Mark Christmas Presents With Numbers Instead Of NamesIf you have little impatient gift-peepers at your house who can't stay away from their gift under the tree, here's what I do.
Gifts for Elderly FriendsIt is not easy to find a gift for elderly friends and relatives. I give them stationary, a ball point pen and stamps.
By Jean Sterling
Gift Idea for Someone on MedicareNeed a Christmas/birthday/anniversary gift idea for someone who is on medicare and often gets prescriptions? Get them a gift card to their pharmacy. If you give them a gift card for their pharmacy or a prepaid visa, they can use that to pay their copay on something they may otherwise go without.
Affordable Family ChristmasAs newly retired parents to three young adult children, we have decided as a family to reframe our Christmas into something more meaningful than gifts to us. Rather than buying and receiving expensive items that our young adult children can't afford (with college loans and life expenses), we are starting new traditions with our family. Maybe you might want to use one or two yourself!
Hide Money for Teens Inside Glove FingersMy 3 grandchildren are all teenagers now and it is very difficult to know what to buy them for Christmas. Money is always welcome but I didn't want to just give them an envelope with cash.
Give 'em C-A-S-HDespite claims that the economy has improved somewhat, it has worsened for those on fixed incomes and on social services. Cash gifts go uncounted unless tied to some traceable source.
Give Time For ChristmasInstead of the usual gift of cookies or candy, take about 10 minutes to call or visit a shut in person and it will be the best gift you could possible give. If possible, read them a Bible passage and you will be long remembered.
Homemade Christmas Gifts for MenTry a box of pretzel rods dipped in melted caramel and rolled in nuts, Skor bar bits, sprinkles, etc. This looks more substantial than a caramel apple and will be enjoyed a bit longer.
Christmas Gifts For SeniorsWe all have someone on our gift list who is hard to shop for because they already have it all, or have limited space, such as someone in a nursing home or assisted living home.
Restaurant Gift CertificatesFor those of you with hard to buy for parents, here's a last minute tip that can be used for any occasion. My parents love to go out to eat, especially after Mass on Saturday. Each year, I get them restaurant gift certificates.
Buy Thrift Store Gifts For ChristmasOur family usually draws names and we have a limit to spend on each person. Next year we decided to do something out of the ordinary and have a 'thrift store gift Christmas'. It will be fun to see how many more gifts you can buy for a person on your list.
Secret Santa Gift IdeasHoliday secret Santa gift giving is easy for me. I go to Walmart, Marshalls, and Target.
Common Sense Holiday Gift GivingIn the current time of having to be thrifty with your money and make it stretch way beyond what you think you should, something handmade or a box of favorite candies will suffice as a warm message to someone to just show them you care.
Give Gifts of TimeOffer a free Christmas gift this year, such as a night of free babysitting, a day of house cleaning, an afternoon tutoring a child or adult, or even just spending time with a shut-in person who is unable to get out.
Left-Right Christmas Gift ExchangeThe soon-to-be here Christmas holiday often has people wondering how to do a gift exchange. Here's a fun way that's good for parties, group gatherings, teens and adults: Have everyone bring a gift ($10 or less) and sit in a big circle holding their gift.
No Toys As Gifts For The HolidaysDespite the fact that one of her sons thinks she is the meanest mom in the world, a good friend has informed the grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. that if they want to buy her children gifts they must be books, clothing, gift cards, etc.
Christmas Gift: Family Photos And History BookThis year my sister and I gathered old photos, family tree info and family stories and combined them into a book. That we had printed by online publisher LuLu. The book ran about $10 a book and is now an heirloom in our family.
Beloved Pet RemembranceThe presents are all unwrapped and it was a successful Christmas. the most loved present this year was to my daughter. This year we have lost three beloved pets to accidents, so I got to thinking about how to make their memories special.
Happy Gift Packages for ChristmasI am going to put together some activities for the kids this year. I want it to be special. A gift they will have a permanent record of and a little memory photo album with it and also a one use camera to record it.
Make a Christmas Card for Your ParentsWhen you think about Christmas and you're a kid, you should make your mom or dad (or both) a card that you made.
Christmas Gifts For TeachersOur teacher was very beloved. Parents brought her many sweet gifts, including lots of chocolates and coffee cups. With the economy what it has been, there were so many other things she could have used. Here is a list of some of the things that we discussed.
Crape Paper Wrapping for TeenagersLast year I struggled on how to make my 3 nephews, who are teenagers something just for them. I bought crepe paper (streamer type) and started wrapping. I layered candy, gift cards, cards, fishing lures, etc...
Be a Good Sport When Buying for Yankee SwapsJust a reminder about Yankee Swaps, Dirty Santas, Chinese Christmases, etc., those gift exchanges where someone opens a present, the next person opens another gift and can trade gifts with the first person, a third contestant opens a gift and can trade with either of the first two players, on and on.
A Gift for People Who Have It AllI've always had a hard time giving to people who have the money to buy anything they want or for people who just have it all. Last year, apart from giving my mom the usual homemade stuff, I gave her a $10 gift card so she can give to any organization she wants!
Christmas Shopping TipsI never understood people who waited until the day after Thanksgiving to start their Christmas Shopping. I usually start in July or August and know some people who start in January. I know it's already October, so start now if you can. It will still help you during the holidays. Make your list of "giftees" and keep it in your purse.
Yankee Swap Gift ExchangeIf you get together with extended family over the holidays, gift giving can get really expensive (especially if you get everyone an individual gift). To cut down on costs we have instituted a "Dirty Santa" or "Yankee Swap" gift exchange for the adults.
Holiday Gift EtiquetteMany people, myself included, have hobbies such as sewing, painting or general crafting. I wanted to post a reality check for these people before the holidays.
Buy Gift Cards For Christmas With Every PaycheckEvery payday throughout the year I buy gift cards. I mix them between cards for stores that I know people I buy for buy from and Visa or AmEx gift cards. Some folks get the gift cards for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas/Related Holidays and for the ones that "have to have a gift", I use Visa/AmEx cards to purchase them.
Give Older Kids Christmas Money Instead of PresentsIf your children are older, give them money for Christmas. Then, take them shopping the day after Christmas. They can get twice as much for the money and get anything they want for themselves. I once knew a family who had six children, and this is how they handled the holiday.
Donation Instead of Greeting CardsFor the last few years I have made a $100 donation to the National Arbor Day Foundation to help restore the rain forest in Central America, instead of sending out Christmas cards to my selected 100 people.
Happy New Year GiftsI give Christmas Gifts a few days after Christmas and call them Happy New Years Gifts. The reason why: I don't want people to feel obligated to give me something in return yet I want to say Thank You.
Give Consumables To Older Friends or RelativesIf you are wondering what to give older friends/relatives for the holidays, here is an idea: Consumable gifts are always welcome since seniors do not want to get things that will end up collecting dust or ending up in a yard sale!
Purchase Gift Cards Throughout The YearFor Christmas shopping, start purchasing gift cards every paycheck or month in January. By the time you get to Christmas, you won't have to dip into your regular budget to purchase Christmas gifts.
Family Trip Instead of Toys for ChristmasA couple of years ago my daughter asked her kids what they wanted for Christmas: toys or going to the Wisconsin Dells for Christmas with the family? Would you believe they picked going to the Dells? They said they had enough toys and that they get toys for their birthdays.
Buy Family Gifts For ChristmasRather than buying individual Christmas gifts for your cousin, her husband and each of their children, give one Christmas gift to all of them that they can enjoy as a family.
Opening Presents One At A TimeOpening Presents One At A Time. My brother-in-law's family has a tradition of opening presents that works very well in large family gatherings. Rather than all tear into the wrappings, sit in a circle and each person going round can choose one present to open (until they are all open).
Presents in the Spirit of the SeasonDon't think you can't give presents, most of us have enough to pass on to share in the spirit of the season. I was reminded of that when an old senior citizen buddy of ours gave us a "new" wood cutting board for our boat that had come out of some ship's teak woodwork.
Holiday Gifts for Co-WorkersHoliday gifts for Co-Workers. REMEMBER - not everyone celebrates Christmas, so be thoughtful. This idea took care of about 20 people. Last year for the men in the office, my kids and I baked brownies in muffin tins and placed them on Holiday theme plates we picked up at the dollar store.
Pets Require Time and MoneyThe old saying goes "Pets are for life, not for Christmas". If you are planning on getting or giving a pet as a gift, make sure to take into account all the fees and time commitments that are associated with feeding, training and providing medical care for the pet.
Saving Money on Christmas GiftsWith an expanding family that includes children, grandchildren (four new babies in the last two years!) our family has come up with this way to deal with holiday gift giving.
Family Strategies for Saving Money on GiftsFamily Strategies for Saving Money on Gifts. We found that the best strategy is this: we spend all year both searching for gifts and spending extra time with the people we love so the gift means more.
Giving Gift CardsWhen giving a gift certificate to a loved one living away from you, make sure the recipient will be able to use it in their area. Don't assume that the place of business is in their area, just because there is one or several of these businesses in your area.
Tips for Shipping Baked Goods OverseasNo butter, margarine, peanut butter or nuts should be used. These fats go rancid too fast in high heat. Butter flavored shortening however can be used.
"Thank You" Gift For Nursing Home EmployeesMy mom is in a nursing home and she receives very good care from the employees. When Christmas comes I like to thank them with an original gift. Seeing that they receive so much goodies like candy, pastry, etc. (mostly all high in calories) I bring them a large box of fresh oranges.
Check Out Terms and Expiration Date on Gift CardsNot all gift cards are a good deal. Check on expiration dates and such before you buy. Some companies deduct money from the card every month the account is open. Why should you pay up front, and then have them charge the recipient for the privilege of holding your money?
By Linda
Christmas Decorations as Gifts for Young AdultsI have some nieces and nephews that are young adults and starting out in their apartments for their 1st Christmas celebration. Being limited with money they don't have a lot to spend on decorations.
Don't Give Live Pets as PresentsIf you wish to give the gift of a cat or dog for Christmas, give a gift coupon you make attached to a stuffed animal or an animal toy. Wait until after the holidays to get the new pet.
Clothing for a Sports FanGifts for sports fans... Rather than buying expensive official merchandise you can buy shirts, hats, scarves, etc. that have the same colors as their favorite sports team.
Do Christmas Gift Giving LaterOne way to save on Christmas gifts is to postpone your Christmas gift giving until right after Christmas. All the stores mark prices down tremendously and there is great savings to be had!
By Robin
Gift Exchange IdeaGot some $10 gift exchanges to do? Hit the dollar store for ingredients for a theme basket, like same scent toiletries, hair accessories and a hairbrush for a girl, art supplies for a young artist, flavored coffees, teas, cocoa for someone who likes them. Put them all in a 50 cent gift bag and finish with a bow of your choice.
By Linda
Christmas Gift Suggestion for People Away from HomeHave a student, loved one in senior care home, kinfolk or serviceman/woman, living away from home? Give them a subscription to the local newspaper. It gives them news from their local area.
Gifts for Teachers, Pastors, Doctors and FriendsGreat gifts for teachers, pastors, doctors, and even friends are edibles that can be frozen now to eat later. Basics like homemade bread, banana bread, muffins, are always welcome.
By Linda
Mail Gifts Media MailSave postage on gifts that go long distance by giving gifts that qualify for media postage, which is much less than regular parcel post. Media postage can be used for DVDs, CDs, books, tapes, or movies, any information that doesn't contain advertisements can usually go media rate.
A New Holiday Tradition... Homemade GiftsStart a new holiday tradition in your family... no gifts unless you sew it, grow it, make it, bake it, draw it, saw it, or write it! See how creative everyone can be, while at the same time, trimming everyone's budget!
$5 Gift That Helps Teach a Child About MoneyI give children money: a dollar bill, 4 quarters, 10 dimes, 20 nickels and 100 pennies. I then teach them about money, showing them that the change is equal to the dollar bill.
By Jean Sterling
Strategy for a Must Have Toy - Buy It EarlyIf there's a "Must Have" toy on your child's Christmas list that you've decided to purchase, here's a strategy to make sure it's under the tree Christmas morning.
More Gift IdeasHere's my idea for inexpensive holiday gifts. It saves me some money to make many of my holiday gifts this way, and people seem to like them.
