My Christmas Holiday Gifts ideas
Nov 04 '09
The Bottom Line It's not all that hard to come up with creative and inexpensive gift ideas that your family will like.
Normally, once I get my thinking cap on, I am able to come up with lots of cool ideas for Christmas gift giving. But this year, with the recession upon us and threats of layoff at my job (we already have been given furlough days), I am going to have to get really creative. I still would like to give interesting and unique gifts to my family this year, but am going to have to make them more affordable on my wallet as well.
1. I'm a big fan of gift cards, but with gift cards, you don't have to spend a fortune to give a gift that is appreciated. I often give Starbucks, Peets, or other coffee gift cards to my family, many of whom love coffee. Even something as low as $10 is appreciated. That could be two or three or even five cups (depending on what you choose) of yummy coffee that is looked upon as a treat. Last year, I got five gift cards worth $20 a piece for $80 at Costco. That's like getting one free gift card. I try to watch for specials like that. I figure, even if I get one or two extra, I can save it for a future birthday or keep it for myself! I also like giving a gift card to my parents for their favorite restaurants. My sisters and I like to do this for our folks and we make sure we each choose a different place, so they can dine at a variety of eateries around their town.
2. Another idea I had, which I pursued last year is to make something useful. I had to really plan ahead on this one, since my free time is pretty limited. What I did last year is I crocheted two scarves for my two sisters. I had to start a couple of months ahead of December 25, so they would be done in time. My sisters both said they loved the scarves I crocheted. Even though I am not the greatest at knitting/crocheting, it was a fun project and they turned out decent. A scarf is appreciated for winter and is a useful gift. If you have the time and the inclination, making a gift can be fun and inexpensive. I think your friends and family will appreciate the effort and love you have put into your handmade gift too. When my sons were small, they even got into the spirit by making Christmas Tree ornaments to give to the family. Lots of child care schools do this also.
3. Call me cheap, but don't call me late for dinner. Wait, I didn't say that! Ok, so I have been curious about the Snuggie Blankets I've seen on infomercials over the past couple of years. You know the ones I'm talking about. They are the blanket with sleeves that keep you warm and toasty, while still able to reach things. But the reviews I have read make it seem like they are actually not all that great. So here I go again with my idea of making my own version of a Snuggie blanket. I've been sewing for years and thought I could buy the warm, soft fabric (in fun patterns too!) and add a couple of sleeves and Voila! I have a few family members I believe would really like them.
4. I'm also big on stocking stuffers. These kinds of gifts are usually smaller and inexpensive and sometimes edible. Mini bags of coffee usually with yummy flavors. for this, I have come up with exotic teas, small makeup items for the ladies in my family, perhaps some grooming items for the guys and also a favorite of mine: Note cards with stamps. I know not that many people actually write and mail letters anymore, but note cards are always useful, especially to the older generation, who may not be comfortable with a computer. Adding stamps also saves them a trip to the post office. I've given this to my Grandma in the past and she always liked it.
5. Socks. Not average socks, but fun socks, such as Santa or snowman socks. Another interesting stocking stuffer, especially for big or small children. :))
6. Movie Tickets. My sons are big fans of going to the movies. Who isn't? But the price of movie tickets have really gone up. They don't go as much anymore, but I typically buy them a book of movie passes for $50. That will get them into probably 5 movies, not much, but it's something. On the back of the book, they usually have a discount coupon for popcorn too.
Well, there you have it: a few of my little tricks and plans for getting the most bang for my buck and yet getting family and friends gifts I hope they like to receive.
~thanks for reading my review~
gkm.
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