Gift recommendations?

[Scott]

With the upcoming holidays, I'm looking for gifts for a couple of family members who could use an... eye opener. Something that would help to raise their levels of consciousness yet isn't so blunt that they wouldn't make use of it.

-A younger brother, freshman at a local community college, who is severely lacking in motivation. He recently quit/got fired from his job at a pizza place because he refused to cut his hair - then went and got his hair cut the day afterward. He still doesn't have a job and, as far as I know, isn't looking for one. He lives with our grandmother, because he doesn't get along with either parent. I think he needs a pointer to help him realize what's really important - and that does not include World of Warcraft.

-A younger stepsister, a high school senior who can't seem to stop bouncing from boy to boy. Since she got there, I don't think she's been single for longer than two weeks at a time. One guy she's broken up with twice and is still "friends" with (seems like more than that to everyone else). It seems to me like she's looking for love in the wrong places to make up for what she doesn't get at home. Her eyes now should be set on what she's doing for college, not who she's going to date next week.

I appreciate any and all suggestions; thanks!

[joelyle]

or some other dose to show them what they can be grateful for?
How about a camping trip? something to move them out of their "comfort zone"...
let me know what happens..
Joe

[Mr. Waay]

For the younger brother. A backpack filled with stuff that would help him survive for a week while sleeping on a park bench after having been booted out off Grandma's place.

For the stepsister. Perhaps, a seminar on the dangers of AIDs and teenage pregnancy.

Sometimes, "tough love" is what's needed because pain is a much stronger motivation for action than pleasure.

Originally Posted by Scott

With the upcoming holidays, I'm looking for gifts for a couple of family members who could use an... eye opener. Something that would help to raise their levels of consciousness yet isn't so blunt that they wouldn't make use of it.

-A younger brother, freshman at a local community college, who is severely lacking in motivation. He recently quit/got fired from his job at a pizza place because he refused to cut his hair - then went and got his hair cut the day afterward. He still doesn't have a job and, as far as I know, isn't looking for one. He lives with our grandmother, because he doesn't get along with either parent. I think he needs a pointer to help him realize what's really important - and that does not include World of Warcraft.

-A younger stepsister, a high school senior who can't seem to stop bouncing from boy to boy. Since she got there, I don't think she's been single for longer than two weeks at a time. One guy she's broken up with twice and is still "friends" with (seems like more than that to everyone else). It seems to me like she's looking for love in the wrong places to make up for what she doesn't get at home. Her eyes now should be set on what she's doing for college, not who she's going to date next week.

I appreciate any and all suggestions; thanks!

[Michelle]

Sounds like low self-esteem all around. Why not get something supportive or loving for them? Perhaps a book about finding one's purpose, some type of wellness treatment (ayurvedic massage or time with a nutritionist), meditation cds. And you know, if they are starved for love and attention - give them just that. I would go rather for a gift of experience. You could take them to a concert where good vibrations prevail (Mozart especially!), for a nice dinner or to the zoo.

You will not be able to "cure" them with a gift, but you can give them a nudge in the right direction. Good luck!