got him a shirt or new coffee mug it was only to cross it off the obligatory list. I didn’t want to buy him another thing he didn’t need.

I had just finished reading Theo of Golden and had a stroke of genius.

If you haven’t read the book, please do. It’s a delightful story of the mark one man left on a small town. It inspired me to give an unconventional gift.

Two of my dad’s favorite things are coffee and conversations.

For Father’s Day, I gave my dad a copy of the book Theo of Golden, a gift card to a coffee shop, and a note telling him to arrive each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. to have coffee and read. At 9:00 a.m. I have coordinated a surprise guest to arrive and have coffee with him. We’ve been at it for 10 weeks now and he looks forward to every meeting, never knowing who will show up next to have coffee with him. The guests range from old friends and coworkers, to acquaintances and professionals you just don’t get enough time to chat with. Everyone has been so willing to participate. 

I’ve added Theo of Golden to my Favorite Things list. Give it a read and think about how your gifts can foster connection. It’s been such a fun weekly event.