Christmas is almost here again. This year has gone so fast. It seems like I just said that about last year. It’s not that I don’t like this festive time, I really do it’s just… WOW it’s here again.
To me it’s like a blink and my year is over and I am another year older, my grandchildren are now a year older and because I live here in the United States I don’t get to see them as much as I would like because they are in Australia. This year I get to spend Christmas with them that means now I am counting my sleeps. I will get to see them in just 35 sleeps.
Of course this time of the year it is the time for giving. For some, that is more than they can afford. That is OK because it’s not about the gift matters; it is the thought behind it that counts. Last year I made sweets and put them in decorative bags with ribbons and for the men something more masculine. The gifts were well received. They went over very well. Inexpensive gift but appreciated.
Here’s a cute funny story: When my youngest son was about 7 years I gave him money to go buy Christmas presents I think it was $20 well he came back with a present for everyone in the family including my brothers and my Mom and Dad. You will never guess what he got for everyone for only $20 so I’ll tell you. We each got a toothbrush. Now I think that was brilliant. I mean, he gave us all something we could, plus it gave us quite the giggle.
Here are some other inexpensive gift ideas. I believe ones that will be appreciated.
BATH TOWELS: You can buy good bath towels for $5.00 and under. Beautiful colors, wrapped up in Xmas paper. One for each member of the family. If there is four of you then it’s a great present for $20. Maybe you could put some soap in with it or body wash, but a towel I am sure would a great thought.
PLACEMATS: These are great gifts. I always love placemats there are so many great designs in the discount store like Target or Wal-Mart. They only cost about $4 to $5 dollars each. It can be a great family gift. These would go nice with cookies that you have made. I am sure the kids would appreciate the cookies, even if they they could take or leave the place mats.
BOOKSTAND AND BOOKS: This is a gift that I would love and I feel that my gauge on a gift for someone is what I would like for myself. It usually works. There are great bookstands in stores like World Market or any store that sells Asian furniture and they are usually reasonably priced. You can fill the bookstand with books for the children and one for each one of the family.
WINE STOPPER. There are some fabulous wine stoppers out there that I am sure any wine drinker would love.
ONLINE SHOPPING: Sometimes I look at things I think are good value online until it ends up in the shopping cart with a huge shipping and handling fee. However, I found a website called freeshipping.com. This website scours the web and lists which major sites charge exactly zero for shipping.
ORIGINAL ART: Go to ugallery.com. This site displays and sells original art created by students from more than 89 universities. This would make a great gift. I have had a look at some of the paintings and they are wonderful. Plus you get to help a student who needs the money at the same time.
BUY HIM AN IRONIC T-SHIRT. The website is rumplo.com. Artists design from around the world. Prices are $20 and up. They have some very good-looking t-shirt designs.
GIFTCARD. You’ve probably been given a gift card in the past that you really have no use for. Go to swapagift.com and for a fee of 3.99 you can trade your card in for one you can actually use. You can also cash it in for 60% to 70% of the value.
A FRAME. Now this is interesting. Say you know a friend who has a picture unframed or maybe you could frame one of your children’s masterpiece paintings and present it to them for Christmas. Go to americanframe.com, give them the size, choose a frame and mat, and place the order. Then all you have to do is put it together. It’s easy and makes a nice gift.
Well, I hope you find some of these ideas useful.
Happy shopping,
Lesley Voth
