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The Gift of Beauty - Even When You Make a Mistake

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 SA585680000

Carol Williams and Margaret Rome, two of our most creative Rainers, have invited us to participate in an Active Rain challenge and describe our gift for the person who has everything. 

When wondering what gift to choose for relatives and friends, I often think of what their children will like and what could create a better experience for the parents with their kids.  My gift to the child is a joy to the parents, too. Several years ago I gave the book "Beautiful Oops" to a two-and-a-half-year-old boy - it's a fun picture book that invites the reader to think what beautiful things can be created out of a mistake.  We loved to look at the kid - when he got the book in his hands, he immediately and energetically opened it, tore a crumpled paper nose, that was sticking out of one of the pages and looked at us victoriously; then he started to look for ways to put it back. The author Barney Saltzberg shows the readers how a torn paper can be just the mouth of a crocodile drawing. Every spill has endless possibilities - it can be a happy dog, a bird and even an elephant. On the book cover Jamie Lee Curtis says about the book that anyone who has ever said the word "Oops" will be smiling. My smile was so much broader when, seven years later, my client, turned now friend, and the Mom of the gift recipient texted me the above picture - their new child has received the book from her older brother, and loved looking at it, and secretly "reading" it for hours, at age two.

For the person who has everything, I often look at a list of real luxuries, and pick an experience that will be something personal to them, related to:

🎁 more time and attention to them 🎁 moments of awe from music, art, nature
🎁 experiences to better their health 🎁 meaningful conversations
🎁 things bringing more peace of mind 🎁 home-cooked meals
🎁 reminders to slow the mornings 🎁 travel

The moments of discovering the gift for them are an enjoyable gift to myself, too.

       Valesca Soares, Foot Rests, Photo Taken at Phoenix Art Museum, 2018

 

Posted by

Steffy Hristova, MBA, SFR, CNE, Realtor®

HomeSmart Elite Group
Tel:  (602) 710-8161

10601  N. Hayden Rd. I-100
Scottsdale AZ 85260

                                                           http://www.talktosteffy.com                                                               

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Show All Comments Sort:
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and miss the interaction, Endre

Dec 24, 2024 10:37 PM
Steffy Hristova

Thanks very much, Endre Barath, Jr. ! We celebrated Christmas, and we also managed to go on a very nice hike in a mountainous area near Tempe (Payson). I hope you had a nice Christmas!

Dec 25, 2024 05:44 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello and Merry Christmas, Steffy - "Beautiful Oops" is a wonderful gift book suggestion.  I have bookmarked this post as a reminder.  

Dec 25, 2024 04:10 AM
Steffy Hristova

Hi Michael Jacobs , I enjoyed reading this fun book. Thanks for bookmarking it.

Dec 25, 2024 05:46 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning and Merry Christmas, Steffy... a lovely post perfect for Christmas Day. I'm a big believer in books for children... they love them. Wish I'd known of the "Beautiful Oops" book sooner. Since our great granddaughters live in Portland, Oregon I send them gift certificates to a terrific local children's bookstore... the love going there with their Dad to pick out their own books.

 

Dec 25, 2024 06:24 AM
Steffy Hristova

Hi Nina Hollander, Broker , it will be interesting to know what book they picked up. Thanks for the beautiful Christmas Card!

Dec 25, 2024 05:47 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Steffy Hristova you are very welcome, Steffy. Trust you had a wonderful holiday.

Dec 25, 2024 07:30 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Steffy,
What a unique gift idea for kids, and maybe adults too. You make me want to find that book and give it to some of my great-grandchildren. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Dec 25, 2024 06:40 AM
Steffy Hristova

Carol Williams , I am so glad you came up with the challenge idea, it made me remember things I have gifted and smile. 

Dec 25, 2024 05:49 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Steffy Hristova

Thanks for your thoughtful entry. A gift to a child is also a gift to the parents. Thanks for the reminder to make something positive out of our OOPS!

Dec 25, 2024 07:45 AM
Steffy Hristova

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 , learning from our Oops is what matters, and if we can do it with a smile, and a beautiful drawing, it's even better.

Dec 25, 2024 05:51 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for sharing your gifting experience and advice.

Merry Christmas!

Dec 25, 2024 09:42 AM
Steffy Hristova

Roy Kelley , the challenges always make me think about the topics, I am glad when I actually sit down and write a post. 😀 Thanks for your comment.

Dec 25, 2024 05:54 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That is such a wonderful gift and I know you to be a very thoughtful and caring woman!  I trust you had a very Merry Christmas!

Dec 26, 2024 05:21 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Hi, Brian England ! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, we had a wonderful Christmas day yesterday - in the afternoon we drove to Payson's Rumsey Park, and on the way back stopped at Saguaro Lake. 

Dec 26, 2024 07:30 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I may have to check this one out Steffy Hristova for my wife who is a para in a grade school as she said she has not heard of it. Thanks for the tip.

Dec 26, 2024 06:38 PM
Steffy Hristova

Thanks for your comment. I hope your wife likes the book. 

Dec 26, 2024 07:44 PM
Lauren Williams, CPO,CVOP

Brian England Oh wow, that's a great idea!! Lauren

Jan 01, 2025 03:48 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Love your intention Steffy!  What a great gift.  I'll save the title for a grandchild's birthday or Christmas.  Love the idea of the book as well - life lessons! 

Dec 27, 2024 11:53 AM
Steffy Hristova

Hi Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ , I am glad you like the ideas of the book. 😀I find a lot of interesting books and materials at the Phoenix Art Museum Store. 

Dec 27, 2024 05:09 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

What a great idea that is generates creative thinking for the recipient.  Reminds me of that old expression turning lemons into lemonade.  Thank you for sharing.

Dec 27, 2024 05:17 PM
Steffy Hristova

We always enjoy creativity in people, and when they are kids it's even more endearing. Thanks for stopping by, Leanne Smith !

Dec 28, 2024 08:53 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Steffy,

How did I miss your post and entry into the December unique  gift for a child! I have not heard of this book so learned something new today and will store it in my memory bank! 

Dec 28, 2024 06:03 AM
Steffy Hristova

Thanks, Dorie Dillard Austin TX! This will be one of my most bookmarked blog posts. I hope your grandkids will have fun, and you with them.

Dec 28, 2024 08:55 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I love the idea of the book, and your other suggestions. Learning that a mistake can turn into something amazing is such a great idea! This is on my list of things to buy for my grandchild(ren).

Dec 28, 2024 06:17 AM
Steffy Hristova

Hi Kat Palmiotti , thanks for stopping by. I am sure you and your grandkids will have a lot of entertaining ideas. 

Dec 28, 2024 08:57 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Steffy:

What a great gift for a child, as well as for the parents. What a terrific way to inspire creative thinking.

Jeff

Dec 28, 2024 04:20 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Dec 28, 2024 06:42 PM
Steffy Hristova

Thank you very much for the feature, Kathy Streib !

Dec 29, 2024 10:48 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

You just have to keep trying and keep at it and learn from the mistakes and grow and become proficient at your mistakes and then become proficient at whatever you’re doing next..

Dec 28, 2024 11:38 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I like that picture Kathy. You might be onto something there. These are some great pics. Be well!

Dec 28, 2024 11:42 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

The concept is intriguing Steffy, making something out of a mistake. I remember as a kid the art teacher would give us 5 lines or shapes and we had to be creative and draw something incorporating the lines and shapes into it. A great way to develop creativity. Jeff

Dec 30, 2024 02:30 PM
Steffy Hristova

Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI , isn't it amazing that after all these years, you still remember your art teacher's assignments. Thanks for stopping by.

Jan 01, 2025 05:07 PM
Lauren Williams, CPO,CVOP
Casual Uncluttering LLC - Woodinville, WA
Professional Organizer: Puget Sound homes

Steffy Hristova I think I'm going to have to get this book for myself. It's going to still be quite a while before I have grandkids... Lauren

Jan 01, 2025 03:50 PM
Steffy Hristova

Hi Lauren Williams, CPO,CVOP , I got one for myself, too. And I enjoy it very much.

Jan 01, 2025 05:06 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

It seems like your gift to a small child turned out to be a gift that keeps on giving.

Jan 03, 2025 11:02 AM