Thought Matters More than Cost

My kids love to tease me about my reaction to the plastic pink flamingos that decorated the lawns of certain home and business owners to raise money for projects. 

I loved the idea! There's been no time taken to look for adorable faux flamingos, however. 

Mother's Day started a bit early this year as my first present, hurriedly wrapped, appeared on my desk with eager faces waiting for me to open it. "We know it didn't cost much," they apologized, "but we saw it and knew you would love it!"

Inside a container I found a pink flamingo dressed for the Florida beaches. I took it outside to take a picture in the sunshine. Then I  opened the package for a picture of him out of the package. Afterwards, I carried him inside and put the happy bird on the shelf along the window. One touch of the sunshine and his wings started flapping happily. 

I've always felt that it is the thought put into searching for and finding something that is special to the recipient, rather than a high price tag, that makes a gift perfect. Yes, I'm the family member that gets excited over a pretty rock and holds onto it for years!

My mom enjoyed seeing report cards with A's in citizenship. She felt all of us could learn anything we wanted to on our own, if need be, but good citizenship was a personal choice. A good grade there proved our good character.

What's the best and most meaningful inexpensive gift you've received?