Permanent Gift Type
- Good-quality jewelry made of gold, silver or precious stones will last a lifetime. Jewelry, such as wedding rings, eternity rings and diamonds, has an added symbolic meaning and represents eternity. Rings, by their circular shape, represent the eternal return of love, as well as wholesomeness and homecoming. Diamonds also symbolize love and eternity, while emeralds are believed to preserve love.
- True love is one of the most permanent and precious gifts that can be bestowed because it is not influenced by changing circumstances or physical appearance and is believed to last forever. Shakespeare, in his celebrated Sonnet 116, notes that love is not time's fool or dependent on youthful rosy lips and cheeks but endures "even to the edge of doom." Love also gives people memories of happy times together that are a gift in themselves, such as the memory of your first kiss. Gifts given in love are also treasured for a lifetime even if they cost little or nothing. The shells he gathered for you during a carefree day at the beach or a handmade card describing your relationship are beyond material value.
- A much-loved work of art gives endless pleasure and it doesn't have to cost much. Simply giving someone a painting, framed photograph or tapestry she will love looking at will be just as appreciated as one by a celebrated artist. A work of art doesn't necessarily have to hang on a wall. Someone who appreciates body art might enjoy having a tattoo done by a reputable artist, or having a loved one's name tattooed on your own body makes for an intimate and permanent gift.
- Cut flowers inevitably wither and die but giving flower seeds as a gift ensures that their recipient will enjoy watching the flowers bloom year after year. Flower seeds can be presented in gift baskets (see Resources) and you could include a gardening book or basic gardening tools for horticultural novices. Flower seeds make an ideal gift for children, as this teaches them about the natural world. They will enjoy seeing the colorful flowers that spring from the small seeds.