HG Openhouse Blog

I have always loved to talk, just ask my parents, teachers, friends, or family. Words have always entertained me, especially my own. LOL

In recent years, I have grown to love written words with a greater fascination than those spoken. One of the reasons I believe that has changed is that I began journaling. As I wrote my thoughts each day, my interest in the written word itself became greater.

With all of the being said, I love to give journals as gifts. However, when I have given someone a blank journal, I realize that is often how it remains – blank! So, I want to share with you a dozen ways to give a journal with a little extra enhancement.

1. Teachers – allow your child to write or tell you all of the things they like about their teacher, add your own comments of appreciation on subsequent pages; tie it with a bow and add a pen.

2. Babysitters – once again have your children share what they like to do with their sitter; add a gift certificate to McDonald’s or Starbucks as a bookmark.

3. Favorite Friends – write down your favorite memories of times together, things you appreciate that they have done for you, or simply compliments about their style; add a framed photo of the two of you.

4. Friends who cook – share some of your favorite recipes and the memories that go with them, maybe even a funny kitchen disaster; add a kitchen towel and colorful spatula.

5. Friends who travel – share your best travel tips, thoughts and advice on destinations, or maybe even a photo or two of your favorite places; add a decorative luggage tag to make it easier to find their suitcase at baggage claim.

6. New Parents – share tips, your successes and struggles (but be gentle), especially some funny kid quotes or stories; add a small item for the baby and a date night gift certificate for mom and dad.

7. Newlyweds – share your thoughts on ways that you have made the holidays special, maybe an organizing tip or two, your funniest holiday story, and best cookie recipe; add a few beautiful ornaments or decorative items for their home.

8. Parents in Law – tell them all of the reasons you love their child (parents love that), and add some reasons why you find them special as well; add a framed family photo or album.

9. Parents – tell them all of the positive memories you have from your childhood, funny things you remember about family times together, or things they taught you that you are so very thankful to know; add a digital frame fully loaded with family photos.

10. Grandparents – let the children take over here, grandparents love just about anything their grandchildren want to share; add a beautifully framed photo of the grandchildren.

11. Teens – tell them some of the funny things you remember from when they were little (but don’t be too embarassing), tell them the things you love about how they are growing up, share a hope or dream that you have for their future, and tell them how much you love them; add pens and pencils, anything to be creative, and any electronic gadget.

12. Children – write all of the things you find delightful about them, point out their talents and strengths, share favorite memories, ask them questions: Would you rather be a monkey or a giraffe? What’s your favorite _________? Why? You can even start a story and ask them to finish it. Then add pens, pencils, stickers, etc. Place everything in a basket with a small stuffed animal that can be the main character in the stories they write.

I’m sure that I have only touched the surface of journaling ideas. Mix and match the ideas above, because you know your friends and family better than anyone. Then please add your thoughts and comments here to expand our list.