Positively Perfect

When searching for the ideal gift for the holidays, try on these feng shui-friendly presents for size

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: “What are some good feng-shui or energy-positive gifts to give others? Do you have suggestions for the upcoming Christmas season?”

One of the things I like about feng shui is that it helps me narrow down my gift-giving options. If you need to get something simple, this article will give you a few ideas. I have chosen items that will work for simple gift giving, bringing the essence of nature into the homes of your friends and family, and you can find them in ordinary stores. Gifts that embody more meaning and symbolism serve a deeper purpose, and shopping for them is personal.

Gifts for the home

Candles

Candles represent the sun and sunlight, which gives life to nature and offers opportunity, vitality and warmth. Candles also have the energetic ability to burn off negative energy and clear the air. A single candle, a set of candles, or a “candle-scape” makes a nice decor element while helping your recipient clear the space of lower energies.

Plants

Plants are pieces of nature that are universally feng-shui positive, creating fresh air indoors, filling the space with positive, healthy energy. Although live plants require care, a gift of life makes a wonderful statement.

If, for some reason, the person does not like live plants, substitute an authentic-looking silk plant. Silk, produced in nature by the silk worm, also symbolizes growth, brings vitality to the environment and is preferable to plastic, a man-made synthetic product.

Whether purchasing live or silk plants, look for those that are full, lush and vibrant.

Water fountains

Water represents flow, abundance and new opportunities. A water fountain is a good idea only if you know the recipient will enjoy and maintain it. A water fountain that is never taken out of the box or never plugged in will not be helpful. Make sure to let the recipient know that the entrance is an excellent location for a fountain and that the water direction should flow toward the interior of the room. Advise the recipient to keep the fountain out of the bedroom, as the sound of water can actually disrupt your sleep.

Books

Books represent wisdom and knowledge. Purchasing books as gifts is a wonderful way to open someone’s mind to something new and exciting. If you know the person has a specific interest, a few books on that topic will always be appreciated.

Food or sweets

Fruit baskets, wine, chocolates, sweets and the like make excellent gifts, symbolizing your hope that the recipient will have a full, sweet and abundant life.

Gifts for Couples

Anything in pairs

Giving two of something, from images to candles, lamps, or vases filled with flowers, fosters a sense of balance and strengthens partnership in the recipients’ environment. For example, candles in an elaborate stand that matches the couple’s decor, would be in line with the energy of feng shui. Matching items are also excellent.

The color red

Fire colors support relationship energy, so anything in red, pink, orange, coral, etc., offers energy toward building and maintaining passion in a relationship. Consider two red pillows, two red towel sets, two plants with red blossoms, etc.

Porcelain or ceramic

Earth is the element associated with romance, so items made of “earth,” such as ceramics, are considered good luck when given to a couple. Gifts of relationship significance, like a ceramic picture frame with the couple’s photo or red ceramic objects, such as hearts, birds and fish, are all excellent choices.

What Not to Give

From the perspective of feng shui, do you wonder what would be considered “bad” feng shui gifts? Keep in mind that this is just one perspective. The gifts mentioned are “traditionally” not given because of their symbolism.

Bonsai

Although bonsai are living trees, their growth has been stunted. Avoid giving bonsai to someone starting a new job or opening a new business, unless you want to stunt his or her growth.

Knives

Gifts of sharp objects are not considered suitable because of the “cutting” energy they hold, representing the severing of the friendship. Examples are knives, letter openers, scissors, swords and the like.

Timepieces

Desk clocks, standing clocks, wall clocks, pocket watches, wristwatches, and so forth, measure the passage of time and are usually avoided as gifts, especially from a younger person to an older person, because they symbolize the wish for a limited life span.

The key to giving positive gifts

When your intent is to give a feng shui-positive gift, symbolism is the key. Find something that has a good meaning and that will be enough. Don’t get so caught up in the color, shape and details that choosing a gift becomes difficult. It’s much easier to go with the overall meaning. You can never go wrong with nature-based items and products because the very essence of nature is what supports us.

Happy shopping!

Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue Life Guidance LLC, a company committed to assisting people in living empowered lives. Alice shares her wisdom as a professional speaker and personal consultant, and offers a series of instructional DVDs on feng shui, as well as her award-winning books on feng shui, happiness and spiritual life wisdom. Visit www.aliceinspired.com to read her blog, sign up for her newsletters and download useful feng shui tips.

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