I give gifts all the time.  Literally several a week.  Wrapping and giving are my two favorite hobbies.  It brings me the biggest joy.   I don't need a reason.  I guess if there is a living person in my life, that is reason enough.  I don't always even know the person.  I can't really explain it, but I am so driven by bringing thoughtful beauty into someone's day!  Giving/Gifts - that's totally my love language, hands down. 

"It is too pretty to unwrap!"  Those are some of my favorite words.  And the people who unwrap a gift so carefully, smoothing out the paper and ribbon to reuse it - those are some of my favorite people.  The giving spirit is contagious.  It is the best feeling for me to know I just made someone's day brighter, and it is the best feeling for them to have a brightened day!  People need to know they are thought of, and thought of well.  It is a joyous celebration of loving others when we present a gift.  So we should present it well, as though we are creating a memory (for both of us) where someone knows they are loved.  Well loved.  With ALL of the extras.

The gift alone makes the person feel special.  The time and love put into making the gift look absolutely gorgeous makes her feel valuable.  Like, "You used your best paper and bow on a present for ME?"  That is priceless.  You are letting her know that she matters, she is loved and valued, and she is worth the best that you have to give!

May I encourage you to make the next gift, the best gift?  Make it fancy and glamorous. (It doesn't have to be expensive to be super beautiful.)  Be a little (or preferably a lot) "extra" for someone else.  I also hope someone does that for you.

Yes, it's the thought that counts.  I get that.  That's why I am very thoughtful in how beautifully I wrap something.  

Did you know that I would be honored to wrap any gift you order from the Secret Sister Gifts website?  There is an option for gift wrapping which you can add to your cart, and I would love to help you out with that.  (We are just sisters looking out for each other here.  Right, my friend?!)

Oh, and one more thing!  I just launched a Gift Wrapping Subscription Box through Priceless Handmade Gifts.  It makes it easy for you to wrap amazing gifts, by giving you the monthly supplies you need for stunning present-presentation.  I know you will love it!  (You're welcome.)

We are all blessed with God's amazing gifts, so let's bless others with amazing gifts, too!
Because she is priceless.  And so are you!
​-Alice 

What should I write in a card for my Secret Sister? You want her to feel important and special. Your gift to her should be inspirational, and the uplifting message with it should show that you care!  Here are some great card message ideas for encouragement!!!

Luke 1:45 "You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said."
Psalm 28:7 "For the Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger; I trust in him with all my heart."
Joshua 1:9 "I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.
                            For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Proverbs 31:26 "When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions."
Psalm 139:14 "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!"
1 Peter 3:4 "You should be known for the beauty that comes from within,
                            the unfading beauty of a gently and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."
Psalm 34:5 "Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy..."
Proverbs 31:10 "She is worth more than precious rubies."
Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good
                               of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Or use one of your favorite verses!*

Other message ideas to write in your card:
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Have a blessed week! Praying for you.
I'm thankful for our friendship!
Someone is thinking of you today!
Lifting you up in prayer, Secret Sister!
My name is a secret, but you are very special to me.
God bless you, dear friend!
The Lord bless you and keep you.
I'm so excited that I picked you!
I'm praying for your family today.
You are an inspiration.
Love you, friend!
With love and prayers from your secret sister!
You are beautiful and valuable.
You matter to me.
Thinking of you and praying for you!
Here is a hug in a card!

Try to be thoughtful in your gifts, with messages that are a beautiful blessing to your secret sister!
Even if you don't know her well, this could be the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

*(These are NLT, but use your preferred version.)

It is better to give than to receive.  We all know that, but it can feel frustrating when you give to your Secret Sister like clockwork, and never hear from the person who has your name.  I know...this has happened to me...more than once! 

I have been through the entire cycle of Secret Sister programs without receiving a card or acknowledgement that anyone even has my name!  And to top it off, I gave several thoughtful gifts weekly (or monthly, depending on the rules) to the Secret Sister I had drawn, based on her interests.  I included encouraging cards, prayers, and nicely wrapped gifts.   I loved to have several items for her to unwrap each time, and I was certain my thoughtfulness would help her feel important and special!

Months passed by without even a note coming my way from whoever had drawn my name.  I just assumed that maybe she was praying for me...and that was valuable!  In fact, the last time this happened to me, the person I had been blessing was the same person who was supposed to be blessing me!  We had each other's names, and that certainly made it more interesting when it was time for the reveal!  I overdid it, and...well...she didn't do it!  But you know what?  I felt great that I was able to bless this person, and had been in the habit of praying for her!  It made the awkward uneven exchange feel like God had me in that situation as a ministry opportunity.  Everyone needs to feel loved, and I could pass that on to her!

Here is some encouragement if this scenario is happening to you!  Remember to pray daily for whoever has your name!  You have no idea what is really going on in the life of the person who has selected you...in reality, you won't even know who it us until the reveal.   Maybe she is going through a tough time.  Maybe she cannot afford to give generously...it happens!  Perhaps she is facing a health struggle, work or family stress, or simply cannot find the time in her chaotic schedule.  Face it, we are all human and life happens!  Keeping her in prayer gives you a better perspective and you can see her through the eyes of God's love.  Remember that love keeps no record of wrongs.  Don't hold a grudge, don't judge, just love!

Here is an idea for when the reveal comes.  Have a small gift and a card for whoever had drawn your name.  (Maybe she hasn't been receiving anything either!)  Tell her that you love her and have been keeping her in prayer!  Don't mention that you never heard from her, don't let your disappointment show, and don't brag about how much you blessed your Secret Sister.  Just show love and encouragement.  Don't make it about you.  Make it about God's love.  Extend that to her, along with grace.  It will make you feel better, too!

One more thing.  Never stop giving to your Secret Sister just because you haven't heard from anyone.  You know what it feels like to be forgotten, and you certainly do not want anyone else to experience that feeling.  Just be the best encourager that you can, and remember you are doing this unto the Lord!  He will bless you for your faithfulness and generosity!

Secret Sister Hugs,
​Alice