As much as I love gift giving at Christmas time it can get really expensive, especially if you have a large family. Believe it or not you can give inexpensive gifts for $10 or less that your friends and family will love. You just have to put a little thought into who you are buying the gifts for.
Before you begin your Christmas shopping plan a budget. It is best to carry and pay cash, leave the check book and debit/credit cards at home. Going over the budget is much harder when you pay with cash only.
Make a list of family and friends you plan on purchasing a gift for, this includes teachers, bus drivers, coaches and anyone else who spends time with your child. Take the time to think about each person and what they are interested in, their profession, favorite things. You may not know each person on a personal level so spend your energy on those you do.
When you have a list of gift ideas begin looking for sales on your items. Buying gifts on sale is the best way to really save money and stay within your budget.
Remember not every gift must be bought. Sometimes gifts from the heart are more special and meaningful than any gift that could be bought. Here are a few gift ideas…
- Journal with special note or inscription
- Child’s artwork that is framed
- Home baked breads or candies including the recipe
- Cookie or brownie in a jar – dry ingredients with a recipe for wet ingredients and baking attached
- Gourmet coffee with a mug
- Lotion
- Jam or jellies
- Movie theater gift certificate
- Board or card games
- Scrapbook or craft supplies
- Shower gel or bubble bath and bath puff
- Nail kit and nail polish
- Slippers
I hope this list gives you some ideas for gift giving and remember it is not the how much the gift costs but thoughtfulness of the gift.
Robin Greene is a mom of two, a wife and a kindergarten teacher. Robin enjoys spending time with her family, participating in church activities as well as writing for mybabyclothes.com. Make sure not to forget the baby on your list. Get baby the most unique baby clothes, stylish tutu or coziest baby hat this Christmas.
Leave a Reply