40 Wonderful Reasons

Guys can be hard to buy gifts for.  My father always tells me to save my money and insists he wants nothing.  Then, there are the men who want the world...a boat, a motorcycle, and apparently someone else's income.  Let me share with you a sweet little gift that doesn't cost a penny, but never fails to impress.  Identify a milestone moment that is approaching...a 40th birthday, a 15th anniversary, or even one year of dating for the newly in-love couple, marking every honeymoon moment.  Big pressure right?  Solved.  Tell them 40, 15, or 12 reasons you love them and package the message up in a bottle.

Here's what you will need:

1-A tiny (yes tiny) glass jar from the dollar store, with a lid.

2-A few pieces of colorful paper.

3-A fine tipped black marker/pen.

4-A piece of ribbon

5-A piece of cardstock to make a small card.

6-Hole punch

7-Glass beads optional

Punch a hold in the corner of your cardstock and slip your ribbon through it.  Then, write a message to your honey or daughter or sister.  Need an idea?

To my husband,
     You have enriched my life beyond words.  Each day I am more grateful for the time we've shared.  Now, as you mark four decades of life in this world...I want to celebrate each year of your life by sharing 40 reasons that I love you.

Now you need to come up with those 40 reasons.  Yeah yeah...I know that seems like a lot, especially if you've been married for 20 years and you are overplaying sweet.  But, it isn't that hard once you get going.  It can be as simple as "I love your beautiful blue eyes" or "I love you for being a great dad" or "I love your grin".  Just make sure the words will fit on the paper square you're about to cut out.  If you have been married for 15 years, come up with 15 reasons.  If you've been dating for a year, come up with 12 reasons...one for each month you've shared together or even 52 reasons for each week, if you are really in full throttle puppy love.

After you cut several squares out of the multi-colored paper, write each of the things you are thankful for on the paper.  You can also buy a heart-shaped punch if you prefer that instead of squares.  Fold the pieces once or twice, just to give the paper some volume in the jar.  My jar is rather large, so I padded the bottom with glass beads.  Tie the ribbon attached to your card around the top of the jar and throw on the lid. 

Then, be prepared to carve out alone time for this special gift, so you can express the sentiment on the card and then pull out each piece of paper one by one to read to your loved one.  Trust me...you will knock their socks off.  It will only cost you a few dollars to make, but the results are priceless.  Your hubby, friend, or parent will say it was the best gift they've ever gotten.  Please let us know how it went if you try it.