Enchanting Lawyer’s Best Gift Ideas 2013: Giving is Receiving

With Christmas and New Year around the corner, if you have a friend, a family member, or a boss who is a lawyer, a cute, funny, and practical gift could take the edge off and put a smile on their face.

1. Keep Calm and Call A Lawyer (in any color) Business Card Templates:

This has to be the best gift ever. Imagine the look on your client’s face when you hand over a unique alternative to a standard business card. Yes, lawyers can be playful at times too. I would not suggest you do this when you meet someone for the first time in a serious business setting – you don’t want to be taken lightly. Customize it with your logo and information.

2. Have You Hugged An Attorney Lately? iPad Case:

Conventionally, we may come off as tough and ruthless, but everyone needs some love. This iPad case brings so much personality and fun to your daily routine. More importantly, it reminds everyone else that attorneys could use a warm hug this winter.

3. Legal Decision Spinner:

Here is a gift to help attorneys with legal decision making. Anytime they have difficulties deciding whether it’s settle, plea, lie, or beg, the Legal Decision Spinner is here to provide some guidance!

4. Lawyer Cufflinks:

In case anyone has forgotten, flash your cufflinks and remind them that lawyers are to be trusted.

5. Lawyer’s iPad Cover:

6. MacBook Leather Cover:

Not only does it bring three levels of security to your Mac, it also means serious business, just like your profession.

7. I’m A Lawyer T-Shirt:

Ever wonder what you should wear on Casual Friday? Here is your answer.

8. Lawyers Never Lose Their Appeal Glass Ornament:

A shimmering glass ornament with an interesting message is a must-have addition to every single lawyer’s Christmas tree!

Think Differently

While we expect to be showered with gifts on special occasions, you can also find the same kind of fulfillment and accomplishment in giving.

Two of my close friends, a young couple, have decided to spend this Christmas Eve at a local food bank to volunteer. This may have never occurred to some people that you could turn the tables, move from the receiving end of gifts to giving. It is also a precious way to teach our kids to not take anything for granted and how fortunate we are. We, as lawyer, are a crucial component of the backbone of our workforce. We need to give back to our communities, more urgently than anyone else. I hope my story from this morning will inspire you to do the same. Below you will some other ways to pay your due diligence. Again, I am not just talking about this holiday season; it is something you could do throughout the year.

1. Local Food Banks

You could go onto Feeding America to find a local food band nearest you. Most local food bands are not monitored by Charity Watch; therefore, find a reputable source (.org) if you were to give money or simply volunteer to see how the local food bank handles donations.

2. Food Drop-off

To give you an idea of what kinds of food are in desperate need, I collected some information from a local Second Harvest Food Bank. This is something easily doable but a grand gesture that will make someone’s season.

3. Visiting Nursing Homes

We normally put emphasis on the conditions and well-being of our nation’s youngsters, overlooking the cravings from the elderly. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 2 million people over the age of 65 are bothered by some type of depression. Understandably during the holiday season, it’s more likely for them to succumb to the vulnerabilities brought out by the loss of a loved one, loneliness, or loss of mobility. The littlest kindness, such as singing Christmas carols, could brighten their day.

On December 23, 2013

Action speaks louder than words. This morning, our team (Marie, Cathy, Beth, my son Liam and myself)

visited the homeless shelters in downtown San Diego. It was the very least we could have done for our community. We packed Lunch boxes with bagels. We were greeted with smile and holiday blessings by a very diverse crowd, in terms of age, who had one thing in common: joyful gratitude.

While every person’s situation is different, most homeless people are not seeking sympathy or sorrow. Giving food or clothes is a great way to make a difference in their lives, or even a sincere “hello” or “happy holidays”. Most people want to simply be reminded that they do have value despite their current status.

You may be one person to the whole world; you could also mean the whole world to one person. Happy holidays!