Today’s Preview 

Hi gift-givers! Today’s email is your one-stop shop for last-minute gifts and actionable regifting planning. Just what you need when Amazon Prime says 'Not today’ and your neighbor’s fruitcake deserves a better home—anywhere but yours!

I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing holiday season!!

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. My favorite last-minute gift ideas

2. Your BGC masterclass on regifting

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

My favorite
last-minute gift ideas

You can find all of the last-minute gift ideas ever shared in Better Gift Coach in the BGC library, but I also wanted to highlight my top 5 favorite ones below.

The “IOU Quality Time (Q.T.)" Gift

The “crossword mama" Gift

The “Digital Upgrade" Gift

The “street signs" Gift

Viva la mixtape

Want freedom from future last-minute gift headaches??? Implement your own always-on-hand gifts strategy.

Your BGC masterclass
on regifting

Before you regift anything you received this year, I’d highly recommend you review this BGC Masterclass on Regifting. It includes a 5-step BGC Regifting Playbook to help you declutter, delight, and dazzle.

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• Last-minute gifters

• Minimalists

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

Leaving you with a smile

Tenor.com

Turning bah-humbug’s into ho-ho-ho’s,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Today’s Preview 

This is Better Gift Coach, where when someone asks us “is there a gift that’s thoughtful, that I can make happen in less than 15 minutes, annnnd that’s free?”...we reply:

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. Spark your creativity with a gift story

2. Brainstorm your version of the gift

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. See what’s caught my attention

5. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

Best Gift Story:
The “Hidden Notes Game“ Gift

Brainstorming 
your version of this gift

Who to consider hiding notes for:

• Significant others

• Kids (young & adult)

• Roommates/friends

• Parents (time to pay mom back for all the childhood lunchbox notes)

What to include in notes:

• Don’t worry about being too creative, just write

• See this piece for more traditional romantic prompts 

• Get inspired by 84 Love Notes By Couples With a Sense of Humor

Where to put/hide notes:

1. In their favorite article of clothing they own

2. In your favorite article of clothing they own

3. In your least favorite article of clothing they own

4. A location associated with their biggest annoyance

5. Along with an item that’s the source of an inside joke

6. A location associated with a chore they do that you never do

7. A location associated with something you two have wasted a lot of time on

8. A location associated with something they were “right” about that you’ve come around to

9. A location associated with something you were “right” about that they’ve come around to

10. A location associated with something (e.g. a chore) they rarely do that you regularly encourage them to do

For more, here’s a list of 41 specific locations people hide their notes.

BGC playbook for making notes a fun gift:

1. Make a list of the locations of 10 notes and what you want to write on them (privately keep this list until all notes are found)

2. Handwrite the notes (date each one and number them 1/10, 2/10, etc.)

3. Hide them (make one easy to find)

Once they find the first one and see that there’s 10 total, the game (and the fun) is afoot

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• A thoughtful friend

• Someone with a creative sense of humor

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

What’s caught my attention

Do you find yourself giving more experiences as gifts this holiday season than you have the past? —You’re not alone!

The 2024 Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey reports that consumers plan to spend 16% more of their holiday dollars on experiences like holiday events and socializing with loved ones, while gift spending is expected to be relatively flat (down 3% from last year).

Leaving you with a smile

Tenor.com

Proving love doesn’t cost a thing,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Today’s Preview 

Hi gift-givers! This week's gift idea will have you reaching for your top hat, mustache, and monocle. Forget Monopoly money—this week’s idea is all about cashing in on memories.

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. Spark your creativity with a gift story

2. Brainstorm your version of the gift

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. Share your thoughts with others

5. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

Best Gift Story:
The “Custom Classic Game“ Gift

Brainstorming 
your version of this gift

General guidance:

• Don’t delay - this gift will take a lot of time to make

• Great gift to a group - think of your family, friend group, workplace

• Fun learning tool for kids - a game can be reimagined to fit their interests or to include familiar people/places

Helpful tools:

• DIY Board Game Kit

• Blank game boards

• Blank playing cards

• Sticker paper

Classic games ripe for customizing:

• Monopoly: Replace property names with meaningful places, events, or achievements.

• Trivial Pursuit: Create trivia questions about the recipient’s life, hobbies, or milestones.

• Pictionary/Charades: Create a custom deck of prompts tied to shared experiences, hobbies, or inside jokes.

• Go Fish: Instead of the standard fish-themed cards, create ones tied to the recipient’s interests or shared memories

• Snakes & Ladders: Use ladders for positive memories or achievements and snakes for humorous “oops” moments.

• Apples to Apples/Cards Against Humanity: Replace the standard cards with custom prompts and answers tied to shared memories of a group of people

• Guess Who?: Swap the standard faces with photos of family, friends, or celebrities they love. OR create a themed version, like “Guess the Vacation Spot” or “Favorite Movie Characters.”

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• Your creative friend

• Someone whose partner is a board game enthusiast

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

Share your thoughts with others

Leaving you with a smile

Tenor.com

Building hotels on Nostalgia Avenue,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Today’s Preview 

Hi gift-givers! It’s almost White Elephant season! Or I mean…Yankee Swap season. No thanks Oklahoma—you Alabama and Mississippi can keep Dirty Santa season for yourselves…

Move over pop vs soda vs coke debate...

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. Spark your creativity with a gift story

2. Brainstorm your version of the gift

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. Share your thoughts with others

5. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

Best Gift Story:
The “White Elephant Tradition“ Gift

Brainstorming 
your version of this gift

Tips for White Elephant Gift Exchanges:

• Give gifts with great tradition potential

• If you receive a gift with great tradition potential, save it for next year

• The group experience should overshadow the utility of the actual gifts exchanged

• If compelled to give practical gifts, add something silly to it (like the wrapping job or a single sock)

Sources for White Elephant Gift Ideas:

• thisiswhyimbroke.com

• Practical white elephant gift ideas

• DIY/last-minute white elephant gift ideas

Just for you, I scoured Reddit to find a few personal favorites:

• Fake Lottery Scratch-Offs

• Pooping Pooches Calendar

• P Is for Pterodactyl: Worst Alphabet Book Ever

For Secret Santa gifts (you know who you’re buying for), consider inside joke gifts

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• Someone who works in an office

• Someone whose family has a white elephant gift exchange

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

Share your thoughts with others

Reply to this email sharing your favorite white elephant gift ever received, given, or witnessed!

Leaving you with a smile

Tenor.com

Keeping Santa clean,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Today’s Preview 

Hi gift-givers! As I once again debate parting with the never-worn socks a past co-worker gave me, today’s gift story has me asking the question: “would you rather have 56 gifts that collect dust or 1 gift that collects shared memories?”

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. Spark your creativity with a gift story

2. Brainstorm your version of the gift

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. See what’s caught my attention

5. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

Best Gift Story:
The “Splitting Luxury“ Gift

Brainstorming 
your version of this gift

BGC Playbook:

1. Identify a group that normally gives each other individual (often surface-level) gifts

2. Get buy-in from the group and collaborate on potential shared luxury experiences

3. Savor the shared memories for years to come!

Other ideas for group splitting of luxury:

• Season tickets

• Chartered boat rental

• Wine or whiskey subscription boxes

• Bulk food (e.g. butchered meat share)

• Private chef for an exclusive dinner party

• Professional photographer for a group event

• Entertainment space rental (e.g. museum, kids play area)

• Private movie screenings (AMC private rentals, Cinemark private screenings)

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• Coworkers

• Friend groups

• Family members

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

What’s caught my attention 

Your holiday season can really put your energy levels to the test—thanks to Better Gift Coach, it’s NOT the gift brainstorming that should be draining you…it’s those year-end deadlines, jam-packed schedules, and emotional overload.

Since you deserve to feel as energized as a 5-year-old on Christmas morning all season long, check out this fantastic free guide with 5 super simple, effective ways to boost your energy—no complicated routines, just easy tips that’ll help you power through the holidays without feeling overwhelmed.

Grab it here for free: https://8ca6-ashley.systeme.io/45c6cf65-82797d63

And nope, I’m not making a dime off this mention—I just thought it might help!

Leaving you with a smile

Gif by afv on Giphy

Giving you one gift to rule them all,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Today’s Preview 

Hi gift-givers! When it comes to DIY gift-giving, consider yourself Tim the Toolman Taylor and I’m your Wilson—always popping up with just the right guidance for giving gifts that stand out from the others.

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. Spark your creativity with a gift story

2. Brainstorm your version of the gift

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. Share your thoughts with others

5. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

Best Gift Story:
The “DIY Advent Calendar“ Gift

(Thanks to Rob for providing a photo)

Brainstorming 
your version of this gift

General guidance:

• Not into wine? – There are advent calendars for almost anything

• Sieze the gift tradition potential – Document what you included in the calendar so you’ll know for next year

• Not just a holiday gift – The advent calendar concept can be repurposed for almost any occasion (weddings, anniversaries, workplace events, birthdays, finals week, etc.)

Ways to DIY an advent calendar:

• There are many ways to assemble your own calendars (muffin tins, socks, toilet paper tubes, etc.)

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• A DIY-er

• Parents of young children

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

Share your thoughts with others

…

Leaving you with a smile

(Source: imgflip.com)

Measure twice…gift once,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Today’s Preview 

Hi gift-givers! If you’ve ever wanted to let someone know they’ve etched a permanent mark on your life (in a good way), today’s gift has you covered. Hope you’re on board with name tattoos…just kidding.

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. Spark your creativity with a gift story

2. Brainstorm your version of the gift

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. Share your thoughts with others

5. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

Best Gift Story:
The “learned from you“ Gift

FYI - Marcey’s Tedx presentation will leave you motivated to live in the present

Image courtesy of Marcey

Brainstorming 
your version of this gift

This gift can be from just you or from a group — If it’s from just you, you can include multiple things you have learned from them

If collaborating with others:

• Set clear expectations and deadlines

• Reach out to contributors well in advance of the gift date

• If you want the lessons to be handwritten, plan around in-person get-togethers with contributors

It doesn’t have to be a framed item meant for display — Create your own version of this gift by packaging in various ways, such as:

• A video collage

• A thoughtful card

• A series of emails

• A personalized journal

Potential gift recipients for this gift:

• Parent

• Friend

• Mentor

• Grandparent

• Boss/manager

• Spouse/partner

• Retiring colleague

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• The most thoughtful person you know

• People good at coordinating group efforts

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

Share your thoughts with others

Leaving you with a smile

Tenor.com

Keeping your gift legacy plentiful,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Today’s Preview 

Hi gift-givers! Today’s gift story encourages you to turn life’s little rips into big trips…down memory lane.

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. Spark your creativity with a gift story

2. Brainstorm your version of the gift

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. Share your thoughts with others

5. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

Best Gift Story:
The “framing a loved one“ Gift

Brainstorming 
your version of this gift

Brainstorming prompts for your version of this gift:

• What memorable possessions do you have from loved one’s who have passed away?

• How can you repurpose those possessions into wall art?

Examples of possessions from loved ones that could be repuposed into wall art:

• Tools

• Clothing

• Quilts or textiles

• Cooking utensils

• Military medals or maps

• Artwork or handmade crafts

• Pieces of furniture or upholstery

• Jewelry or accessories (see 🎁 Deck the Halls With Grandma’s Jewelry)

• Everyday objects (e.g. pocket knife, keys to a cherished home/car, etc.)

• Books or book pages (especially one with their personal notes or highlights)

• Handwritten notes, letters, recipes (see 🎁 Scrumptious handwritten gift)

How to Preserve and Frame Letters and Handwritten Recipes

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• The family historian

• Someone whose family recently lossed a loved one

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

Share your thoughts with others

Leaving you with a smile

Tenor.com

Turning tears into tears (English can be tricky),
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Today’s Preview 

Hi gift-givers! Today we share a creative window of gift-giving opportunity for you. Freshly Windexed…no smudges!

Here’s what we’re unboxing in today’s edition:

1. Spark your creativity with a gift story

2. Brainstorm your version of the gift

3. Help others be better gift-givers

4. BGC’s transition to a paid subscription model

5. Access more gift ideas

Enjoy!

Best Gift Story:
The “window to nostalgia” Gift

Brainstorming 
your version of this gift

Next time you’re replacing a window, consider if someone might have a nostalgic relationship with it before you toss it.

Alternative version of this gift:

• Instead of a photo collage, if the window stares out into a nostalgic landscape, get a high-quality photo of the landscape and frame it within the old window frame

Possible occasions for this gift:

• Moving out of a home

• Milestone birthdays

• Graduation gift

• Retirement

Do it yourself! - DIY instructional video for turning a window into a photo frame

Helping others
be better gift-givers 

Spread some love! Share this gift idea with:

• Someone preparing to move from a beloved home

• Parents still living in their adult children’s childhood home

Inspire others! Share stories of your best gifts

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below to share a story of an awesome gift (that you’ve given or received) with the community.

BGC’s transition to a
paid subscription model

imgflip.com

Starting in September, only paid subscribers will receive the regular gift idea emails.

Click here for more info.

Better Gift Coach’s subscription price: 

• $36 annual subscription

• $3.50 monthly subscription

50% off year #1 to subscribers who upgrade by Friday, Aug. 9th 

All payments are processed securely through Stripe.

Leaving you with a smile

Tenor.com

So much for pane-free gift ideas,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Access the BGC library
for more gift ideas

Search the library by gift category: 

Your 2-minute-a-week shortcut to
always having awesome gift ideas well in advance.

Hi gift-givers! Today we share a gift idea that will allow your love to cover more distance than a toddler chasing bubbles.

Tenor.com

To celebrate 100 straight weeks of putting out a Better Gift Coach edition, I’m going to take a month off of writing the newsletter!

As mentioned last week, today’s edition will be my last edition before my break.

During my break, I’d be excited to receive new gift stories from you. Submit your stories here.

In case you need some graduation gift inspiration while I’m on break:
🎁 Making gift cards fun
🎁 A lifetime of book recommendations
🎁 Grad gifts for zombie apocalypse...or just adulthood

I was also recently featured as a gift expert in this Real Simple piece The 40 Best Father’s Day Gifts of 2024.

Thank you all for subscribing and supporting the newsletter!!

The “virtual bonding experience" Gift:

General tips/guidance for virtual bonding experience gifts:

• Plan ahead!

• These make great one-on-one gifts, but also group gifts

• Just like in Karen’s gift story, consider opportunity to provide kits/supplies to take that burden off of them

Alternative virtual shared experience gifts:

1. Virtual Mixology Class (see YouTube videos)

2. Virtual Craft Workshop (get craft kits at craft stores)

3. Virtual Yoga or Fitness Class (check out Alo Moves, Glo)

4. Virtual Wine Tasting (check out In Good Taste Wines, Vinebox)

5. Virtual Cooking and Baking Class (check out Cozymeal, Cuiline)

6. Virtual Game Night (check out Jackbox Games, PlayingCards.io)

7. Virtual Escape Room (check out The Escape Game, Mystery Escape Room)

8. Virtual Trivia Night (simply watch Jeopardy together, see The “personalized group trivia" Gift)

Share this gift idea by forwarding this email to:

• Your friend group organizer

• Family/friends with loves ones living out of town

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:

• Virtual gifts

• Any memorable gift you’ve received or given

Sending you a virtual high-five,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Or search by category: last-minute, experience, tradition, less than $20, holiday bonuses, best practices, donations, group, wedding, housewarming, baby shower, foodie, virtual, workplace, kids, anniversary, long distance, just because, bereavement, graduation, mother’s day, father’s day

Your 2-minute-a-week shortcut to
always having awesome gift ideas well in advance.

Hi gift-givers! Today’s gift idea will give you the chance to live up to your self-proclaimed title as Grandma’s Favorite.

To celebrate 100 straight weeks of putting out a Better Gift Coach edition, I’m going to take a month off of writing the newsletter!

The June 11th edition will be my last edition before my break. I wanted you all to be set with gift ideas for Father’s Day.

If you need a gift idea during this time, check out the BGC library.

I will use this time to deeply pore over the insights many of you provided in the annual feedback survey. My goal is to come back refreshed and with a clear vision for the future of Better Gift Coach.

During my break, I’d be excited to receive new gift stories from you. Submit your stories here.

Thank you all for subscribing and supporting the newsletter!!

The “family newsletter " Gift:

• $0

• Unique, virtual

• Gift tradition potential

• Brings extended family closer together

• Great gift for not just the intended recipient, but for everyone in the family

This is an awesome gift for grandparents with large extended families!

Two family newsletter formats:

1. Single edition newsletter that includes updates on all family members (like the one featured in the story). This can be printed or emailed.

2. Multi-edition newsletter in which a new family member is spotlighted each week or on some periodic basis. 

Free email newsletter service providers:

• Beehiiv (this is what I use for BGC)

• Mailerlite

• Substack

BGC Family Newsletter Gameplan:

1. Get emails for everyone in your extended family

2. Create and email a questionnaire template with prompts for each family member to complete on their own (consider using a free Google Form)

3. Take the material from the completed questionnaires and populate them into a newsletter

Suggested family newsletter questionnaire prompts:

1. Share recent photo(s)

2. What’s new in your life?

3. What are you looking forward?

4. Do you have a new favorite recipe?

5. What are you doing in your spare time?

6. What books, TV shows, or movies are you enjoying?

7. Share one of your favorite (recent or past) family memories.

8. Did you take any vacations/trips this year? Share some highlights.

If you like the idea of a gift for the whole family, also check out these other past BGC gift ideas:

• 🎁 One gift to make many people smile

• 🎁Practical and useful and thoughtful…OH MY!

Share this gift idea by forwarding this email to:

• A glue person in your/their family

• Someone who would enjoy this project

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:

• Graduation party gifts

• Any memorable gift you’ve received or given

Filling up a little more each week!

Tenor.com

Thanks Uncle Larry,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Or search by category: last-minute, experience, tradition, less than $20, holiday bonuses, best practices, donations, group, wedding, housewarming, baby shower, foodie, virtual, workplace, kids, anniversary, long distance, just because, bereavement, graduation, mother’s day, father’s day

Your 2-minute-a-week shortcut to
always having awesome gift ideas well in advance.

Hi gift-givers! Today’s story is all about turning clutter into gifts that’ll make hearts flutter!

The “shared moment keepsake" Gift:

One of you forwarded this awesome gift story to me. I couldn’t wait to share it!

• Unique 

• Celebrates a bond

• Creates a nostalgic keepsake

• Allows for a living tradition that future generations can continue to add to

Don’t worry about capturing “firsts” – if the person who shared this story (Mike) would have collected bottle caps from any of the shared beers he had with his father, this gift would still be special. 

Recognize opportunities to capture keepsakes in the moment – this gift wouldn’t exist if Mike didn’t recognize the significance of those bottle caps

Include a photo along with the keepsake - add to the nostalgia of the keepsake item by capturing a photo of the shared moment

Start a generational keepsake collection – encourage the next generation to add to the keepsake collection when they share a similar moment with their kids/grandkids. 

Other shared moments with kids/grandkids (and potential keepsakes from them):

• Fishing outing (hook)

• Teaching to tie a tie (the tie)

• First day of school (kid’s drawing)

• Making a family recipe together (spatula)

• Sports/concert event together (paper ticket, program)

• Shared handiwork project (tools, scrap material, screws, etc.)

Past BGC keepsake gift ideas that capture shared moments:

🎁 How to milk a dinner date

🎁 Cherish the oops moments

🎁 Snap this pic before it’s too late

Share this gift idea by forwarding this email to:

• Parents of young children

• Family tradition aficionados

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:

• Keepsake gifts

• Any memorable gift you’ve received or given

Reply to this email to share your thoughts!

tenor.com

Turning your trash into a nostalgia gift stash,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

It was great to see all the comments from the poll question in The “return address label" Gift. Here are some thoughts on this gift shared by subscribers:

“I love personalized return address labels”

“Return address labels can be used on other things not just envelopes!”

“[Stamps] seem classier [than stickers]. I get a lot of the charity sticker variety.”

“As a housewarming gift, I’d prefer a combo of liquors to make a special drink”

Or search by category: last-minute, experience, tradition, less than $20, holiday bonuses, best practices, donations, group, wedding, housewarming, baby shower, foodie, virtual, workplace, kids, anniversary, long distance, just because, bereavement, graduation, mother’s day, father’s day

Your 2-minute-a-week shortcut to
always having awesome gift ideas well in advance.

Hi gift-givers! Today, I’m going to share a wonderful memorial gift that’s firmly rooted in love and purpose.

Thank you to everyone who completed the annual BGC feedback survey! I’ve been diving into your feedback.

More than a few of you asked if I could make past newsletter editions available on the website. Please click here to see a library of every past BGC edition. 

In the BGC library, you can filter by keywords such as last-minute, experience, tradition, less than $20, wedding, housewarming, baby shower, workplace, kids, anniversary, bereavement, graduation, mother’s day, father’s day and many more!

The “outdoor memorial plant" Gift:

• Unique

• Creates a lasting memorial

• Lets them choose their preferred tree/plant on their own time

 General guidance:

• This gift can be given long after their loved one’s passing

• If giving them a tree/plant that they’ll be responsible for or will be on their property, it’s best to include them in the process (I think the gift card from Tom’s story is a great idea)

• If the recipient is not particularly green-thumbed, offer to accompany them to the nursery to help choose the plant and provide support in planting.

I’m a big fan of using a local nursery, but here are a couple of national online retailers that deliver saplings:

• seedsoflife.com (6-month guarantee, filter by region)

• littlesaps.com (all evergreen trees)

Options for donating a tree on public lands:

• For donating a plaque tree (or bench) to a particular city or park system, google “commemorative tree program [insert location]”

• The US National Forest Service Plant-A-Tree program allows you to donate trees to deforestation projects across the national forest system

• Arbor Day Foundation Plant Trees for Others Program will plant trees in forests of need across the U.S. in places like national forests and areas recovering from wildfire

Alternative items to donate in someone’s memory (other than plants):

• Art installation

• Memorial bench

• Library donation

• Scholarship fund

• Outdoor fountain

• Playground equipment

Share this gift idea by forwarding this email to:

• Your tree-hugger friend

• Someone whose spouse just lost a loved one

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:

• Memorial gifts

• Any memorable gift you’ve received or given

imgflip.com

Seeding your best gift ideas,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

The community survey in 🎁 The “Remember When’s List" Gift edition asked the following:

Who in your life could you generate the longest “remember when list” for?

The answer “Mom” scored the highest (not a huge surprise, well deserved), but “Dad” received ZERO votes. Even “Pet” received a vote!

Tenor.com

Okay, Dads - Challenge accepted! Let's get to work on creating those memories for our kids!

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Your 2-minute-a-week shortcut to
always having awesome gift ideas well in advance.

Hi gift-givers! Today, I’ve got a peach of a gift idea coming to you from…you guessed it…Georgia. It’s sweet, juicy, and ripe for the pickin’.

HAPPY (early) MOTHER’S DAY to all the mom subscribers!

Thank you to everyone who has already completed this 4-question feedback survey on how you feel about the Better Gift Coach newsletter.

If you haven’t yet, I’d really appreciate it if you took a few minutes to do so. In return, you’ll receive a free copy of my Simple Method for Standout Gift-Giving. It’s a quick read that could quickly make you everyone’s favorite gift-giver.

The “Remember When’s List" Gift:

• Freeeeee!

• Easy to ship

• Unique - it’s not like they can buy themselves one of these lists

• Awesome group gift opportunity for siblings, friends, co-workers, etc.

Other ways to package memory gifts:

• 🎁 The “remember when’s" Gift (one of the most popular BGC gifts ever)

• 🎁 The “crossword mama" Gift

• 🎁 Turn memories into song

• 🎁 Memory doodles

Alternative occasions/recipients to give this gift:

• Graduation gift

• Anniversary gift

• Grandparent gift

• Celebration of life

• Birthday gift for a sibling

• Get well soon/thinking of you gift

• Retirement gift for a co-worker (potential to team up with other co-workers)

• Birthday gift for a best friend (potential to team up with others in your friend group)

• Moving away gift for a neighbor, friend, co-worker (potential to team up with others)

Tips for flooding your mind with memories:

• Go through old photos

• To recall memories, prompt yourself by focusing on categories (teen years, school, holidays, vacations, etc.). Here are memory tips from Harvard Medical School.

Share this gift idea by forwarding this email to:

• Someone with an elderly parent

• Someone with a memory like a steel trap

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:

• Gifts from your children

• Any memorable gift you’ve received or given

Filling up a little more each week!

Tenor.com

Cheers to all the moms reading this,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Feedback on 🎁 the “card replacement journal" gift idea:

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Your 2-minute-a-week shortcut to
always having awesome gift ideas well in advance.

Hi gift-givers! Do you ever read this newsletter and say to yourself “how did I never think of this gift idea?”. Welp, here’s some déjà vu coming your way courtesy of BGC subscriber Alison.

The “card replacement journal" Gift:

• Budget-friendly

• Awesome tradition

• Practical, while very personalized

• Creates a timeless family keepsake

General guidance:

• Choose a durable journal that will withstand the test of time

• Designate a place in your home to keep the journal so it’s always easily accessible

• If you have multiple children, no problem – use multiple pages for each occasion (there are no rules)

It’s never too late to start this gift!

This doesn’t have to be a gift only between children and a parent! This gift also works between:

• Spouses

• Siblings

• Friends

• Grandchildren and their grandparents

Share this gift idea by forwarding this email to:

• Someone with young children

 Sponsored

Everyone! Courtney, a BGC subscriber, has created a simple solution for adding lasting thoughtfulness to any gift (or card) you give. It’s called Gift N’ Stick.

Scan the QR code on the gift below for a demo video of how I’m going to use Gift N’ Stick to turn my son’s cute Mother’s Day gift into one my wife will gush over for years DECADES to come. 

Click here if can’t scan

Check out giftnstick.com and use the promo code BGC30 for 30% off.

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:

• Practical gifts

• Any memorable gift you’ve received or given

Tenor.com

Don’t tell Hallmark I gave you this gift idea,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Subscriber sharing feedback on The Keepsake Restoration Gift shared by Karlyn:

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Your 2-minute-a-week shortcut to
always having awesome gift ideas well in advance.

Hi gift-givers! Better Gift Coach is here to remind you that the best gifts might be coming from the back of the closet to the center of someone's heart.

Thank you to everyone who has recently shared the story of one of the best gifts they’ve received or given. Please keep the gift stories coming!

The “keepsake restoration" Gift:

• Preserves a piece of family history for future generations

• High likelihood of being a great gift when you restore something they already love

• Allows for personal preferences - note how the husband let Karlyn choose the type or restoration she wanted

BGC Playbook for Keepsake Restoration Gifts:

1. Do an audit of their most loved/cherished keepsake items and consider if they could use some refurbishing or repurposing. 

2. Conduct research into how to get them restored or repurposed

3. Consider if you should include your gift recipient in the process (such as Karlyn’s husband did)

4. Take before an after pictures to appreciate the restoration or repurposing

Ways to find restoration vendors:

• Online research

• Antique stores and dealers may have connections to restoration experts or may offer these services themselves

• Online forums and communities. Reddit.com/r/restoration/ is a community for anyone seeking restoration help, wanting to show off their restoration projects, or anything in between.

Keepsake repurposing/upcycling ideas:

• Repurposed and upcycled vintage “junk” makeovers

• Clever furniture repurposing ideas

• Ways to repurpose old books

For a related, and very creative, family heirloom gift idea shared in a past edition: 🎁 The “Deck the Halls With Grandma’s Jewelry" Gift

Share this gift idea by forwarding this email to:

• Someone whose spouse just lost a loved one

• Someone whose loved on appreciates family heirlooms

 Sponsored

Everyone! Courtney, a BGC subscriber, has created a simple solution for adding lasting thoughtfulness to any gift (or card) you give. It’s called Gift N’ Stick.

Scan the QR code on the gift below for a demo video of how I’m going to use Gift N’ Stick to turn my son’s cute Mother’s Day gift into one my wife will gush over for years DECADES to come. 

Click here if can’t scan

Check out giftnstick.com and use the promo code BGC30 for 30% off.

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:

• Father’s Day gifts

• Any memorable gift you’ve received or given

Tenor.com

From my attic to yours,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

Or search by category: last-minute, experience, tradition, less than $20, holiday bonuses, best practices, donations, group, wedding, housewarming, baby shower, foodie, virtual, workplace, kids, anniversary, long distance, just because, bereavement, graduation, mother’s day, father’s day

Your 2-minute-a-week shortcut to
always having awesome gift ideas well in advance.

In a new relationship or in the dating pool?
📢 Save time, money, and stress!
Purchase BGC’s New Relationship Gift Guide

Hi gift-givers! Today's gift idea is one for the person in your life who is always focusing (the camera) on everyone but themselves. You know…those cheese-lovers. That is, those SAY CHEEEEESE lovers.

Sponsored

Everyone! Courtney, a BGC subscriber, has created a simple solution for adding lasting thoughtfulness to any gift (or card) you give. It’s called Gift N’ Stick.

Scan the QR code on the gift below for a demo video of how I’m going to use Gift N’ Stick to turn my son’s cute Mother’s Day gift into one my wife will gush over for years DECADES to come. 

Click here if can’t scan

Check out giftnstick.com and use the promo code BGC30 for 30% off.

The “photos of the photographer" Gift:

• Budget-friendly

• Unique keepsake

• Purposeful – help someone find themselves again

• Recognizes the sacrifice of someone who regularly assumes the photographer role

Photos don’t have to be of only them – the family/group photographers rarely have photos of just themselves, but also don’t often have many of them with others 

Personalize with captions – adding handwritten notes or captions next to the photos can significantly enhance the emotional value of this gift

If you don’t have enough photos of the gift-recipient – ask others to send you their photos (and maybe their captions)

Your gift tradition opportunity in the making – keep adding to album periodically! Get intentional by asking them to switch places with you after they take a photo of you.

How to quickly find all photos of someone on your iphone  – Here are instructions from Apple for a neat iPhone shortcut

Share this gift idea by forwarding this email to:

• Your best friend

• Someone whose significant other is the “family photographer”

Please reply to this email ~ or ~ click the button below if you have stories of awesome gifts that you can share with the community that fall under the below topics:

• Father’s Day gifts

• Any memorable gift you’ve received or given

Thanks to everyone who has already shared!

Tenor.com

May your gifts always be in focus,
Patrick Kucharson
Better Gift Coach

In response to 🎁 The “memory lane surprise visits" Gift, one of you shared how to make this gift even better:

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