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Spiritual Gift Giving
Christmas Gift Giving
by Nikki Willhite - Willhite@aol.com
Description: Creative Christmas gift giving ideas for families on a budget.
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Now that the children are back in school, their clothing and
school
supplies purchased, the next major expense that most of us are
going to
face is Christmas.
Most of you have been probably been preparing for this
Christmas since
the "after Christmas Sales" last year. Some people just
start shopping
early, to stretch out the expenses over several months, so they
don't go
into debt heavily at the end of the year.
Others just want to enjoy the Holidays "stress free", so they
get all
the shopping done early, and don't have to "fight the
crowds". I
have a particular aversion to crowded malls. I stay away
from them
from November to the middle of January, if possible.
Some people buy Christmas presents all year long. When
they feel
the "urge" to go shopping, and know they don't really need
anything, they
look for items that they can use for gifts. Congratulations
to those
of you who save money all year long in a Christmas fund.
I've never
been able to get to that point.
Our Christmas gifts range from almost "party favors" to
presents for
our children, parents, and spouses. My families have
traditions to
help keep costs down. Most large families on a budget draw
names.
The best time to do this is at the end of the holidays the year
before.
This gives you all year to think about and select a present for
the family
member you have drawn.
Other families decide only to give presents to the
children. Some
decide to concentrate on their own families, and agree to just
exchange
cards with other married family members. Each family is
different.
I remember one Christmas when we were particularly poor.
I think
we only had 2 children at the time. We were able to give
them a few
presents, but our main gift exchange consisted of a bunch of
handwritten
IOU's. We spent the night writing them and then sealing
them up for
Christmas. Mine consisted of things like batches of
cookies.
My boys had things like hugs and kisses, as well as chores that
they could
do. No one felt deprived that year.
In my own family, when my mother started getting quite old, I
told her
that I did not want her to send me anything for Christmas.
Often
the elderly worry about the expectations of their children and
what they
should do about Christmas. If our parents have a hard time
getting
around, and are living on a budget, be mindful of their
situation, and
take this burden off of them!
Some people have a large circle of business associates,
friends, and
neighbors that they need to give gifts to. If you are one
of these
people, the stress can be tremendous.
So, here are some ideas for presents that you can buy during
the year,
during sale times, or gifts you can make. I've tried to
keep these
presents as "generic" as possible. These are gifts for
friends and
family who don't live in your home; people who you are unsure
what to buy
them.
When you give presents to your extended family, try to avoid
decorative
items that make a strong "statement". If they don't
like them,
or they don't fit into their decor, they are going to either have
to either
display something they don't like, or put it away and be
embarrassed every
time you visit.
I have one son who usually gives me either throws (afghan
type) or floor
rugs. I don't have the heart to ask him to give me
something else,
but it seems like I am always trying to decorate around his
presents!
I wouldn't dream of not displaying and using anything he gives
me, and
somehow I must make them "work" in my home.
Small Presents:
Here are some ideas for the kinds of presents that you give at
Christmas
Party present exchanges, to neighbors, paperboys, babysitters,
etc.
1. Christmas Ornaments. Whether you make them, or
purchase
them on sale after Christmas, women love new ornaments to put on
their
trees. I can't remember the last time I bought one for my
own tree.
This is a great craft item to keep you busy during the year
(should you
need it)!
2. Books. Books always make great presents, and
run from
inexpensive gifts to major gifts because of their price range and
quality.
Small, paperback cartoon books are popular. There is a wide
variety
of subject matter, from political humor, to Jeff Foxworthy's
books on being
a "redneck", etc.
3. Calendars. Again, there is a wide
variety. These
are not usually able to be purchased ahead of time, so you may
not be able
to get them on sale.
4. Food Gifts. A great way to be creative and
personal.
This has become an "art". There are people who specialize
in the
"high end" aspect of food gifts. Usually our small food
gifts are
things like a home canned jar of jelly with a bow on top, a fresh
baked
loaf of bread, a plate of cookies, candies, or a combination of
foods that
we've made and divided up. To make a food gift more
special, be sure
to include the recipe to any unique food item you have made on
the plate.
"In Between" Presents:
These are presents which are a little more personal, and
usually take
more time. They are often sufficient for family members,
but can
be scaled down for less "important" gifts.
1. Computer Gifts. Make use of your investment in
your computer.
There are many things you can make for gifts.
Make return address labels. Customize the graphic
on the
label to reflect the person's interests.
Make a set of personalized greeting cards that others can use
to send
out on occasions such as birthday, weddings, and in sympathy. You
make
the cards special by putting their name on the front of them, so
it looks
like they made it themselves. They always come in handy.
Another great gift is to spend $10 on a birthday software
program, and
print out a "birthday sheet". It will tell them all kinds
of interesting
things that happened on the day they were born. Make it more
special by
framing it.
If you have a parents or sibling who likes to keep track of
family occasion,
birthdays, etc., make them a calendar and send them the floppy
disk with
the data. If they like the calendar, they will have to go
out and
buy the software, but once you use it you will not be able to do
without
it. Every event, birthday, or whatever comes up year after
year.
The birthdays even come up with the age each new year. It
is a wonderful
way to keep organized.
2. Books. This will always be one of my favorite
gifts in
all categories, because I love to read, books can be mailed
easily, and
they are always on sale and easy to store. Cookbooks are
usually
colorful and always welcome. Unless you buy your books at the
last minute,
and are sure the other person doesn't already have a copy, it is
good to
give something more generic. Anything that can be used as a
reference book
is great. People that like to travel enjoy books about
other countries.
Books on hobbies are also a good choice.
3. Office Gifts. Everyone has some sort of place
in their
home where they pay their bills. Many people have small
"offices"
or spaces, as I do for my computer business. There are all
sorts
of little things people can use, from electric pencil sharpeners,
letter
organizers, decorative computer paper to small paper
shredders.
I would also include in this category scrapbooks, stationery, and
fine
pens.
4. Handicrafts. If you have the skill, knitted and
crocheted items
of clothing or household items are personal and make great
gifts.
There are so many things you can sew, like aprons, place mats,
and napkins.
You can personalize plain white t-shirts with family
pictures. There
are needlework projects, handmade jewelry, dolls you can
make. It
seems like there is an abundance of crafts right now. If
you are
talented, make use of your skill. If you are looking for
free patterns,
just do a search on the internet and you will find many
different, unique
items. For instance, try typing in the word "crochet", and
see what
you get!
5. Plants. Most people love a little greenery in
their home.
When it comes to plants, sometimes smaller is better.
Almost everyone
has a little niche where a pretty plant would look nice.
For special
gifts, use a beautiful container. Also, be mindful that
some people
have allergies and do not use real plants in their home.
Also, some
people just prefer the convenience of silk flowers.
Big Presents:
Here is where I get into trouble! Some people's idea of
a "big
present" is a new stereo or television for their room (according
to my
children). The following are my ideas of "big presents".
1. Sweaters. Sweaters always make great presents,
especially in
December. The best time to buy them is after the prior
Christmas.
Sweaters with Christmas designs are cute, and they are marked way
down
after Christmas. Just watch out for tight necks or scratchy
fibers.
2. Handiwork. Depending on the skill level you
possess and
the time it takes to complete the project, handiwork qualifies as
a major
present. Obviously there is a big difference between a
quilt and
a pair of potholders, and everything in between.
3. Magazine Subscriptions. These can cost a bit,
depending on
the magazine, but if you are giving this present to someone who
lives far
from you, you will not have any mailing expenses. This is a
great
gift, because it is enjoyed all year.
4. Crystal. If you are hand delivering your
presents, crystal
is always a good gift. Whether it's candle holders, bowls,
glasses,
etc., it is always appreciated. Unless the people you are
giving
it to have a lot of money, they probably will not have much and
appreciate
it all the more.
5. Household Accessories. Be very careful here, as
I mentioned
previously, to not make a strong decorative statement.
However, there
are many things you can buy such as baskets, decorative soap,
candles,
potpourri, clocks, kitchen towels, mirrors, etc. Just keep
them small.
Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded
The Conservative Homemaker & Home of The Pennypincher
E-zine
http://www.AllThingsFrugal.com
