The Dollar Value of Gifts

My Dad is difficult to buy for (I’m sure like most Dad’s are). In all honesty he already has too much stuff, wants for nothing and if he does happen to want or need something he just goes right ahead and buys it himself. As a result, for his birthday I’ve been agonizing over what to get him. It took a while or wracking my brain, but I’ve finally come up with an idea!

As my parent’s will be on holiday in Europe for his birthday, I decided to get them tickets to an experience in Paris (I know, very minimalist of me). My Dad has always wanted to go to the St George’s Pompidou Center (which apparently has a fabulous viewing platform). So, I purchased both my parents tickets. The one drawback of this being that this only amounted to about $20AUD and I then started worrying about what else I could possibly buy because I felt as though I hadn’t spent enough money.

It was at this point where my Mum imparted some wise words of wisdom and informed me it’s not about how much money I’ve spent, it’s about the fact I’ve put a great deal of thought into this gift. Mum reminded me that my Dad has been wanting to do this for so long and it’s an experience I’ve thought to gift him. However, I still felt cheap…

Mum then went on to say that I could spend more money on a gift, however it will probably end up being something that doesn’t mean much or he doesn’t really want. For instance, I considered buying more expensive tickets that included access to the museum and current exhibitions- however Mum said that’s not what he’d be interested in and the extra money will most likely be wasted. Not to mention the fact, I don’t want them to waste precious time in Paris doing things they really don’t want to be doing.

I specifically thought of this gift because it’s something he’s mentioned so many times before and now with an upcoming trip to France, it seems like the perfect gift to give. I know he will appreciate the thought that has gone into it, regardless of how much it actually cost me. I know he will enjoy the view of Paris from the viewing platform of the St George’s Pompidou Center and I’m sure he will take his new camera along (he recently renewed his interest in photography) to capture the experience.

It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s the thought that goes into a gift.

What are some of your creative gift ideas?