It’s Christmas, and you’re broke. Worse, you have a bunch of people on your shopping list to buy for, and you don’t want to let them down. What to do? How can you give something thoughtful without breaking the bank? What are the best inexpensive Christmas gifts?
1. Photo Op
This works particularly well as a gift for your mother, auntie, or grandmother. Find a great photo of the two of you together, have a print made, and put it in a nice, but inexpensive, frame. Add a slip of acid-free paper in the back with the story of when the photo was taken. Guaranteed to elicit sincere thanks and maybe even a few happy tears.
2. Coupon book
I did this one year for my daughter, and she loved it. I made a little booklet of coupons and gave them to her, for such things as “One afternoon shopping with mom” and “One night with mom’s car” and “An extra hour on your curfew.” You can make coupon books for boyfriends, parents, children, best friends, or anyone else on your list!
3. Poetry rocks!
If you’re a guy looking for an inexpensive gift for your girlfriend, this is probably the best one. Write your sweetheart a gooshy poem or letter. Write out on heavy paper by hand. Practice on the computer or on a notepad first. If you need inspiration, there are lots of love poems, quotes, and letters online.
4. A day together
This kind of goes along with the coupon book idea. Make a certificate good for one day together, either at the zoo, the movies, the museum, or just out shopping. Perfect to give to your grandmother or auntie!
5. Mailing kit
I’ve sent this gift to my sister, who lives 3,000 miles away. It’s a package filled with postcards, note paper, envelopes, stickers, address labels, and mailing stamps.
6. Cookies
It’s fun to bake cookies, and it’s even more fun to give them as gifts! Most dollar stores carry colorful holiday tins or baggies that make gift-giving cookies easy.
Cute and sweet ideas! In the end, it all comes down to the thought of the gift.
presents shouldnt be how flashy or expensive it is, but rather the love that was intended behind it. <3
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Great ideas.
The coupon idea can really be used for many different occasions.
I did it for my daughter’s birthday, and she loved it.
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I vote for cookies…yes yes yes :)
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I say yes to the cookies, too. Although, I’d love thread in all colors for my sewing. Haha
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I was going to stick to a hug for all my friends this year but thank you Jennifer for the wonderful ideas! I wish someone would bake cookies for me instead of the other way round. I’m a disaster baker. Lol!
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Sheila, I bet you will turn out to be a wonderful baker, but you have to give yourself a chance. Try recipes that other people already tried and you sampled the finished product. My first baking days were pretty disastrous as well, but now I am able to make lots of different things (the problem is now that if I just look at cookies, I gain extra inches….lol…who can just “look” at cookies…..this is only an excuse)
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Awww SG, that’s sweet. But I have tried baking a basic chocolate cake so many times over the years. It just never turns out right! Recently, I thought I’d bake a cake for my friend’s birthday and just to make sure I wouldn’t ruin it, I bought a Betty Crocker cake mix but guess what?! My bowl was too little for the batter and it kinda blew up in my oven. How does one destroy Betty Crocker?! Do you bake chewy cookies. I love chewy cookies. :D
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I love the cookies idea :) Some shapes for the baking would be great.
Sheila.. You have to try more on that baking thing. Don’t say you’re a disastor. Try more and by time and practise you’ll succeed!
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Xannyyy,
Sigh! All this confidence you guys are showing in me makes me wanna try baking once again. (Just a wee bit)
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