Some of the top Christmas presents, Hanukkah gifts, birthday gifts, etc. are those that lift the person up out of the ordinary and inspire them to reach beyond themselves into the yet-to-be-explored.

What about...

• An art museum pass to a youngster who loves to draw?

• A book you found inspiring or wondrously thought-provoking?

• A gift certificate for a class your friend has always wanted to take?

• A dress-up box for a small girl?

• A coupon for your healthy Greek cooking instruction twice a month?

• A history of your shared family for a long-lost relative.

• An invitation to an ethnic church festival.

• A packet of dried apple seeds... so Johnny can plant them wherever he goes.

• A magazine subscription to encourage an interest (new or old/ongoing) - especially good for a recent widow.

• A phone call to your friend, in which you talk about everything (and in which great ideas get brainstormed and problems solved)?