How To Simplify Yuletime Gift Giving: Holiday Gift Ideas That Don’t Break The Bank

As soon as the Halloween masks were taken off, every major store boasted advertisements that practically scream out, “buy, buy, buy!” And yet, are we happier with all the things we receive for the holidays? Are we certain that the gifts we spend our hard-earned income on are pleasing others? Or, are we part of the after Christmas exchange lines in stores, trading in what we didn’t want for something we’d prefer?

The things we’ve all heard that we will remember and wish we had more of on our deathbed aren’t things at all – they’re time with our loved ones, shared experiences and love. This year, take a few people on the list for holiday presents and give presence, instead.

• Give memories: A great gift for family members is a family photo album. Computer-savvy folks can scan pictures, add music and slip a disc into an envelope this Yule time that will offer years of enjoyment. For real-time physical viewing, any photo album could be dressed up with labels, stickers and stamps to create a personalized work of art. Large craft supply stores like Michaels, Ben Franklin and Joanns, or local bead stores, stamp and stickers online and found objects around the house can all contribute to a photo album. Get further inspired in any one of those places and create your own cards to go with gifts.
• Another card option is to start saving cards that you receive. Those that have writing only on the right side can be cut in half and the picture pasted onto a new piece of paper.
• A collage is a wonderful alternative to commercially made cards. Start by going through colorful magazines and cutting out any picture or phrase that inspires you. Assemble all the pieces in interesting ways together, overlapping a bit. Then, with a little bit of Elmer’s glue and a toothpick, just a little dab of glue along the edges will hold your design together. Leave the words for last and create either a poignant statement or a funny comment – your choice.
• Gift certificates that are unique and personalized offer friends and family your time and much appreciated support. Do you know how to sew? How about a gift certificate to the friend or family member who doesn’t ever pick up a needle and thread for hemming every pair of pants pushed to the back of his or her closet because they don’t fit? A gift certificate for 5 foot rubs or a weekend of child care for family members might be nice. Are you handy with a chainsaw? Winter is a great time to give a gift of firewood. How about a date to go to the zoo or marine mammal park? Kids of any age might enjoy a play date instead of a toy that will lose its fascination in a short period of time.
• Gifts of teaching a skill last a lifetime. Just create a beautiful card with all the stamps, stickers, bows and beads or collage that you want and include some potential days and times to share your knowledge on anything from baking elaborate cakes to knitting to water-skiing. Remember – the real gift is the time you spend with your loved ones.