Every February I look for the first robin. It’s a spring ritual of mine. And with the return of the robins, I know that spring flowers and green lushness of trees leafed out cannot be far behind. I love spring - I think most people do. And maybe it’s the happiness of making it through another harsh winter as our ancestors did that causes us to look for any reason for a celebration of life. We plan weddings and we see young adults graduate and many many more events.

Regardless of the celebration, we often feel compelled to bring a gift to these spring gatherings.

Because it’s Spring I love to focus on bright and uplifting gifts. Something that speaks to my love of nature, my zest for life.

When buying for young adults, think of their lifestyle and then try to work in a theme such as the great outdoors. For example, young adults love to bar-b-que and getting them a bar-b-que set or a lively nature themed tablecloth would be most welcome.

My niece is getting married this spring. She is so very excited and just beams every time I see her. She is having her reception outside so for wedding gifts anything that has a natural or ‘outdoorsy’ feel to it would totally rock. Of course she needs everything from stemware to placesettings. She and her soon to be husband have purchased their first house and are working hard to make it a home. So a nice park bench or hammock would be awesome gifts.

When my sister and I were little girls we used to go to my aunt’s house every summer. My aunt’s birthday fell when we visited and my sister and I would plan a special party for her every year. Sometimes it was an inexpensive gift like an embroidered handkerchief or a handmade card. Other years we saved up for months to give her something like a natural stone necklace. No matter what we gave her she loved it.

Spring is that wonderful time of year when it’s not too hot or too cold and the world is alive with color and new life. May your spring gift giving be inspired by this wonderful time of year.