At most gift-giving occasions, people ponder the traditional “What do you get for someone who has everything?” dilemma. But it may be tougher, instead, to come up with something appropriate for the person who claims not to want a gift.
These are the people who, when asked what they’d like for their birthday or the holidays, simply reply, “Nothing.” This may be a wonderful bit of self-reflection, with a person having taken stock of his/her life and being satisfied across the board. But it doesn’t help the giver who, out of love, obligation or guilt, wants to show up with some kind of wrapped package.
Zero Creativity
Here’s a suggestion that allows the giver to be creative while honoring the recipient’s wishes – figuratively if not literally: a box of nothing or, more accurately, items that add up to nothing.
It can start with something as simple as soft drinks. After all, Coca-Cola now has a whole line of “Zero” beverages – ranging from Coke Zero to Pibb Zero (available only in certain areas). Technically, any diet soda will do, although Pepsi One doesn’t quite fit with the spirit of the thing.
Nothing to Eat
One tasty treat that fits the bill is the Zero candy bar. First created in 1920, it’s a combination of caramel, peanut and almond nougat covered with a layer of white fudge. If the intended recipient is watching his/her weight, you can toss in a few selections from Walden Farms, a company that makes a variety of sauces, dips, dressings and more — all without sugar, calories or fat.
Nothing to Sing About
Putting together a mix CD (or tape, if you’re still working with 20th century technology) can be a fun way to share a little of your personal tastes with your friend or relative. And in fitting with the “nothing” theme, there are dozens if not hundreds of songs that are thematically suitable — from Richard Marx’s “Don’t Mean Nothing” to Metallica’s “King Nothing” to Priscilla Lopez’s “Nothing” from “A Chorus Line.” You can also go a little more obscure with such bands as Return to Zero and Nada Surf.
Adult Ideas
If you’re putting together a package for someone over 21, there are some additional options. For instance, there are Nada Wines, as well as an organic red, Orleane Hill Cote Zero. Or for something a little more festive, you can track down Zilch margarita mix. Not only does this handy mix have zero calories and carbs, it also has a wonderfully appropriate name.
So the next time someone says that he doesn’t want anything for his birthday, you’ve got yourself a game plan. And there’s “nothing” you can do about it.
