Once again, Christmas is right around the corner. It is time to start thinking about celebrating, decorating, and of course, gift giving. There are so many people that are important in your life and you want to be sure that all of them feel appreciated. However, sometimes your budget will not allow you to purchase a pricey gift for everyone that is important to you. Even when the purse strings must stay tight, there are plenty of creative ideas for Christmas gift giving that are sure to please everyone on your list.
Framed Photos - A great gift for friends and family is a framed photo for them to display in their home or office. Have a family photo taken, use the children’s school pictures or choose a favourite snapshot of you together. Purchase an inexpensive frame and add embellishments to make it a bit more personal. They will treasure this gift for years.
Personalised Cook Book - Create a cookbook for friends and family featuring a collection of your favourite meals and treats. For family, look for recipes that are frequent selections for Christmas meals or those that have been handed down for generations and create a real keepsake. Choose recipe cards or paper that has a design with meaning or have your children decorate the book cover.
Create Gift Baskets - The local discount store usually has a plethora of little trinkets that would make wonderful gift baskets without spending excessive amounts of money. Choose soaps, lotions, candles and bubble bath to make a great bath set. A variety of favourite snacks and treats in a basket would certainly please a co-worker with a sweet tooth. Take a look at what is available in the bargain bins and let your imagination run wild.
Handmade Gift Certificates - Offer loved ones handmade gift certificates for services that they would enjoy, and that you can provide to them. A weekend of baby-sitting, house cleaner services for a month, or even a home cooked meal at your house can be wonderful gifts for those who do not often get these luxuries. Think about what you are good at doing and what those on your gift list might want to take advantage of to come up with other gift certificate ideas.
Create Custom Stationary - Use your computer printer or your artistic talents to create stationary for friends, loved ones, or even co-workers. Monograms or logos that are printed or drawn on cards, note cards and letter writing paper can be personalised to fit the recipient. This is a useful gift that will be used and appreciated.
Use Your Craftiness - If you have a crafty hobby, such as sewing, candle making or embroidery, you can give your creations to others as Christmas gifts. Whether you make several of the same item to give or if you choose to personalise your projects to each individual recipient, handmade gifts are always appreciated and accepted with a smile.
Cook or Bake Your Speciality - Those who are handy in the kitchen have unlimited options to create wonderful Christmas gifts without spending loads of money. Make cakes, pies, cookies or sweets for those that have a sweet tooth. You may like to use seasonal fruits and vegetables to make jams and relishes. You could even show up on someone’s doorstep with the gift of an entire meal during the busy festive season. There aren’t many people that don’t like to eat, so gifts of food are almost always welcome.
Explore The Clearance Aisles - Clearance aisles in department stores and boutiques can offer some wonderful frugal gift ideas. Even if the items are out of season, choosing an item that you would otherwise be unable to afford, often creates a gift that will thrill the recipient. An expensive summer top at half price or a beautiful outdoor lawn ornament that may not see use for awhile will still be appreciated when the time comes around to made use of it.
Although it may be a little late to start this year, start your shopping immediately after Christmas to find amazing bargains on this year’s hottest and most expensive gift items. Squirrel away bargains that you find throughout the year to spread out the financial strain and make next year’s Christmas less stressful. With some ingenuity and careful planning, the festive season can be even more enjoyable and will not break the bank.
Recommended Reading
For more information and advice on saving money on Christmas gifts, take a look at the book, ’39 Secret Ways To Buy Great Christmas Gifts: Free, Cheap and Easy Tips To Find Your Perfect Christmas Gift And Make Gift Giving Stress Free
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By peppermint patti on 20 Dec 2008
best gift I ever got was a small container with many small pieces of paper--on each was written a memory of something my friend and we’d done/seen/read/spoken of together + all the good qualities in me---you get the drift. Years later, and a lotta water under our bridges!--I still treasure that gift that cost my friend nothing but her hear, soul, and mind.