With Christmas right around the corner it means one thing - stress over what to buy for each person on your list. This year, instead of being overly stressed I decided to think like the person receiving the gift and that has made my shopping/creating much easier.
1. Gift cards : Sure, they may seem impersonal but they are great for those hard to buy people on your list. I caved and bought my brothers and mom gift cards. All three have their favorite stores so picking up a gift card for them was a piece of cake.
2. Learning: I have decided to give books to a few people on my list (including my father) because reading is an investment in life. The books that I give are specific to the person and I hope that the reading material will teach and empower them to do great things. I realize that giving books for a Christmas gift sounds nerdy but it is practical and beneficial to all involved.
3.A Homemade Scarf: I have crocheted 3 scarves for Christmas gifts this year. Giving homemade gifts like this is a great way to save money. Also, the person receiving the gift loves the fact that it is homemade. One year I gave my Aunt a homemade key chain; she told everyone that I made it for her and she used it until it broke. People love homemade gifts...So for the family members, friends, neighbors, Church members on your list- be creative and make a little something for them.
4. The Classic Tin of Christmas Cookies: Yes, this is a Christmas classic. This year I put people on my Christmas list who were not on my list last year and I intended to give them a container of homemade Christmas cookies. This year I'm making up a container for the mail man, my elderly neighbor, and my uncle who just lost his wife. Sure, cookies aren't the best Christmas gift but some people just need to know that they are appreciated and loved during the holiday season and what better way to reach out and show them love then through homemade cookies and treats!
5. Homemade Ornaments: You can give more for your money if you decide to make ornaments instead of buying them. The other day I saw a cute little ornament for $8.00. It was not worth half of the price. For the same amount of money, I could get supplies from a craft store and make 8-10 ornaments. Usually craft projects are available inside the stores and if not you can find many easy Christmas ornament patterns and ideas online.
My favorite (and really easy) way to make a homemade ornament is to purchase various colors of paint and a few clear, glass ornaments. First, you pour a few drops of color #1 into all the ornaments and allow it to dry. Then you pour a few drops of color #2 (keep repeating until all colors are visible). Allow time to dry. And ta-da! You have a beautiful homemade ornament to give (or keep).
6. Memories: This is an affordable way to give the gift of a lifetime- a picture and a cute frame. Last year at Christmas I found a cute picture of my dad with me when I was little. I went to CVS, printed off the picture, found a frame and had a cute gift all ready for him. You can also find an ornament picture frame. I recommend finding frames at discount stores or even buying a simple wooden frame and decorating it yourself.
I hope these ideas help you to be creative when it comes to your Christmas shopping.
Merry Christmas
~AmberLeigh~
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