I am wracking my brain just to pick one.

I am very sentimental.

The gift isn’t about money or just being generous. It goes above and beyond for me. If it shows genuine thought behind it, it is a winner.

One of the first gifts I ever received from my current better half was for my 34th birthday. I had joked with him that I would never be able to get a Nintendo Mini. It was just too far out of my budget, but I loved the original and really wanted another.

He showed up at my door with a SNES Mini because, and I quote here,

You should never say never. If you have a goal, work towards it. Happy Birthday!

He just surprised the heck out of me when he got out of work. He did not want me to be a Negative Nancy anymore (sorry every Nancy ever) and he wanted me to try looking more toward what I would attain if I worked hard.

My mindset is much less negative nowadays. I find myself being grateful regularly. Through him, I learned that it is possible to be grateful for the little things, even when life is hard. This gift was a reminder.

Of course, I have had so many thoughtful gifts over the years.

One year my daughter gave me a gratitude journal because she knew I was working hard on self-care.

This year, my partner’s son and his family gave me a fidget ring made of steel because I anxiously fidgeted any 3D-printed rings to death. 😂

They also gave me a Tamagotchi (throwback to my middle school years) because I was talking about them one day and they found a mini one that was Hello Kitty for my collection.

The effort, thought,, and time put into formulating the perfect gift before it is handed to me is the best gift of all. In my opinion, of course.

Thank you! 💜