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Home
Growing Together |
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Someone's
sitting in the shade today because someone planted a
tree a long time ago.
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-
Warren Buffett
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How many times have you
heard a story of someone who found an old painting, a dusty
ceramic piece, or an old stock certificate in their parent's
(or grandparent's) attic, and it turned out to be a small fortune.
I've wished for such a pleasant surprise, but, of course, nothing
like that is hidden in my parents' attic (or basement or under
the floor board). Although it's probably too late for me to
ask my parents to buy something and hide it for me (so I can
find it years later), I still like the idea of having something
that grows over the years.
Only the down side is, you
have to wait for a long time. This doesn't seem too practical
for me, but it works out great as a gift for a new baby. And
"grows over the years" reminded me of two things:
stock and tree. True that stock and tree may not grow well,
and they may even be gone in some cases, so for those of you
who are concerned about it, this article is not for you. But
for others, read on...
Now, assuming that the stock
and tree will survive fluctuation of economy, weather and various
other factors, wouldn't it be nice to buy a stock and plant
a tree in the year the baby is born? That way, all three (baby,
stock and tree) can grow up together. And when the baby is old
enough to understand what "stock" is, he/she already
have a stock they held for years and a large tree to climb on.
And speaking of growing together, this idea also works nicely
as a wedding gift.
So here are some idea for
selecting stock and a tree.
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Selecting a Stock Certificate
First of all, I am suggesting
"stock certificate" instead of just shares of some
company because, that way, the baby can actually see the gift
instead of only hear about owning a stock. Now, for a stock
selection, I am a terrible investor (that's why I need to keep
my job), so I cannot give you an investment advice. However,
I am an experienced gift-giver, so I can tell you some gift-giving
ideas.
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Select
a company that will be around for years, because it would
be nice if the company is still in business when the baby
is old enough to know the meaning of "stock". |
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For a
new baby, select a company that manufactures baby product
such as Nestle
for Gerber products and Procter
& Gamble for Pampers and Luvs. The new parent
will most likely be using their products, so they can
feel like their spendings are a part of an investment. |
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For a
newly wed, think of the things they do together such as
their favorite restaurant, Southwest
Airlines for frequent traveler, or GameStop
if they like to play video games |
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Select
a company that sends a shareholder
perk. Although it is difficult to predict, as companies
start/discontinue shareholder perks at any time, when
they do send out a perk, it is like getting another gift!
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Select
a company that offers Dividend
Reinvestment Plan. It will allow the number of shares
to grow as long as the company pays dividend. |
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For a
new baby, select a company that makes kid friendly products
or offers services for kids (such as Walt
Disney, Mattel
or Hasbro). |
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Find
a common theme between a stock and a tree. For example,
give a share of Apple
and an apple tree. |
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| Selecting
a Tree
Just a few suggestions and
ideas about selecting a tree.
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Select
a tree that is easy to grow and care for. If you (or a
recipient) is going to plant the tree in outdoor, make
sure that the tree can withstand the climate. |
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Select
a tree that would bloom or fruit around the time of the
baby's birthday or the couple's anniversary. |
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Think
of the recipient's favorite: Favorite fruit or nuts, favorite
place (tropical beach = palm tree), or a favorite book
with a tree in it (The Giving Tree = Apple) |
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Consider
a tree that you can use as it grows. For example, with
an oak tree, kids can play with acorn, climb on it, and
eventually, build a tree house. |
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If the
tree you want to buy/give cannot be planted outside (due
to housing situation or the climate is just not right),
consider planting it in a pot. |
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If there
is any concern, avoid the tree that the recipient may
be allergic to (such as nuts). |
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Some
cultures have symbolic meaning associated with trees (from
myth, history, the way it grows etc.), so for those of
you who like history, myth, etc., it might help in selecting
a tree. |
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If there is any question
regarding the tree (planing, care, blooming season, size it
grows to, etc.), employees at a nursery are always an excellent
resources. You can also visit websites like GardenWeb,
UBC
Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research, and Garden
Guides.com for information and post questions in a forum.
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All that been said, I truly
believe only the thing that really matters is the thought. The
thought of you wanting to give a gift that they can grow up
with, and possibly have an access to a fund and a nice shade
when they need. And if the stock and the tree survives the economy
and weather, it'll just be an added bonus.
I hope your gifts survive,
so the recipient can sit under the tree and smile as they look
at the stock chart years from now.
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