Anonymous Gifts

It’s the little things that make all the difference.

Last week I was down in the dumps.  It has been a hard month, both financially and emotionally.  As you know, it is often hard to keep a smile on your face when you are going through a rough period.  But last week someone put a smile on my face – and there it remains.

I came home from work and found an unexpected box on my front porch.  Not just any box, but a LUSH Beauty Products box.  “But I didn’t order anything… what could it be?!”

As soon as I walked in the door I ripped the box open, only to find a card that said, “One shampoo bar is for me and one is for you.  Thanks for being such a great friend!”

To my great surprise, a new friend of mine (and I mean NEW) was ordering Lush and knew that I really wanted to try a Godiva Shampoo bar.  She was ordering one for herself, so she added another to the order and had the box sent to me.

Not only did this surprise me, but the excitement of finding a box on my doorstep made it all the more better.  It had a bigger impact on me having the order arrive at my house than if she had simply handed it to me.

The next time I am able to order something special for myself I want to follow her example by surprising someone with an unexpected goody for themselves.  I haven’t come off the happiness that the “one simple shampoo bar” brought me.  As I told my friend, it wasn’t just the shampoo, it was what and how she did it that made it so amazingly special!

NEVER underestimate the power of giving.  I learned that today in a very big way.  Two weeks ago I was on my last twenty dollars.  During a workout, a man came in to Curves unexpectedly – something you rarely see.  The owner said, “Hi Pops!” and began to talk quietly with him.  I could tell he had little money and could possibly even be homeless.

Later that night, a feeling came over me.  I knew I had to give him my twenty.  It wasn’t much, but I knew it could help.  I put the bill in an envelope, wrote “Pops” on it and quietly handed it to the Curves employee the next day.

I was without a lot at that time, but what I needed could not be covered by twenty dollars.  It felt good to give that money to someone who needed it more.

Now, I’m not telling you this story to give myself a pat on the back.  After all, it isn’t very anonymous when I post it on the internet, correct?  I’m telling you because I want to inspire you.

Again, I was completely out of money. I was hunting for change for the next few days to simply purchase gas and fill my low tire.  But I knew I would be OK.  Somehow I knew I would be taken care of, and that I would receive exactly what I needed.

Since then my washing machine died.  Magically, a friend told me he had a used one that I could have. AND he delivered it.

And even better?  Weeks ago I put $20 in to a Superbowl pool.  They run it every year, and at the time I had the cash.  One of those, “everyone is doing it so I might as well put my name down too” moments.  Yesterday, just before the Superbowl, I ran out of heating oil.  On top of that, I used the last money I have until payday to  buy groceries, only to find that two packages of lunch meat were spoiled.  I didn’t have the receipt and couldn’t run out to buy more.

Today, I found out I won the Superbowl pool.  I can now get oil and much needed new pants and shirts for my children, as well as the two backpacks my boys so desperately need.  These are things I’ve been holding off on, only purchasing items from the thrift store when there was an immediate need.

So let this be proof to you that yes, when you give to others, you will be paid back tenfold.  I didn’t give in order to receive, but yet I received nonetheless.  And you know what?  I already planned on an amount to give back to someone from this pool.  Today, a young college student was telling me about how her car was hit and she needed a particular amount out of pocket to get it fixed.  That was the amount I had planned to give away.  Perfect!

Today I was at the gym when Pops dropped in to say hello.  This is a “ladies only” gym, so the presence of a man alone makes everyone a bit nervous.  But the owner Sara called him by name and asked him how he was doing.  Clearly, Pops is perhaps homeless, or at least has some form of mental illness.  But Sara, being her normal amazing self, treated him like family.

She walked down to the only other member and I to ask if we were interested in buying Pops’ incense.  I have allergies, so I politely declined.

As I was leaving, it occurred to me that I had a few dollars in my purse that Pops could probably use.  But I didn’t want to insult him, since he was selling something at the time and not asking for money.  There was a fine line drawn that I didn’t want to cross.  Yet I could not keep Pops off of my mind.

On the way home, an idea came to me.  I am going to take a $20 bill and put it in an envelope with the name Pops on it.  I’ll place it at the front desk of Curves as quietly as I can the next time I’m there.  This way, Pops will get a bit of help and won’t be embarrassed.

Who can you help today?

I recently blogged about a product I really wanted to have, but could not afford. Something completely luxurious that was far out of my budget.  Of course the post was all in fun – but that didn’t stop me from wishing I could have this tempting “infomercial’ product. 

One of my blog readers sent an email telling me she felt the same way about this product.  She thought my post was funny because everything I wrote could have been said by her. 

Magically, only a day after my post, I was contacted by the company.  They were happy with my great interest in the product and said they would be sending me the very thing I coveted but could not afford. 

Words cannot describe the absolute glee I felt not only at that moment, but for the rest of the week.  I could not believe my luck.  I just could NOT believe it.  And then I figured it out.  This wonderful reader had contacted the company and sent them a link to my post.  “Don’t you feel after all this, you should send her the product?”  

And they did. 

Now for the kicker. This wonderful woman who could not afford it herself is at home with multiple sclerosis.  Of all the people who should be getting this gift, it should be her.  But selflessly, she made sure I got one – a total stranger – simply because she knew how happy it would make me. 

Do you know what happened?  The company sent me TWO.  Yes TWO.  With no notes, no requests, no rules.  They just sent me TWO. 

Now my new world wide friend and I will each have this amazing product.  If I had tried to send her mine she would have refused.  To her, this was MY gift.  It was MY special treat.  And she would have no part of taking this gift that she so generously made happen. 

But isn’t it amazing how God works in mysterious ways?  Such a simple thing turned into an event that brought great happiness to both the recipient and the giver.  The giver who never intended to receive anything in return. 

What a great idea.  You know those infomercials with the irresistible products?  Why not order one and have it sent to someone else?  How about a magazine subscription?  Or an expensive makeup and clothing product that the recipient could never begin to afford.  You can have anything sent to someone’s house anonymously with just a simple phone call. 

Think about it.  Watch the sales.  Figure out who would enjoy a special gift that is simply beyond their means.  I know from experience – trust me – you can bring more joy with a simple surprise gift than you can ever imagine.

Crys has posted a challenge to all working moms!  She has asked that if you are a working mom, take some time this weekend to make a craft with your kids.  Then find a nice doorstep of someone in your neighborhood that could use a bit of cheering up and SNEAK IT THERE!

Post here after you have completed the challenge.  Did you and your kids roll with laughter as you tried to sneak to the doorstep?  Did you see your neighbor find the gift?  Tell it all!

Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be appreciated.  If you have a little bit of money and happen to be at the store, why don’t you pick up a trinket to give away anonymously?  Today you can find items for under $20 that would make lovely gifts to surprise both a friend or even a stranger. 

Some ideas?  You can purchase gift cards in $15 and $20 amounts that can be mailed or placed on windshields or doorsteps.  You can buy a beautiful notepad and pens, cologne or a potted plant.  There are even stores that have well made clothing for less than $20. 

Dollar Stores now carry food items that would greatly help a family in need.  Furthermore, food items can be donated to local food banks and churches.  And those great bottles of bubbles?  A wonderful gift to leave on the doorstep of a family with multiple children.

So the next time you are in a Target or Walmart, find a little gift that you think someone else would enjoy.  Then make plans to deliver the gift, anonymously!

If you are short on money but have a bit of time, homemade gifts are a wonderful tool you can use for anonymous giving.  You may be thinking, “But who would want something made from me?”  Lots of people, that’s who.  Perhaps the elderly widow down the street could use a pick-me-up.  What would be better than a bouquet of freshly cut flowers with ribbons trailing from the stems?  And cookies?  Who does not like cookies.  Imagine a plate turning up on your doorstep!

You don’t have to be a seasoned crafter to be able to make gifts that others will appreciate.  Simple cards stating, “You are special!” are a wonderful thing to make and receive.  Kids can get in on the fun making drawings, paintings and other types of artwork.  Gifts can be delivered anonymously on doorsteps – but we have other ideas!  Why don’t you drop off a box of homemade cards early in the morning to a nursing home?  Or a few bags of homemade friendship tea to a church soup kitchen or even a volunteer office, school or convent? 

Everyone loves a surprise, big or small.  Why don’t you try your hand at a craft, cookie or card and pass it along to make someone’s day a bit brighter!

Everyone loves a challenge.  And what could be better than challenging others to do good? 

Is there a group of people you would like to throw a challenge to?  Perhaps a sports team, a school, business or community?  What about your co-workers, civic league or swim team?

Make a challenge, comment and watch the goodness begin.  How about, “I challenge everyone who loves the Redskins to print out the anonymous gift slips and put three five dollar bills on cars in the parking lot!”  You can even send me a picture to post of one of your anonymous gifts.  I love stories, pictures, videos… anything that will encourage others to help those in need.

You can email me or post on this comment with your challenge – then I will make it happen!