What is a real gift, anyway? Giving consumerism the cold shoulder....

Some of you may have read the post similar to this on my personal blog, but I think it is appropriate for a financial and health related lifestyle blog, as well. As you know, I have become super in love with Mr. Money Mustache's blog, and this post is one that was inspired by an early post of his. He talks about how every year for Mother's day, instead of buying his wife bouquets of flowers, trinkets, or chocolate, he and his wife (and their son, I'm guessing) go out and buy flowers and plant them in a specific place in the yard. I love this for two reasons: 1. What an awesome way to spend time together on Mother's Day! 2. What a wonderful way to really remember that holiday and the time spent together for the rest of the year.

I think this is the perfect sort of thing to do as a gift. What could be more wonderful than beautifying your yard and being able to enjoy looking at those flowers all year long. Why do we even buy silly trinkets and junk that ends up in donation bags later down the line.....you are literally throwing money away. We are constantly bombarded with some holiday's latest version of celebratory "gifts" at the stores....I feel like I can't even walk into a store anymore without being reminded of what holiday is 2 months away. So, I challenge you as birthdays, anniversaries, and (conveniently) Mother's Day come up to make your gifts MEANINGFUL and almost FREE! Obviously buying flowers to plant costs some money, but it is money that would probably be spent anyway at some point in the spring. If you want to get really hard core on the savings, buy flower seeds for about 80 cents a packet and plant those in the yard...they take a little longer, but they will get there. The picture above is from my wedding--my mom, fiancée (now husband!) and I planted those at the beginning of the summer and helped them grow beautifully for our backyard wedding reception. It was my favorite part of the decoration! A gift does not have to be a thing....that's what Dallin and I refer to as stuff that we don't really need....things. Because they really are just things, and in the end, things aren't what make you happy. So, as my birthday approaches in a few weeks, the mister and I are going to prep and plant herb seeds and tomato plants in my pots on the porch (still living the apartment life---no garden, yet). I absolutely love gardening, and I can't imagine a better way to spend my birthday. What "gift" ideas do you have? I'd love to hear and gain some new ideas from you!!!