Middle Aged Mama

Blogging about my Midlife Adventures

Joyboxes by Janet

· ·

Here’s a simple idea that’s ideal for those times when somebody close to you is suffering.

Perhaps they have just lost a loved one; been diagnosed with a serious illness; shifted to a different area; or their marriage has broken down. Your heart reaches out to them but you really don’t know just what you can do or say to help.

If you live in Redlands, you could always request that a Pink Pamper Pack be sent to them … or, do what I have done on more than one occasion: make a JOYBOX!

Joybox
Here’s some more inspiration for you – various items and surprises
that you can use to fill a joybox!

It’s a simple as getting a shoebox, and covering it in a collage of pretty wrapping paper. Then it’s time to fill it with all sorts of inexpensive bits and pieces (think Crazy Clark’s, the Warehouse, Reject Shop, or similar) … here’s some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

  • Pair of novelty socks
  • Hair clips
  • Notepad
  • A cute fridge magnet
  • Lollipop
  • Pretty pen
  • Bookmark
  • Lip gloss
  • Keyring
  • Photo frame
  • Earrings
  • A packet of flower seeds
  • Movie tickets or voucher for a facial (if you’re feeling more financial!)

Now for the all important freebie list! I had a pile of old magazines and clipped out any funny stories, photos, or cartoons – I found Take 5 and That’s Life particularly useful. Then, I pasted them onto cardboard backing and cut them all out – it just made them look a bit more substantial and better able to cope with wear and tear (If you have a laminator, you could laminate them instead). Don’t forget to add items like favourite recipes, poems, jokes, riddles, crosswords, photos, your children’s drawings, or a personal letter.

Finally, tie the Joybox with beautiful ribbon. When you present it to your friend, give them strict instructions that it is not to be “devoured” in one sitting (although they can if they really want!). Rather, the idea is to that whenever they are feeling down, they can delve for “treasure”.

So what are you waiting for? Show you care – not with a Hallmark card – but with a Joybox!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. That’s a lovely idea. I really love getting a box of goodies. I love giving them too, but they usually involve more food stuffs.
    I gave some friends a ‘romantic evening’ box for their engagement when I was broke. A bottle of wine, cheese and crackers with some olives and pesto, some candles and a homemade CD with a sexy playlist.
    Ready made romance!

    • Danielle I love your romantic engagement gift – I’m sure your friends enjoyed every bit of it!

    • Ah yes, didn’t really think of them – my excuse is that chocolate would melt in our Qld climate. No excuse for the lack of bubbles though!

    • It’s amazing how creative you can get when you have a tight budget, as we used to (back when we were a one income family) xxx

    • Actually you’re right – I’ve never received one but I reckon it would be AWESOME! 🙂

  6. what a truly beautiful idea Janet – honestly, such a heart warming way to show someone that they are in your thoughts and that you care – I’ll keep this in mind xx

    Oh, and welcome to team IBOT!!

    • Thank you so much Josefa! You know, I think I had almost as much fun as the giver, as the recipients would.

  8. This is such a gorgeous idea Janet. I think gift-giving is highly underrated and especially thoughtful pressies like this. They really can mean so much because you know the giver really put so much thought into it. I will definitely be using this xx