Andi recalls the best and most enduring gift she’s ever received.
I have been fortunate enough to receive many fantastic and special gifts over the years. Fuzzy blankets, pictures in frames, jewelry, meals, and time. But if I had to choose just one that stands out in my mind as the most spectacular and thoughtful gift I’ve ever received, it would be the present my sister, Nici, gave me for my 30th birthday: 30 mixed CDs. Some were mixes from Nici, two were created by my Mom, one was inspired by music our father had listened to before he passed, and the rest were created by my dearest friends and family members. Best gift ever, right?
Nici designed all of the CD covers using prints of pictures, magazine clippings, or hand-drawn images. Each CD was numbered carefully and labeled with a creative title (usually a lyric from one of the songs on the mix) and the CD creator.
This collection of CDs was so special to me for a number of reasons. First, music is my absolute passion, and I love listening to old favorites, discovering new artists, and singing and dancing to all of it. Second, I still can’t even imagine how much time, planning, and work went into creating this incredible collection. Nici probably worked on it for months, and it showed.
Also, I loved that Nici was able to involve my friends and family in the process. It was a big birthday, and it was such a big effort that went into creating such a big surprise. These CDs—although now ripped into my iTunes so that I can listen on the go—are still very much a part of my life, and I listen to many of them on a very regular basis.
My favorite of the mixes is #1; it’s one of the CDs that my Mom created. Although it isn’t necessarily my “type” of music, it makes me think of her, and I now know every word to every song.
Are you ready to surprise someone with something different this year and give them a present they’ll remember for years to come? Start shopping!
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? What do you think the best gift is that you’ve ever given? Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Comment (1)
The gifts that you received were so lovingly chosen and are so cherished. How wonderful to be able to look back and remember the gift and where you were at the time. I’m so glad I read this and took a pleasant and nostalgic down memory lane.