Who doesn't like to be able to give gifts? The joy on the face of the recipient as they tear through the carefully wrapped package to discover the thing that you selected just for them is just about the best feeling ever. Just because you are on a budget doesn't mean you can't give great gifts to the people you love. It just means you have to be even more intentional and think a little farther ahead. Here are 10 gifts you can give that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
1. Babysitting Coupons
Let's be real. Our time is valuable. When Mom and Dad want to go out for a date night, one of the hardest parts of the planning is finding a babysitter that you can trust and who is available. You can help out by giving the gift of your time. Make up a coupon (or a few) and offer your services. I promise that will be very well received and appreciated.
2. Baked Goods
Everybody loves cookies at Christmas! What's better is that you probably have all the ingredients on hand to whip up a batch or two of cookies. If you don't, then you could easily pick up all the goods for less than $10 and have enough to make dozens of cookie goodness. Bake quick breads, or truffles, or granola. Whatever you choose to give, just be creative in your presentation; enclose a recipe card and, voilà! You have a gift that will have them eating out of your hand.
3. Create a Unique Art Piece
You don't have to be Van Gogh or Picasso to pull this one off. It can be as simple as a line drawing, or as elaborate as a Faberge egg. Then, find a simple frame at the dollar store or something more "weathered" at your second-hand shop.
4. Write a Poem
Like #3, you don't have to be Henry Wadsworth Longfellow…just put something to paper. What matters are your heart-felt sentiments. Poems don't have to rhyme, either. You can write it out in fancy lettering, or if you don't have the best penmanship, print it out.
5. Create a Secret Hollow Book
Find a cheap, musty old classic at your nearby Goodwill or used bookstore. Glue the pages together then use an X-Acto knife to hollow out the center of the book. Now the recipient can store his treasures, or you can put in a treasure of your own.
6. Get Crafty
Have jeans that are too holey to wear? Don't toss them! Instead, turn them into a denim pocket quilt for a lucky someone on your Christmas list. You can whip one up in a weekend for the cost of a bit of thread. Look through your (and your kids') old clothes, cut out squares of fabrics they will remember, and make a little wall hanging or pillow or stuffed toy or whatever. Pick a nice quote or scripture verse and write it up in calligraphy or a nice handwriting.
7. Memory Jar
One of the most wonderful gifts you can give costs almost nothing. Contact friends and family members and ask them to send you memories and old pictures of the person you want to give the jar to. Then write one memory on a slip of paper or cardstock, fold it in half and secure it with a bit of tape. Put all your memories into a personally decorated jar. Then your loved one can pull out a memory and see what other people cherish about them. You could have them open one memory a month, or one a week…If you have enough, you could even have a memory for every day of the year.
8. Personal Gift Certificates
In essence, this is the gift of time. Are you good with computers? Give your brother-in-law a gift certificate for free computer repairs. Are you gifted with organization skills? Give your parents a gift certificate for a free organizing makeover of their home office. The idea is to use the skills you already have and bless your friends and family with one of your most precious commodities.
9. Personalized Calendar
This one is a really easy one to pull off, but very meaningful to the recipient. Use your computer to create a calendar and add personal pictures and even highlight important days and birthdays. You could also include a personal message on each page.
10. Time with You
With time at a premium, sometimes the best thing you can give is a date with you. Do something exciting and challenging together (e.g., long walk, bike ride, hike, art course). Let the recipient choose, then set the date and make all the arrangements. You'll get to do something you both enjoy and boost your relationship at the same time.
The golden rule of gift-giving that won't break the bank is to be thoughtful and personal. If your recipient knows that you put time and effort into your gift for them, and were thinking about them and what they'd like, your gift is likely to be appreciated. Have more ideas? Share them in the discussion window below.
