I’ve never been one to be materialistic when it comes to the holidays. Sure, there have been things I’ve wanted for Christmas. Mostly, those hopes and dreams came when I was a kid who wanted the Atari, the He-Man figures, the Star Wars ships, the R2-D2 toy box to put everything in. But as I grew into a teenager and started to work, I realized that gifts from other people didn’t matter as much as the idea that someone would think of me enough to get me something they thought I would appreciate.

And the gifts changed from being collectible items to something I could get real use out of. I received a sweater in 1995 that I am only recently realizing needs some good sewing work or a funeral. The collar is coming apart. The knitted comforts are beginning to stretch away from being something wearable. But I continue to wear it because it’s warm, and because it has some sort of meaning to me, probably coming from all the compliments of how comfortable it looks. Much to my wife’s chagrin (though, to her credit, she hasn’t said anything to me about it yet), I’m still holding on to this death bed’s sweater that looks like something Kurt Cobain would probably have said “Nah” to.

To me, that’s the meaning of a gift. And it isn’t to say there aren’t things I’d like to have. I’d love some new furniture, or a Nintendo Wii. I’d enjoy some new clothes. I could use some new socks and shoes. I could always appreciate a couple of DVDs and CDs I’ve had my eyes on for a while. But I don’t need them. As a new father, I’m of the opinion that I want things that will help my family and my son have a good holiday together, not just me and my desire for a Mario Kart video game. Which got me thinking…what do you get someone who really doesn’t need anything, but wants to make someone happy?

A jug of apple cider
Along the roads leading to the North Georgia mountains (and maybe your neck of the woods), you’ll find stand after stand of farmers selling their wares. “BOLD PEA-NUTZ” is a popular one, along with fresh tomatoes. With the weather turning colder, you’ll find vegetables a little harder to come by. But something that never goes away, even through the winter, are the folks out on the side of the road with jugs of fresh apple cider. You can get gallons of goodness, and nothing can top the taste of it once you get it home and heat it up with a little cinnamon and (maybe) some sugar. It’ll make the whole house smell like the holidays.

Cloth board games
Lots of garage sales are going on right now, as people are doing what they can to possibly make a little cash in the declining economy. Some fun items can be found among the musty clothes and china lamps. I’ve seen regular board games, but if you’re doing the right hunting, you can find rug-sized versions of classics like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, complete with the same accessories and fun stuff that comes in the box. The difference here is being able to lay out on the floor with the family and have a more “life-sized” version of the same game!

Records
Claire and I just dusted off our record player for the first time in a couple of years. We pulled out and combined our records and started playing them for Will. There wasn’t a single one he didn’t enjoy, from John Denver & The Muppets to some really hot Steve Winwood album. And we had a lot of fun playing them for each other. You can get records for very good values just about anywhere. The market for them is growing, unlike CDs, and there are plenty of things available only on records that you can’t find on the Internet (either for free or on the pay services). Pay a visit to your local record store and head for the clearance rack to see what you can find. If you know the person you’re buying for, chances are they’re going to love getting that solo album by the lead singer of Yes more than you think.

Baby clothes
Before Willard was born, we received bags and bags of baby clothes from some incredibly generous friends who had a child about a year prior to our son being born. And it was great. First, it’s a big money-saver. Second, there is nothing cuter in the world than baby clothes. We get to dress our son up in some great outfits. If you have a surplus of baby clothes, and you know someone who is in need, it’s a great thing to do for the new parents and a good way to make some room in your house.

Some of your time
As much as Claire and I love snoogling over our son and smiling at him and spending as much time as possible with him, sometimes we love to take time for ourselves that we just don’t have—one of us has to stay with Will, and the other is either at work or sometimes otherwise indisposed. I imagine it’s the same with any parent, even with different situations. Offer to watch your friend’s, sibling’s or child’s children for a little while so Mom and Dad (or, Husband and Wife) can go out on a date (or stay in for peace and quiet). It’ll make for happier parents and happier couples, and it’s one of the best gifts you can give someone.

Of course, not all of these items will work for everyone. What if you’re allergic to apples? (You could try peach or pear cider, probably from the same guy on the side of the road.) What if you can only find those cloth board games at a store? The point is, maybe try getting something that everyone can enjoy in a new family. Little babies are pretty easy to entertain, and when they’re entertained, mom and dad usually follow right along behind them.

After all, my son laughing and staring at a Steve Winwood record made my day.