Thank you so much for sharing everyone! I am working my way through all of your amazing gift memories and my heart feels so full! I wish I could give a gift card to everyone, and there were so many touching stories but since there can only be 5 winners, I've randomly selected them and I'm happy to extend my congratulations to Gail Seale, Jordan Martin, Wendy Brookes, Suzanne Fabre and Richa Rajesh :) If you send me an email at AudreyALaModeBlog@gmail.com I'll send you your digital gift card xx Audrey
My favorite gift memory was when I was 14. Back before cordless phones, I asked for a phone in my room. My parents hooked it up on Christmas Eve but since it was a rotary phone, there was not a switch for the ringer. That night I heard a ring from under my bed. My whole family came running in thinking of excuses as to what I heard. I dismissed it and didn’t give it much thought. On Christmas morning I was genuinely surprised when I woke to find my new, red, rotary telephone resting on my nightstand. Of course, then I realized what I had heard the night before. Those were the days! Thank you, Audrey, for another great video.
absolute favorite gift memory is me calling my dad crying because I thought I was going to fail the GRE (it was the night before) and he said he had something that might help me so he came over with this piece of paper and said "everything you need to know is in the note" and I opened it and it said "you are Tiffany Yochum". I still have it now that I moved across the country for grad school and I look at it whenever I need a reminder. Audrey you are my favorite youtuber, thanks for this!
That’s so sweet! I bought a bookclub friend a vintage easy bake oven still in the box when I drew her name for our Christmas swap. The little cookbook and pans were still in there too. It was aqua blue from the 60’s just like the one my parents gave me as a kid and I still have. She cried.
favorite gift memory: a small birthday cake from my mom when I was about 4 or 5 yrs old. The best part was my mum turned up really earlier that day on my birthday (first time ever) and took me out of the kindergarten. She gave me a small cream cake so I can enjoy it on the way back home. I grew up in a small city in China where the parents didn’t take kids birthday really seriously Lol, this probably why this memory is so special for me. My mum passed away a few years ago and I miss her all the time..
I was a single mom and will forever remember the year my three sons, ages 12, 9 and 7 had my dad take them to the Dollar Store where they purchased, (with money they had earned), matching lipstick, lip liner and nail polish as my Christmas gift. Priceless! It melted me. They are now grown and wonderful husbands and dads.
My favorite gift memory was when I was about 14. My cousins were living with us and had not had much of a Christmas past & we all agreed to give them their dream gifts instead of getting a bunch of things ourselves. It was the best to see the two kids overwhelmed with glee! It really is better to give than receive.
my favorite "gift" is the birth of my nephew. Becoming an aunt, being hugged and kissed by a tiny lovely human that looks at me as if I am the world to him, is the best gift that my brother could ever give me. I never thought that I could be able to love someone "new" that much
My favorite gift memory: my mom hunting all over to find me a drop-front desk for my parents to give me for Christmas. Unknown to us it would be her last Christmas, and whenever I look at the desk I think of her. Over 35 years ago.
When my son was 3 and a half, we were in the mall looking at the sidewalk sales. He wanted to go in the jewelry store “all by myself”. Of course, I had to lurk at the door for safety so he demanded to go towards the back of the store, farther away from me. He was the only one in the store at the time and I saw him talking to one clerk, then a second was involved, then all three. I expected them to tell him that the $2 in his grubby little hand wouldn’t be enough...instead became out with a beautifully wrapped package with a gold (filled) necklace inside. I was so proud of him for wanting to get me something pretty, I had tears! Now, at 14, he returned from a trip to Europe (which he earned cutting and selling wood) with a silver eternity necklace and the words “shows I’ll never stop loving you”, again, so proud! This time, I really cried!
One of my favorite gift was when my husband was healed on Christmas morning in the Intensive Care Unit❤ that was 13 years ago and so grateful for every year thereafter
I vividly remember the Christmas Santa gave a a dollhouse made by my father (his elf). We had just built a new home so all the carpet and wallpaper in the dollhouse matched our real home. It was a very special treasure enjoyed for years of imaginative play ❤️❤️❤️
My favorite gift memory was witnessing the joy on my mother's face when my brother, who was in the US Air Force, walked in the door Christmas morning after serving in Iraq for 6 months. What a blessing it was to have him home safely & to share the love of having family together.
When my daughter was about 5 and the weather was cold, I would warm up the car and scrap the frost off of the windshield. Each time I would comment on how cold my hands were. For Christmas, she gave me a window scrapper that had the insulated mitt attached to it. She told me "Mama I don't want your hands to be cold". It was the best present ever and yes I cried.
My favourite memory was receiving a surprise airplane ticket to go home (across the globe) for the holidays when I was still a PhD student in Canada and was planning to skip going home that year. My dad passed away later that year, so this was my last time spending the holidays with him - and I am forever grateful for that gift! And thanks for the video, Audrey.
When my kids were young their natural curiosity always got the better of them at Christmas and I would spy them peeking into wrapped Christmas gifts under the tree. Having 2 boys meant that clothing really was not an enticing gift for a 9 year old or an 11 year old. So one year to manage the peeking I wrapped all their gifts in old clothes before they were gift wrapped with paper. Then I heard them at one point groaning and moaning to eachother about how mum was giving them clothes for Christmas this year. Then on Christmas morning they opened their gifts and found out how they had been tricked. We had a massive laugh and I think my cool mum rating improved as I tricked them big time. IT continues to be a family memory shared every so often.
Favorite gift memory💜 It’s not exactly a gift I received but it’s a memory of learning the joy of giving a gift to others. My family on holidays, instead of exchanging gifts to each other, collect money on what we would have spent if we bought gifts, then donate it to a cause. This all started when myself and my brother realized the secret of 🎅and I remember being devastated not getting Christmas gifts anymore. But one year when we donated bunch of supplies with the money we collected for the local animal shelter, and seeing the joys in the shelter animals’ eyes - I truly fell in love with our family tradition of giving gifts on holidays. It will now be our 15th year this year!
My favourite gift memory is actually a regift from my mother to me: back in the day when my parents were dating, my father brought her a watch as a souvenir from his trip to the Netherlands. Years later she gifted it to me because it's both vintage and youthful, and she felt it was more suitable for me to own. My absolute go-to watch every day since, and a symbol of my parents!
My favorite gift memory: My husband and I met while studying abroad in Belgium back in 2013. It was my birthday weekend and a group of us were traveling to Paris for the weekend. While we were walking to the train station, he pulled a simple yet beautiful green scarf out of his backpack and said happy birthday. I love the scarf to this day; most 19 year old men don't have such taste!
Haven’t had a Christmas at home in Australia in 7 years so this year I’m traveling home for the holidays - best gift ever! Thanks for your thoughtful and stylish content Audrey.
My favorite gift memory was when my first of four sons had his first job and went out and carefully selected a glass Snowman globe that played the song ‘Let it Snow’. He was 15 or 16 at the time. I was so touched that he earned the money that bought the gift that he spent thought and time to purchase. He was so excited to give it to me. I think the excitement and love in his eyes as he watched me open it were an even more special memory than the gift itself.
One of my favorite gift memories is a few years ago while playing the Yankee Swap game, my friend secretly got the item I really wanted so she could save it for me. At the end of the game she gave it to me. She made me cry with such a sweet gesture. Thanks God for good friends that make such a big difference in our lives! Blessings.
I love your classic looks it's so refreshing. My favorite gift memory is my record player and 45’s records in the 70’s, I loved singing as a kid and went in to be a professional singer.
I grew up in the Laurentians (a place with a lot of snow North of Montreal, Canada), and one Christmas, my brother got a snow racer sled. The look on his face was priceless, I don't think I've seen him this happy since, and he's a grown up now. I will always remember that smile and the hours we've spent on his sled going down mountains (and our driveway most of the times)!
Growing up, my grandmother had a record player that had withstood years of use. It was her favorite possession. We would play records year round, but especially at Christmas. A few years ago, it finally played its last song. My favorite Christmas gift memory was when she unwrapped a brand new record player. She couldn't stop crying. I wish I could find the video to post! It was absolutely precious and so memorable for all of us.
My favorite gift memory: my nephew gave me and my sisters a necklace with a pendant that had “Love Mama” engraved on it. It was my mom’s actual hand writing. My mom had just passed away so it was a treasured gift. Thank you!
I love that you used some of your own pieces that you already had in your closet with some new pieces. The travel capsule is such a great idea and despite the fact that I try to have a capsule wardrobe, packing for travel seems to flummox me and I overpack! My favorite gift memory is not so much about the gifts, but the timing. I fondly remember a Christmas when my mum was working shifts and not home on Christmas morning. It was hard as kids to wait to open presents we had looked forward to for weeks, though so worth it to sit with our mother when she got home from work and watched us enjoy ripping into them. I truly don't remember what I got, but I remember her beaming face.
I love everlane! One of my best memories of gifts was the Christmas that everyone realized for 30+ yrs I had been giving everyone in my family Christmas stockings and never got one myself, so they all got together and gifted me with a stocking that was 10 ft long filled with 30+ yrs of treats, spoofs, gift cards candies and goodies that they all decided to put in it! It was such a fun thing and took forever to get through all of the items! Fun fun fun...Happy Thanksgiving! And thank you for your terrific videos!
My best gift memory was the gift of time from my best girlfriend. She would take me to my chemo sessions, wait for me, then we would go to lunch after or shopping. I always felt good that first day due to the steroids they give me. She did this for me for six sessions! Her presence was such a blessing.
I loved it when I gave a small painting I made to my sweet Grandma. It was us as a family, surrounded with Peonies, her favorite flowers! She was so surprised!! Later I heard that she was so proud and showed the painting to all of her friends and careworkers! I love her and am so happy that she loves the painting and the memory that goes with it 🤗
Giving my mom the news she was going be a grandma was the best gift giving ever. She was SO excited. My husband and I habf been married 6 years and tried for 2 to start a family. It was the best.
At the end of my cancer treatment I bought my sister a guardian angel charm as a thanks for all her support. We went for lunch and I gave it to her. She had bought me the exact same guardian angel charm! A special memory I shall treasure forever x
I remember more than 50 years ago, my parent got me a beautiful black 'fuzzy' winter scarf. I was the oldest 6 kids in an immigrant family so something like this was very, very special. I've never forgotten it.
My favorite gift was when my Dad splurged and got me my Barbie camper. He took us camping as kids and I was hooked. Now that he's gone, I m grateful for him passing down the love of the outdoors to us. I loved my Barbie camper! 💕🤗
I honestly do not remember presents from my childhood but I remember waking up and see the Xmas tree up with all the gift. My dad used to put the tree up on Christmas Eve while we were asleep in bed and It was always so amazing and magical to find it when we woke up. He passed away 3 years ago so Xmas is now my time to remember him and feel grateful for the amazing parents I had and so it is more about memories than an actual present.
When I was six years old I told my parents that I didn’t want anything for Christmas that year when they asked me for some gift ideas. I felt I had everything I needed. I was fine with my answer until Christmas Eve night and the realization set in that I may be watching everyone else unwrap presents but myself have nothing to unwrap. I regretted my words then. In the morning I went out to see all the gifts under the tree and lo and behold there were three gifts for me. A puppet that said phrases when you pulled the string , a Pillsbury dough baking set and a light brite. I was so surprised and so over the moon happy. That was my most favourite Christmas gift memory.
As a child I sat under the cherry tree in the garden on a metal & teak bench watching the blossoms drift down to carpet the lawn. When I bought my first apartment I adored it’s sought after terrace, planting a few pots with bright flowers, an oasis in a busy city. For my birthday my parents who lived several hundred miles away came to celebrate. There on the terrace was a bench with repainted metal ends and a new teak seat, all refurbished by my father. Now when I sit on that trusty bench enjoying the rolling countryside spread out before me, l cherish that unexpected gift and the memories of my beloved parents.
My husband gave me a travel book for Ireland with a note inside saying we will need this when we travel there for our first wedding anniversary. My grandmother immigrated fro Ireland to the U.S. as a young woman. She was a very influential woman in my life. It had always been my dream to see the country she had to leave behind for a better life. Truly a dream come true.
When I was six, my Dad was on strike and we had absolutely no money for Christmas. Friends and family were dropping off food and inviting us to eat with them. As kids, we knew times were tough. But behind the scenes my Mom and Dad gathered all these friends and family and together they built me a giant wooden Barbie house and sewed doll sheets for the beds and made pretty cards into windows and crocheted rugs and even re-upholstered old cans of hot chocolate, cutting them into chairs and couches, sewed tiny teddy bears and glued old fabric to the walls as wallpaper! I was absolutely speechless when I saw it by the Christmas tree! At 52, I still have this wonderful doll house!!!
My favorite gift was a bouquet of flowers from my husband and son. My 2.5 year old picked out the flowers and when I came home he was so excited and was shouting “we got you flowers mama” over and over. It took me a couple of seconds to figure out what he was saying because he was that excited.
I was a faculty adviser for the school yearbook for as part of my 32 year career as a professor. When I retired, a former editor contacted my previous editors and asked each to write a message to me. She made a hard cover book, and inside she included their special messages and a photo of the cover of “their’ yearbook. I retired in 2011, and still cannot read the messages without tears 😭. I love your videos and have learned so much from you. It would have helped me a great deal to have your videos throughout my career & life. Thank you for all you do!! ♥️
My grandma raised me and my sister so we were always frugal growing up. I'll never forget when she gifted me a small diamond ring (that I'll never know how long she saved up for) because I was finally "grown up" enough to wear real jewelry. Before Audrey (and youtube), she was really the one who taught me to love things that last a long time and are made with care.
My favorite gift ever was a reservation for dinner at a beautiful Italian restaurant for my husband and I on our wedding anniversary. Our two children organized, reserved, selected the menu and paid for this dinner. It was a great experience and a lovely gift. Audrey, Thank you for working so hard in your RUclips channel. Your attention to detail is visible and makes each video very special. Your travel videos are a work of art. Your comments and classic looks are always on point and you look very elegant. Well done!
My favorite gift memory is when my oldest was three years old. She came out in the morning and the look of magic on her sweet face. It was the first year she was old enough to really enjoy Christmas and while I can’t remember what she opened that year the pure child joy was my favorite.
When I was five my grandmother made me a rag doll out of leftover material for Christmas. Her eyes and lips are embroidered and she has yarn hair. The best part was the mini capsule wardrobe that she made to go along with it: a little dress, trousers, shorts, a blouse and a long coat. All pieces matched and had cute little snaps and hook and eye closures. I still have her over forty years later.
My favorite gift memory was when my father gave me a sewing kit (scissors, tape measure, pin cushion, etc). It was highly unusual since my mother was the one that did the gift shopping. I still have the pieces decades later.
I remember Christmas eve when I was a kid and the whole family had the flu at the same time. Everyone laying on the sofas sharing blankets in the livingroom taking turns opening gifts. No christmas dinner was eaten that day, haha.
I have many fond gift memories, both giving & receiving, but this one is by far my most memorable. By the time I was born only one of my grandparents was alive, my grandma, and she lived on the opposite side of the world. As a kid we flew there to visit often but I was so young that I only have a few memories of her, which includes me attending her funeral. She died when I was eight but before she died my parents took me to Walmart (of all places lol) to buy fabric. I chose this beautiful pink fabric roll with purple & pink ballerina shoes on it and we had the fabric shipped to my grandma. Many months later I received a package from her and it was a dress. She took the fabric I chose and made a hand sewn dress just for me. It is so precious to me since it’s one of the only things I have to remember her by and I know making the dress was very precious to her because she wanted to give me (her only grandchild that lived away from her) something special ❤️
During one of my first few years of teaching, a family gave me a glass blue apple. It is very unique! I’ve taught for 25 years and still use it, as the child speaking holds it and everyone else gets to listen, then pass The apple to the next speaker. It’s never been dropped or miss handled as I introduce it as something special to me that I’d like to share with the class.
One of my most cherished gifts is many years ago my mom gave me a Bucky. It’s a wrap full of buckwheat that you microwave to heat up and keep you warm. She has since passed away and every time I use it I think of a warm hug from her.
Hi Audrey, love your videos! My favourite gift wasn't a present that could be wrapped. I used to ride horseback. And my father secredly took lessons. So on my fourteenth birthday he could go riding with me in the woods. He was always a very busy man especially with work. So I never expected this. We went for a nice outside ride. At that age it was the best gift ever. I'm 27 now and actually it still is ;)
When I was 5, my parents bought me a lilac tutu and leotard with beautiful capped sleeves. Of course I loved ballet & was often found prancing around the house in my tutu. Thinking about reminds me to approach the things I am passionate about with that same sense of freedom and pure joy. Thank you for the wonderful content Audrey!
I love the memories relived when pulling out ornaments for the tree. Just today as we were decorating the tree, my daughter pulled out an ornament of mine that was given to me before a ski trip and it had a $100 bill folded and taped underneath it. That was close to 30 years ago.
My favorite gift memory was when my parents gave me my first cashmere sweater when I was 21. The lux feel on my skin and the camel color is something that I will never forget. Since time made me wear a different size, I have passed the sweater on to my niece and whenever she wears it I can’t stop smile recalling the memory. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, specially to Audrey.
my favorite gift memory is when my grandparents bought my family (my sister, parents and i) a puppy for christmas. all of our family, including my grandparents, had shelties (shetland sheepdogs) my whole life, and we had been begging for one for years. i was eleven when they flew out from ontario with a tiny, 10 pound ball of fluff - with a broken paw from falling off my grandpa's lap, wrapped in a little tiny cast - and he limped right into our hearts. we named him finlay after a local mountain we grew up climbing and he gave us the most wonderful 12 years of love. we lost him suddenly this summer and it broke us all to pieces. i know this first christmas without him will be hard for us, but hands down, no question, fin is the best gift memory of my entire life, and i hope that everyone gets to experience the unconditional love of a pet in their lifetime. hold your puppies close friends :)
My favorite gift memories, now that I think about it, are tied to gifts I have given rather than received. One of my favorites was a book I had custom made for my husband that I gave to him on our wedding day. It was our love story, and all the reasons I love him. It didn't cost a lot of money, but I have pictures of him opening it and reading it that I will cherish forever.
Favorite Gift Memory: My aunt gave me a lovely garnet ring sprinkled w/ diamonds on a silver base as my high school graduation gift. It was the first piece of fine jewelry I ever had the pleasure of owning and I still hold it dear to my heart to this very day seven years later. Everlane offers such glorious pieces and I would love to add timeless pieces to my very outdated closet. I've never owned a cashmere sweater and that would be so lovely to have the opportunity to splurge on a purchase I wouldn't otherwise have the funds to do so. God Bless You sweet Audrey & Happy Holidays to you and yours! -Valerie
Favorite gift memory: Me and my husband were in Peru. We always stay in Airbnb to know the people and the culture around. We ended in a appartment with a couple, their 3 children, nana and a very angry dog. They really seem to struggle, they don't have a fridge and many stuff. Before we leave, we talked to the their 8 years old, and secretly give her money, and told her that she only give to her parents after we leave. It was very little money for us (we aren't rich ou anything, but was what we can, at the time). After one hour we received a picture of the 2 little ones (including the 8 year girl) with new pair of sneakers each. I was the best gift ever. They look super happy and we are so grateful for that. Best best best feeling.
My favorite gift memory happened recently. My aunt gifted a 50 year old Japanese blazer that my grandpa had given my grandma when he was stationed in Okinawa. It is absolutely beautiful, has been well taken care of, and the artistry of the seamstress was amazing. My aunt knows it’s in good hands; it’s my most treasured piece of clothing.
My husband flew my brother from India to US and that was an amazing surprise to see my brother when i opened our front door! You can imagine my disbelief and cheers!! I was ecstatic!
The pants/ankle boot combination is so chic! I think my favorite gift memory was one I didn't receive but one I helped put together. My sister received a playmobile castle for Christmas and somehow I ended up assembling it. It took a few hours (I think I was around ten at the time) and my sisters were so excited but I was frustrated that it took away from my Christmas (even though I did it willingly). Now it is one of my favorite memories. In the end, it was fun to put together and to see how excited my sisters were to watch it come together.
It's so simple, but I never gave it mind--a colour palette when travelling makes perfect sense. Good lord, I've actually packed trunks for two-week holidays, and I like to keep clothes simple and formulaic.
My favorite gift memory is a gift for my daughter. In short she showed horses. She rode her horses as well as other people’s to get those horses points. One of the horses she loved and wished so much that she was hers. In the middle of a horseshow, the judge called her in and she thought she was in trouble because she saw her dad either the judge. The judge announced that the horse she was in was now hers, her dad bought it as a surprise. She was overjoyed and broke down crying. Her dad got teary. I was crying. An amazing gift and surprise.
When I was 18 and had left home to live in California. 6 months later At Christmas I took my first trip home to the farm where I grew up (Kansas) and my Dad, with joy in his face, gave me a big hug when I came in the door ... first time he ever hugged me. We became closer after that.
Receiving old photographs of my grandpa when he was younger. I love getting glimpses into the past through old photographs, cherry on top was that this was my grandpa.
My favorite gift memory ever is the birth of my grandson, Hudson. He has Down Syndrome and has had many health challenges. He’s now 23 years old. But through it all, he and I are bonded like superglue. Feeling his hand in my hand never fails to bring warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. He calls me “Dollie.”
My favorit gift memory(last yr):: Coming out of my room early morning on my bday...and getting a small puppy , surprise cake and ballons filled all over the room... nothing was visible untill and unless you move the ballons with your hands..🤩🥺🤩🥺😍😍🐕🐶
My mother gave me a beautiful tea cup with a cover three months before she died. It was her last gift to me and it has a special place in my heart and home. Every time that I want to cherish her memory and feel closer to her I use it to make some kind of tea ceremony all by myself and I enjoy it very much.
I just love everything you have to say you are spot on keep doing what you’re doing you’re such an inspiration such a lovely lady with amazing tone when you speak it’s very soothing and very kind have a blessed day be safe🥰🌸
Hi, Audrey! Love your channel. My favorite gift was a 'Tiny Tears' doll. My folks forgot to put it under the tree and when they remembered, my Dad took the doll outside and started yelling 'goodbye' to Santa. When I got outside, he told me Santa came back especially for me to bring my doll! I really felt special and loved that doll for many years! Keep up the good work! Your ideas each week are timely and varied.
Years ago on my birthday , My boyfriend handed me and my mom(her birthday is a week after mine) each present, wrapped with messy and soggy newspaper, they looked so much like trash. Not expecting much, we unwrap it....OH BOY!!! SMART PHONES!!! It was so sweet of him so concern our phone were not working well and saved a few months to give us these amazing gifts. 7 years now, we are still lovingly using them. 🥰
As a child my mom was sick a lot. She was raising 5 children by herself. I was the oldest. At one point she got sick at Christmas time. She had shopped for the younger children but not the three oldest. We were fine with getting nothing . Our one neighbor stepped in and took the three of us to the store and let us each pick out a gift. I don’t remember the monetary gift but the gift of compassion and kindness have stayed with me throughout my life. I try to touch peoples lives and make a difference like our neighbor did for us.?
My favorite gift memory: I was moving state and it would be the first time living that far away from my sister. As a moving away gift she gave me a note with a list of daily reminders for me to read whenever I was feeling sad or discouraged. She put that note in a little silk pouch for me to carry around in my pocket. I cried when I first read it. I still take it out and read it all the time, even though I’ve now moved back to the same state as my sister. Her note is still always with me.
We had to put our family dog down a few years ago. I lived far away from home and couldn't be there for it and was devastated. For christmas that year, my Dad surprised me with a memory book full of pictures of our sweet pup. He put so much thought and care into the gift and he knew how much I loved our dog... I cried so much that christmas
Hi! My favorite gift memory was when I turned 25 years old. Some friends asked me to sit on a chair, and then they lifted me with it, and move it up and down while counting 25. Every time I remember that, it makes me smile, just as that day that I laughed so much. It also reminds me that sometimes the best gifts are not the material ones, but rather the ones that create the fondest memories in our hearts.
My favorite gift memory is when I had to spend Christmas in the hospital as a child due to scarlet fever and my mother brought my Christmas gifts to the hospital. I so wanted a dancing ballerina doll and that was the first gift my mother had me open. Tho I was stuck in a bed, I was one happy little girl!
One of my absolute favorite gifts was a hefty biography of the Beatles. I was just beginning to fall in love with the Fab Four as a teen, and my mom figured I'd like to learn more about them. Seventeen years later, it's still one of my favorite books!
Since we're talking about "Gifts That Go The Extra Mile," I'd have to say that the opal necklace my dad bought me after he flew thousands of miles (and over 17 hours) from the USA to Australia to visit me is one of my most cherished items. It's physical proof of how far he'd go to see me :)
My favorite gift memory happened about 5 years ago now. My boyfriend (now husband) and I were celebrating our first Christmas together. It was the first Christmas after my mom had passed away and he heard many stories about how into Christmas and gift giving she was, including the annual pair of pajamas she got me and the Swarovski Christmas ornaments I got her. For this Christmas, he got both of those things for me to keep the tradition alive. ♥️😭
For a wedding gift my sister sent out scrapbook pages to friends and family and had them each decorate one with marriage wisdom, family recipes, etc. What a treasure ❤️
We my niece was about 7 or 8 she received twenty dollars in a card from friends and wrapped this twenty dollars in a box and gave it to her parents for Christmas. This was such a selfless act for one so young. This will always be a favorite memory of mine.
Favorite gift memory: my sister and her two daughters got an antique stool and recovered it themselves for my makeup table. I still have it and use it.
My son, who at the time worked in NYC at the Apple Store and rarely got off for the holidays, surprised me by coming home for Christmas as I was finishing up cancer treatment. Best Christmas ever!
My favorite gift memory just happened yesterday. About a week ago I asked the Universe for a red book page marker. My daughter surprised me with one even though her friends were using pink at school. She came up to me explaining why she chose red... she had no idea how much this would make me happy! Now I will just keep dreaming certain that beautiful things, beautiful people, beautiful opportunities, beautiful trips are coming to me as a gift from the Universe! Love to you all, 💚
My favorite gift memory was when I mentioned to my mom in passing that I really want to save up for a blender so I can make smoothies and smoothie bowls and about a week later, a perfect little blender showed up in my mail :)
When I was a child, my mother would wrap our gifts with brown paper bags. She was an artist, so she would decorate our presents with calligraphy and festive illustrations. Even as a bratty adolescent, that was one of my favorite parts of christmas morning--seeing the special notes and images she'd chosen for my presents.
Favorite gift memory: my mother gifted me earrings in silver and amber. Their shape is a Celtic knot, with the meaning of love and eternity. Without knowing this, my partner gifted me a necklace in silver and malachite, with exactly the same Celtic knot. I always wear them together, as a symbol of the love I am surrounded with. ❤️
My favorite gift was a Waterford crystal ring holder in a heart shape. My husband bought it for me as a birthday gift years ago. The fact that it was his idea and surprised me with it....made it even more "special".
Bought my hunter husband a new rifle that he had admired that was kind of expensive....kept it hidden in it’s beautiful leather case underneath our queen size bed for two weeks! I wrapped a box of shells and placed under the tree. When he opened to find shells he was puzzled until I brought in the long case....he cried....I cried.....best gift ever.
When I was very young (maybe 4 or 5) my parents bought me a pink satin nightgown/bathrobe set. I felt like such a princess and almost never took it off. It's a very special memory for me.
This is a fun comment section! My favorite gift memory is getting Mysty the kitten for my 12th birthday. My family had just moved to Virginia, and I had to leave all of my childhood friends right at the end of the school year. I was lonely. I had always wanted a cat, my family had a trusty dog already. My mom and dad decided to give me a kitten and had found somebody giving them away. We went to this house, and a large litter of mixed tabby/Siamese kittens was running around. Mysty was the runt of the litter...she ran right up to me and I knew she was the one! We took her home and gave her a great life. She lived until I was through with medical school. Probably about 16 years.
My mother bought me a blue White Stag ski jacket for Christmas when I was 14. It was the “it” jacket in the 70’s and I felt so stylish in it. I wore that jacket all through high school.
Thank you so much for sharing everyone! I am working my way through all of your amazing gift memories and my heart feels so full! I wish I could give a gift card to everyone, and there were so many touching stories but since there can only be 5 winners, I've randomly selected them and I'm happy to extend my congratulations to Gail Seale, Jordan Martin, Wendy Brookes, Suzanne Fabre and Richa Rajesh :) If you send me an email at AudreyALaModeBlog@gmail.com I'll send you your digital gift card xx Audrey
My favorite gift memory was when I was 14. Back before cordless phones, I asked for a phone in my room. My parents hooked it up on Christmas Eve but since it was a rotary phone, there was not a switch for the ringer. That night I heard a ring from under my bed. My whole family came running in thinking of excuses as to what I heard. I dismissed it and didn’t give it much thought. On Christmas morning I was genuinely surprised when I woke to find my new, red, rotary telephone resting on my nightstand. Of course, then I realized what I had heard the night before. Those were the days! Thank you, Audrey, for another great video.
absolute favorite gift memory is me calling my dad crying because I thought I was going to fail the GRE (it was the night before) and he said he had something that might help me so he came over with this piece of paper and said "everything you need to know is in the note" and I opened it and it said "you are Tiffany Yochum". I still have it now that I moved across the country for grad school and I look at it whenever I need a reminder.
Audrey you are my favorite youtuber, thanks for this!
My sister gave me an easy bake oven when I was 50. I’d wanted one as a child. I cried lol
I can relate...
Aww that is so sweet!
That’s so sweet! I bought a bookclub friend a vintage easy bake oven still in the box when I drew her name for our Christmas swap. The little cookbook and pans were still in there too. It was aqua blue from the 60’s just like the one my parents gave me as a kid and I still have. She cried.
Yiyi D’ that’s something I would do! I was told by my grown children I’m an overprotective mother! I guess they’re right! Oh well! 😉😉
favorite gift memory: a small birthday cake from my mom when I was about 4 or 5 yrs old. The best part was my mum turned up really earlier that day on my birthday (first time ever) and took me out of the kindergarten. She gave me a small cream cake so I can enjoy it on the way back home. I grew up in a small city in China where the parents didn’t take kids birthday really seriously Lol, this probably why this memory is so special for me. My mum passed away a few years ago and I miss her all the time..
I was a single mom and will forever remember the year my three sons, ages 12, 9 and 7 had my dad take them to the Dollar Store where they purchased, (with money they had earned), matching lipstick, lip liner and nail polish as my Christmas gift. Priceless! It melted me. They are now grown and wonderful husbands and dads.
My favorite gift memory was when I was about 14. My cousins were living with us and had not had much of a Christmas past & we all agreed to give them their dream gifts instead of getting a bunch of things ourselves. It was the best to see the two kids overwhelmed with glee! It really is better to give than receive.
my favorite "gift" is the birth of my nephew. Becoming an aunt, being hugged and kissed by a tiny lovely human that looks at me as if I am the world to him, is the best gift that my brother could ever give me. I never thought that I could be able to love someone "new" that much
My favorite gift memory: my mom hunting all over to find me a drop-front desk for my parents to give me for Christmas. Unknown to us it would be her last Christmas, and whenever I look at the desk I think of her. Over 35 years ago.
💔
When my son was 3 and a half, we were in the mall looking at the sidewalk sales. He wanted to go in the jewelry store “all by myself”. Of course, I had to lurk at the door for safety so he demanded to go towards the back of the store, farther away from me. He was the only one in the store at the time and I saw him talking to one clerk, then a second was involved, then all three. I expected them to tell him that the $2 in his grubby little hand wouldn’t be enough...instead became out with a beautifully wrapped package with a gold (filled) necklace inside. I was so proud of him for wanting to get me something pretty, I had tears! Now, at 14, he returned from a trip to Europe (which he earned cutting and selling wood) with a silver eternity necklace and the words “shows I’ll never stop loving you”, again, so proud! This time, I really cried!
I cried too
Oh my ❤️ truly one of the sweetest best stories I have ever heard. Simply beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.
One of my favorite gift was when my husband was healed on Christmas morning in the Intensive Care Unit❤ that was 13 years ago and so grateful for every year thereafter
I vividly remember the Christmas Santa gave a a dollhouse made by my father (his elf). We had just built a new home so all the carpet and wallpaper in the dollhouse matched our real home. It was a very special treasure enjoyed for years of imaginative play ❤️❤️❤️
My favorite gift memory was witnessing the joy on my mother's face when my brother, who was in the US Air Force, walked in the door Christmas morning after serving in Iraq for 6 months. What a blessing it was to have him home safely & to share the love of having family together.
When my daughter was about 5 and the weather was cold, I would warm up the car and scrap the frost off of the windshield. Each time I would comment on how cold my hands were. For Christmas, she gave me a window scrapper that had the insulated mitt attached to it. She told me "Mama I don't want your hands to be cold". It was the best present ever and yes I cried.
My favourite memory was receiving a surprise airplane ticket to go home (across the globe) for the holidays when I was still a PhD student in Canada and was planning to skip going home that year. My dad passed away later that year, so this was my last time spending the holidays with him - and I am forever grateful for that gift! And thanks for the video, Audrey.
One year for Christmas, my mom sent me new editions of several books I enjoyed as a child. They evoked wonderful childhood memories.
When my kids were young their natural curiosity always got the better of them at Christmas and I would spy them peeking into wrapped Christmas gifts under the tree. Having 2 boys meant that clothing really was not an enticing gift for a 9 year old or an 11 year old. So one year to manage the peeking I wrapped all their gifts in old clothes before they were gift wrapped with paper. Then I heard them at one point groaning and moaning to eachother about how mum was giving them clothes for Christmas this year. Then on Christmas morning they opened their gifts and found out how they had been tricked. We had a massive laugh and I think my cool mum rating improved as I tricked them big time. IT continues to be a family memory shared every so often.
My parents gave me the entire Nancy Drew collection one year when I was a child. I was such an avid reader and I still have them all to this day :)
Favorite gift memory💜 It’s not exactly a gift I received but it’s a memory of learning the joy of giving a gift to others. My family on holidays, instead of exchanging gifts to each other, collect money on what we would have spent if we bought gifts, then donate it to a cause. This all started when myself and my brother realized the secret of 🎅and I remember being devastated not getting Christmas gifts anymore. But one year when we donated bunch of supplies with the money we collected for the local animal shelter, and seeing the joys in the shelter animals’ eyes - I truly fell in love with our family tradition of giving gifts on holidays. It will now be our 15th year this year!
My favourite gift memory is actually a regift from my mother to me: back in the day when my parents were dating, my father brought her a watch as a souvenir from his trip to the Netherlands. Years later she gifted it to me because it's both vintage and youthful, and she felt it was more suitable for me to own. My absolute go-to watch every day since, and a symbol of my parents!
My favorite gift memory:
My husband and I met while studying abroad in Belgium back in 2013. It was my birthday weekend and a group of us were traveling to Paris for the weekend. While we were walking to the train station, he pulled a simple yet beautiful green scarf out of his backpack and said happy birthday. I love the scarf to this day; most 19 year old men don't have such taste!
Haven’t had a Christmas at home in Australia in 7 years so this year I’m traveling home for the holidays - best gift ever! Thanks for your thoughtful and stylish content Audrey.
My favorite gift memory was when my first of four sons had his first job and went out and carefully selected a glass Snowman globe that played the song ‘Let it Snow’. He was 15 or 16 at the time. I was so touched that he earned the money that bought the gift that he spent thought and time to purchase. He was so excited to give it to me. I think the excitement and love in his eyes as he watched me open it were an even more special memory than the gift itself.
One of my favorite gift memories is a few years ago while playing the Yankee Swap game, my friend secretly got the item I really wanted so she could save it for me. At the end of the game she gave it to me. She made me cry with such a sweet gesture. Thanks God for good friends that make such a big difference in our lives! Blessings.
I love your classic looks it's so refreshing. My favorite gift memory is my record player and 45’s records in the 70’s, I loved singing as a kid and went in to be a professional singer.
When I was about 6 my grandmother made my favorite doll a little red riding hood outfit with dress, pinafore and hooded cape. I was thrilled.
I grew up in the Laurentians (a place with a lot of snow North of Montreal, Canada), and one Christmas, my brother got a snow racer sled. The look on his face was priceless, I don't think I've seen him this happy since, and he's a grown up now. I will always remember that smile and the hours we've spent on his sled going down mountains (and our driveway most of the times)!
Growing up, my grandmother had a record player that had withstood years of use. It was her favorite possession. We would play records year round, but especially at Christmas. A few years ago, it finally played its last song. My favorite Christmas gift memory was when she unwrapped a brand new record player. She couldn't stop crying. I wish I could find the video to post! It was absolutely precious and so memorable for all of us.
My favorite gift memory: my nephew gave me and my sisters a necklace with a pendant that had “Love Mama” engraved on it. It was my mom’s actual hand writing. My mom had just passed away so it was a treasured gift. Thank you!
I love that you used some of your own pieces that you already had in your closet with some new pieces. The travel capsule is such a great idea and despite the fact that I try to have a capsule wardrobe, packing for travel seems to flummox me and I overpack! My favorite gift memory is not so much about the gifts, but the timing. I fondly remember a Christmas when my mum was working shifts and not home on Christmas morning. It was hard as kids to wait to open presents we had looked forward to for weeks, though so worth it to sit with our mother when she got home from work and watched us enjoy ripping into them. I truly don't remember what I got, but I remember her beaming face.
I love everlane! One of my best memories of gifts was the Christmas that everyone realized for 30+ yrs I had been giving everyone in my family Christmas stockings and never got one myself, so they all got together and gifted me with a stocking that was 10 ft long filled with 30+ yrs of treats, spoofs, gift cards candies and goodies that they all decided to put in it! It was such a fun thing and took forever to get through all of the items! Fun fun fun...Happy Thanksgiving! And thank you for your terrific videos!
My best gift memory was the gift of time from my best girlfriend. She would take me to my chemo sessions, wait for me, then we would go to lunch after or shopping. I always felt good that first day due to the steroids they give me. She did this for me for six sessions! Her presence was such a blessing.
I loved it when I gave a small painting I made to my sweet Grandma. It was us as a family, surrounded with Peonies, her favorite flowers! She was so surprised!! Later I heard that she was so proud and showed the painting to all of her friends and careworkers! I love her and am so happy that she loves the painting and the memory that goes with it 🤗
Giving my mom the news she was going be a grandma was the best gift giving ever. She was SO excited. My husband and I habf been married 6 years and tried for 2 to start a family. It was the best.
At the end of my cancer treatment I bought my sister a guardian angel charm as a thanks for all her support. We went for lunch and I gave it to her. She had bought me the exact same guardian angel charm! A special memory I shall treasure forever x
I remember more than 50 years ago, my parent got me a beautiful black 'fuzzy' winter scarf. I was the oldest 6 kids in an immigrant family so something like this was very, very special. I've never forgotten it.
My favorite gift was when my Dad splurged and got me my Barbie camper. He took us camping as kids and I was hooked. Now that he's gone, I m grateful for him passing down the love of the outdoors to us. I loved my Barbie camper! 💕🤗
I honestly do not remember presents from my childhood but I remember waking up and see the Xmas tree up with all the gift. My dad used to put the tree up on Christmas Eve while we were asleep in bed and It was always so amazing and magical to find it when we woke up. He passed away 3 years ago so Xmas is now my time to remember him and feel grateful for the amazing parents I had and so it is more about memories than an actual present.
I feel immediately happy when I see your happy face. Such a breathe of fresh air each time.
When I was six years old I told my parents that I didn’t want anything for Christmas that year when they asked me for some gift ideas. I felt I had everything I needed. I was fine with my answer until Christmas Eve night and the realization set in that I may be watching everyone else unwrap presents but myself have nothing to unwrap. I regretted my words then. In the morning I went out to see all the gifts under the tree and lo and behold there were three gifts for me. A puppet that said phrases when you pulled the string , a Pillsbury dough baking set and a light brite. I was so surprised and so over the moon happy. That was my most favourite Christmas gift memory.
As a child I sat under the cherry tree in the garden on a metal & teak bench watching the blossoms drift down to carpet the lawn. When I bought my first apartment I adored it’s sought after terrace, planting a few pots with bright flowers, an oasis in a busy city. For my birthday my parents who lived several hundred miles away came to celebrate. There on the terrace was a bench with repainted metal ends and a new teak seat, all refurbished by my father. Now when I sit on that trusty bench enjoying the rolling countryside spread out before me, l cherish that unexpected gift and the memories of my beloved parents.
My husband gave me a travel book for Ireland with a note inside saying we will need this when we travel there for our first wedding anniversary. My grandmother immigrated fro Ireland to the U.S. as a young woman. She was a very influential woman in my life. It had always been my dream to see the country she had to leave behind for a better life. Truly a dream come true.
When I was six, my Dad was on strike and we had absolutely no money for Christmas. Friends and family were dropping off food and inviting us to eat with them. As kids, we knew times were tough. But behind the scenes my Mom and Dad gathered all these friends and family and together they built me a giant wooden Barbie house and sewed doll sheets for the beds and made pretty cards into windows and crocheted rugs and even re-upholstered old cans of hot chocolate, cutting them into chairs and couches, sewed tiny teddy bears and glued old fabric to the walls as wallpaper! I was absolutely speechless when I saw it by the Christmas tree! At 52, I still have this wonderful doll house!!!
My favorite gift was a bouquet of flowers from my husband and son. My 2.5 year old picked out the flowers and when I came home he was so excited and was shouting “we got you flowers mama” over and over. It took me a couple of seconds to figure out what he was saying because he was that excited.
I was a faculty adviser for the school yearbook for as part of my 32 year career as a professor. When I retired, a former editor contacted my previous editors and asked each to write a message to me. She made a hard cover book, and inside she included their special messages and a photo of the cover of “their’ yearbook. I retired in 2011, and still cannot read the messages without tears 😭.
I love your videos and have learned so much from you. It would have helped me a great deal to have your videos throughout my career & life. Thank you for all you do!! ♥️
My grandma raised me and my sister so we were always frugal growing up. I'll never forget when she gifted me a small diamond ring (that I'll never know how long she saved up for) because I was finally "grown up" enough to wear real jewelry. Before Audrey (and youtube), she was really the one who taught me to love things that last a long time and are made with care.
My favorite gift ever was a reservation for dinner at a beautiful Italian restaurant for my husband and I on our wedding anniversary. Our two children organized, reserved, selected the menu and paid for this dinner. It was a great experience and a lovely gift.
Audrey, Thank you for working so hard in your RUclips channel. Your attention to detail is visible and makes each video very special. Your travel videos are a work of art. Your comments and classic looks are always on point and you look very elegant. Well done!
My favorite gift memory is when my oldest was three years old. She came out in the morning and the look of magic on her sweet face. It was the first year she was old enough to really enjoy Christmas and while I can’t remember what she opened that year the pure child joy was my favorite.
When I was five my grandmother made me a rag doll out of leftover material for Christmas. Her eyes and lips are embroidered and she has yarn hair. The best part was the mini capsule wardrobe that she made to go along with it: a little dress, trousers, shorts, a blouse and a long coat. All pieces matched and had cute little snaps and hook and eye closures. I still have her over forty years later.
My favorite gift memory was when my father gave me a sewing kit (scissors, tape measure, pin cushion, etc). It was highly unusual since my mother was the one that did the gift shopping. I still have the pieces decades later.
I remember Christmas eve when I was a kid and the whole family had the flu at the same time. Everyone laying on the sofas sharing blankets in the livingroom taking turns opening gifts. No christmas dinner was eaten that day, haha.
I have many fond gift memories, both giving & receiving, but this one is by far my most memorable. By the time I was born only one of my grandparents was alive, my grandma, and she lived on the opposite side of the world. As a kid we flew there to visit often but I was so young that I only have a few memories of her, which includes me attending her funeral. She died when I was eight but before she died my parents took me to Walmart (of all places lol) to buy fabric. I chose this beautiful pink fabric roll with purple & pink ballerina shoes on it and we had the fabric shipped to my grandma. Many months later I received a package from her and it was a dress. She took the fabric I chose and made a hand sewn dress just for me. It is so precious to me since it’s one of the only things I have to remember her by and I know making the dress was very precious to her because she wanted to give me (her only grandchild that lived away from her) something special ❤️
During one of my first few years of teaching, a family gave me a glass blue apple. It is very unique! I’ve taught for 25 years and still use it, as the child speaking holds it and everyone else gets to listen, then pass The apple to the next speaker. It’s never been dropped or miss handled as I introduce it as something special to me that I’d like to share with the class.
One of my most cherished gifts is many years ago my mom gave me a Bucky. It’s a wrap full of buckwheat that you microwave to heat up and keep you warm. She has since passed away and every time I use it I think of a warm hug from her.
Hi Audrey, love your videos! My favourite gift wasn't a present that could be wrapped. I used to ride horseback. And my father secredly took lessons. So on my fourteenth birthday he could go riding with me in the woods. He was always a very busy man especially with work. So I never expected this. We went for a nice outside ride. At that age it was the best gift ever. I'm 27 now and actually it still is ;)
When I was 5, my parents bought me a lilac tutu and leotard with beautiful capped sleeves. Of course I loved ballet & was often found prancing around the house in my tutu. Thinking about reminds me to approach the things I am passionate about with that same sense of freedom and pure joy. Thank you for the wonderful content Audrey!
I love the memories relived when pulling out ornaments for the tree. Just today as we were decorating the tree, my daughter pulled out an ornament of mine that was given to me before a ski trip and it had a $100 bill folded and taped underneath it. That was close to 30 years ago.
My favorite gift memory was when my parents gave me my first cashmere sweater when I was 21. The lux feel on my skin and the camel color is something that I will never forget. Since time made me wear a different size, I have passed the sweater on to my niece and whenever she wears it I can’t stop smile recalling the memory. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, specially to Audrey.
my favorite gift memory is when my grandparents bought my family (my sister, parents and i) a puppy for christmas. all of our family, including my grandparents, had shelties (shetland sheepdogs) my whole life, and we had been begging for one for years. i was eleven when they flew out from ontario with a tiny, 10 pound ball of fluff - with a broken paw from falling off my grandpa's lap, wrapped in a little tiny cast - and he limped right into our hearts. we named him finlay after a local mountain we grew up climbing and he gave us the most wonderful 12 years of love. we lost him suddenly this summer and it broke us all to pieces. i know this first christmas without him will be hard for us, but hands down, no question, fin is the best gift memory of my entire life, and i hope that everyone gets to experience the unconditional love of a pet in their lifetime. hold your puppies close friends :)
My favorite Christmas gift was a little sewing machine when I was 7. Now I'm a grandmother and still like to sew.
My favorite gift memories, now that I think about it, are tied to gifts I have given rather than received. One of my favorites was a book I had custom made for my husband that I gave to him on our wedding day. It was our love story, and all the reasons I love him. It didn't cost a lot of money, but I have pictures of him opening it and reading it that I will cherish forever.
Favorite Gift Memory: My aunt gave me a lovely garnet ring sprinkled w/ diamonds on a silver base as my high school graduation gift. It was the first piece of fine jewelry I ever had the pleasure of owning and I still hold it dear to my heart to this very day seven years later.
Everlane offers such glorious pieces and I would love to add timeless pieces to my very outdated closet. I've never owned a cashmere sweater and that would be so lovely to have the opportunity to splurge on a purchase I wouldn't otherwise have the funds to do so.
God Bless You sweet Audrey & Happy Holidays to you and yours!
-Valerie
Favorite gift memory: Me and my husband were in Peru. We always stay in Airbnb to know the people and the culture around. We ended in a appartment with a couple, their 3 children, nana and a very angry dog. They really seem to struggle, they don't have a fridge and many stuff. Before we leave, we talked to the their 8 years old, and secretly give her money, and told her that she only give to her parents after we leave. It was very little money for us (we aren't rich ou anything, but was what we can, at the time).
After one hour we received a picture of the 2 little ones (including the 8 year girl) with new pair of sneakers each. I was the best gift ever. They look super happy and we are so grateful for that. Best best best feeling.
My favorite gift memory happened recently. My aunt gifted a 50 year old Japanese blazer that my grandpa had given my grandma when he was stationed in Okinawa. It is absolutely beautiful, has been well taken care of, and the artistry of the seamstress was amazing. My aunt knows it’s in good hands; it’s my most treasured piece of clothing.
My husband flew my brother from India to US and that was an amazing surprise to see my brother when i opened our front door! You can imagine my disbelief and cheers!! I was ecstatic!
The pants/ankle boot combination is so chic!
I think my favorite gift memory was one I didn't receive but one I helped put together. My sister received a playmobile castle for Christmas and somehow I ended up assembling it. It took a few hours (I think I was around ten at the time) and my sisters were so excited but I was frustrated that it took away from my Christmas (even though I did it willingly). Now it is one of my favorite memories. In the end, it was fun to put together and to see how excited my sisters were to watch it come together.
It's so simple, but I never gave it mind--a colour palette when travelling makes perfect sense. Good lord, I've actually packed trunks for two-week holidays, and I like to keep clothes simple and formulaic.
My favorite gift memory is a gift for my daughter. In short she showed horses. She rode her horses as well as other people’s to get those horses points. One of the horses she loved and wished so much that she was hers. In the middle of a horseshow, the judge called her in and she thought she was in trouble because she saw her dad either the judge. The judge announced that the horse she was in was now hers, her dad bought it as a surprise. She was overjoyed and broke down crying. Her dad got teary. I was crying. An amazing gift and surprise.
When I was 18 and had left home to live in California. 6 months later At Christmas I took my first trip home to the farm where I grew up (Kansas) and my Dad, with joy in his face, gave me a big hug when I came in the door ... first time he ever hugged me. We became closer after that.
Receiving old photographs of my grandpa when he was younger. I love getting glimpses into the past through old photographs, cherry on top was that this was my grandpa.
My favorite gift memory ever is the birth of my grandson, Hudson. He has Down Syndrome and has had many health challenges. He’s now 23 years old. But through it all, he and I are bonded like superglue. Feeling his hand in my hand never fails to bring warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. He calls me “Dollie.”
My favorit gift memory(last yr):: Coming out of my room early morning on my bday...and getting a small puppy , surprise cake and ballons filled all over the room... nothing was visible untill and unless you move the ballons with your hands..🤩🥺🤩🥺😍😍🐕🐶
My mother gave me a beautiful tea cup with a cover three months before she died. It was her last gift to me and it has a special place in my heart and home. Every time that I want to cherish her memory and feel closer to her I use it to make some kind of tea ceremony all by myself and I enjoy it very much.
I just love everything you have to say you are spot on keep doing what you’re doing you’re such an inspiration such a lovely lady with amazing tone when you speak it’s very soothing and very kind have a blessed day be safe🥰🌸
Hi, Audrey! Love your channel. My favorite gift was a 'Tiny Tears' doll. My folks forgot to put it under the tree and when they remembered, my Dad took the doll outside and started yelling 'goodbye' to Santa. When I got outside, he told me Santa came back especially for me to bring my doll! I really felt special and loved that doll for many years!
Keep up the good work! Your ideas each week are timely and varied.
Years ago on my birthday , My boyfriend handed me and my mom(her birthday is a week after mine) each present, wrapped with messy and soggy newspaper, they looked so much like trash. Not expecting much, we unwrap it....OH BOY!!! SMART PHONES!!! It was so sweet of him so concern our phone were not working well and saved a few months to give us these amazing gifts. 7 years now, we are still lovingly using them. 🥰
As a child my mom was sick a lot. She was raising 5 children by herself. I was the oldest. At one point she got sick at Christmas time. She had shopped for the younger children but not the three oldest. We were fine with getting nothing . Our one neighbor stepped in and took the three of us to the store and let us each pick out a gift. I don’t remember the monetary gift but the gift of compassion and kindness have stayed with me throughout my life. I try to touch peoples lives and make a difference like our neighbor did for us.?
My favorite gift memory: I was moving state and it would be the first time living that far away from my sister. As a moving away gift she gave me a note with a list of daily reminders for me to read whenever I was feeling sad or discouraged. She put that note in a little silk pouch for me to carry around in my pocket. I cried when I first read it. I still take it out and read it all the time, even though I’ve now moved back to the same state as my sister. Her note is still always with me.
Best present ever came 1 week before Christmas--my baby boy. He's now 34 and oh yes, a Charlestonian!
We had to put our family dog down a few years ago. I lived far away from home and couldn't be there for it and was devastated. For christmas that year, my Dad surprised me with a memory book full of pictures of our sweet pup. He put so much thought and care into the gift and he knew how much I loved our dog... I cried so much that christmas
Hi! My favorite gift memory was when I turned 25 years old. Some friends asked me to sit on a chair, and then they lifted me with it, and move it up and down while counting 25. Every time I remember that, it makes me smile, just as that day that I laughed so much. It also reminds me that sometimes the best gifts are not the material ones, but rather the ones that create the fondest memories in our hearts.
My favorite gift memory is when I had to spend Christmas in the hospital as a child due to scarlet fever and my mother brought my Christmas gifts to the hospital. I so wanted a dancing ballerina doll and that was the first gift my mother had me open. Tho I was stuck in a bed, I was one happy little girl!
One of my absolute favorite gifts was a hefty biography of the Beatles. I was just beginning to fall in love with the Fab Four as a teen, and my mom figured I'd like to learn more about them. Seventeen years later, it's still one of my favorite books!
Since we're talking about "Gifts That Go The Extra Mile," I'd have to say that the opal necklace my dad bought me after he flew thousands of miles (and over 17 hours) from the USA to Australia to visit me is one of my most cherished items. It's physical proof of how far he'd go to see me :)
Elise M that is so sweet!!
Your story prompted my own memory. Thank you.
My favorite gift memory happened about 5 years ago now. My boyfriend (now husband) and I were celebrating our first Christmas together. It was the first Christmas after my mom had passed away and he heard many stories about how into Christmas and gift giving she was, including the annual pair of pajamas she got me and the Swarovski Christmas ornaments I got her. For this Christmas, he got both of those things for me to keep the tradition alive. ♥️😭
For a wedding gift my sister sent out scrapbook pages to friends and family and had them each decorate one with marriage wisdom, family recipes, etc. What a treasure ❤️
We my niece was about 7 or 8 she received twenty dollars in a card from friends and wrapped this twenty dollars in a box and gave it to her parents for Christmas. This was such a selfless act for one so young. This will always be a favorite memory of mine.
Favorite gift memory: my sister and her two daughters got an antique stool and recovered it themselves for my makeup table. I still have it and use it.
My son, who at the time worked in NYC at the Apple Store and rarely got off for the holidays, surprised me by coming home for Christmas as I was finishing up cancer treatment. Best Christmas ever!
Favorite gift memory: the year my son sent me flowers on HIS birthday, with a note encouraging me through a difficult experience.
My favorite gift memory just happened yesterday. About a week ago I asked the Universe for a red book page marker. My daughter surprised me with one even though her friends were using pink at school. She came up to me explaining why she chose red... she had no idea how much this would make me happy! Now I will just keep dreaming certain that beautiful things, beautiful people, beautiful opportunities, beautiful trips are coming to me as a gift from the Universe! Love to you all, 💚
My favorite gift memory was when I mentioned to my mom in passing that I really want to save up for a blender so I can make smoothies and smoothie bowls and about a week later, a perfect little blender showed up in my mail :)
My grandma made all her grandchildren blankets using old jeans and flannel. It’s my favorite blanket and I still have it 20+ years later.
When I was a child, my mother would wrap our gifts with brown paper bags. She was an artist, so she would decorate our presents with calligraphy and festive illustrations. Even as a bratty adolescent, that was one of my favorite parts of christmas morning--seeing the special notes and images she'd chosen for my presents.
Favorite gift memory: my mother gifted me earrings in silver and amber. Their shape is a Celtic knot, with the meaning of love and eternity. Without knowing this, my partner gifted me a necklace in silver and malachite, with exactly the same Celtic knot. I always wear them together, as a symbol of the love I am surrounded with. ❤️
My favorite gift was a Waterford crystal ring holder in a heart shape. My husband bought it for me as a birthday gift years ago. The fact that it was his idea and surprised me with it....made it even more "special".
Bought my hunter husband a new rifle that he had admired that was kind of expensive....kept it hidden in it’s beautiful leather case underneath our queen size bed for two weeks! I wrapped a box of shells and placed under the tree. When he opened to find shells he was puzzled until I brought in the long case....he cried....I cried.....best gift ever.
When I was very young (maybe 4 or 5) my parents bought me a pink satin nightgown/bathrobe set. I felt like such a princess and almost never took it off. It's a very special memory for me.
This is a fun comment section! My favorite gift memory is getting Mysty the kitten for my 12th birthday. My family had just moved to Virginia, and I had to leave all of my childhood friends right at the end of the school year. I was lonely. I had always wanted a cat, my family had a trusty dog already. My mom and dad decided to give me a kitten and had found somebody giving them away. We went to this house, and a large litter of mixed tabby/Siamese kittens was running around. Mysty was the runt of the litter...she ran right up to me and I knew she was the one! We took her home and gave her a great life. She lived until I was through with medical school. Probably about 16 years.
My mother bought me a blue White Stag ski jacket for Christmas when I was 14. It was the “it” jacket in the 70’s and I felt so stylish in it. I wore that jacket all through high school.