Simple Christmas Gift Ideas

Posted on March 5, 2009
Filed Under Buying a short sale |

Christmas shopping - or lack of - sneaks up on me every year, no matter how good my intentions.

I am traditionally the original Scrooge at Christmas, the stress and pressure to try to make everything nice and find the perfect gift idea gets to me before the first ornament is out of the box, just the thought of it usually makes me grumble.

Sound familiar?

But this year I am kind of looking forward to it. Why?

Because I’m doing Christmas gift giving a little differently this year.

1. Instead of trying to do too much, I am cutting back and am determined to enjoy the experience (dammit :0)).

2. We picked names this year for the adults in the family rather than each of us buying for all of us. I can’t tell you how much my stress level has already gone down, and I especially like it because now I have time to do something really unique for my father in law (he was my pick).

3. Getting the jump on things in plenty of time. Gift planning and some shopping was done in October by being on the look out when I was out shopping - I bought a few really cute things here and there. This way instead of buying “en masse”, I am picking something fitting for each recipient.

4. Putting a limit on spending. As my sister said “I’m sick of the commercial crap of Christmas”, and aren’t we all. It isn’t in how much we spend, a small, well thought out gift is better received than a large one that was obviously tossed in the cart with no forethought.

5. Decluttering - I’ve been working on decluttering so that the decorations will look nice. If you can get going now, it will make Christmas even nicer when the time comes. The Christmas Spirit - Peace - Goodwill towards All - Love - They’re all buzzwords and shiny decorations that we hang on the wall at Christmas time - lets take the time to focus on what they mean - and then do it.

6. How about making this the season to “Pay It Forward”. These stories have made me cry sappy tears more than once but I’ve never done it. Why not give it a try? They have a fantastic website, if you follow the links you can get some great ideas http://www.payitforwardmovement.org/groups.html

I signed up for the “Be Nice or Else” newsletter - they have a book that is great for gift giving, what a great coffee table that would make - or a great book to donate to a hospital for the waiting room.

NOTE: This page lists some great Christmas gift ideas, one of them being - clean someone’s house. I will have more on that later, but meantime, why not think about it and brainstorm how you could make it happen.

http://www.giveitforwardtoday.org/index.php?page=ideas

I could think of no better gift! And it’s cheap!

7. Make an effort to throw a little something in the Food Bank Bin when you are out grocery shopping for your family, or buy a little extra for the donation box at the department store when you are out shopping for gifts.

8. Or buy some toys to donate to the local women’s shelter, some of the people there don’t have a penny to their names and it’s a sad and stressful time for the kids. Games and things to keep them busy are great, it can be a boring stay.

A FEW GENERAL IDEAS

1. Mystery Gift - My sister’s family does a nice twist on picking names. They all buy something wrap it and then they each exchange a gift, no one knows ahead of time who will be receiving. They set a comfortable price limit.

2. Make a tradition of tree ornament crafts. You can give these for gifts, they are always well received and can be cheap to make, but very nice. Put your name and date on it and give one every year - a great present for the kids to give. Or take a short cut and buy them at a craft sale and personalize them with fabric paint or markers.

3. Give pictures in a unique way. Most relatives and friends will enjoy pictures. Do something creative - make a tree ornament from a picture and a juice lid, they are great. Or make a twig frame - cost is nothing but a few twigs and some yarn plus the picture. If you get school pictures, you’ll have plenty. With digital cameras and software available now, you can do some really nifty stuff for plenty cheapola.

4. Baking/Cooking etc. If you are wanting to do something nice for someone, why not cook them a meal and take it to them? New mother’s are especially fond of this. When I first had my daughters, it was the best present that I received. Seniors will LOVE it if you eat with them.

5. A service. In our hussle and bussle world, don’t be surprised if someone really appreciates an hour of your time - run some errands, give rides (parents can really enjoy this if they have older kids - most of them spend their spare time in their car!), help clean up, declutter, clean something - use your imagination. Another great gift that the kids can give as well.

Make an effort to be creative this year. It’s more fun to give, and more fun to receive - and it can be easier on your pocket book too.

If you haven’t yet, get out your planner or notebook, make a page for Christmas gift ideas and start brainstorming.

Then make a date with yourself to clear some time blocks to get it done.

And enjoy Christmas.

Janice Ferrante
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/simple-christmas-gift-ideas-82363.html

Comments

8 Responses to “Simple Christmas Gift Ideas”

  1. italylover on March 5th, 2009 10:58 pm

    Does anyone know some very simple Christmas craft gift ideas?
    Here is the scenario: I've decided, at the last minute, to spend a few minutes doing some crafts with my Sunday School class tomorrow. We will be giving the gifts to our elderly "shut-ins" as part of a Christmas gift. The girls in my class are in middle school so nothing to junenile or too complicated. It would also help if I didn't have to spend a lot of money or time as I don't have either right now. :) That's a lot to ask, but any ideas? Thanks so much!

  2. Shonda G on March 6th, 2009 4:00 am

    I remember in middle school our art teacher gave us a stack of home and decorating magazines , some cheap little boxes she got at the Dollar Tree, and some mod podge. We cut out pretty pictures and made a decoupaged box. I put my earrings in mine and it was very pretty and handy. You can pretty much decoupage anything! Very sweet of you all to make stuff for the elderly…they sometimes get left out of this time of year. God Bless!
    References :

  3. stormonthelake on March 6th, 2009 4:02 am

    http://familycrafts.about.com
    References :

  4. sharkjmg on March 6th, 2009 4:04 am

    paper air plains!? just an iadea. putting beads on on a cord!? another idea!? i hope i help. sorry idon't know the person so sorry so.
    References :

  5. emmasnw on March 6th, 2009 4:06 am

    Here are some Christmas Craft Ideas -

    Christmas Crafts - http://www.craft-kits.net/christmas-crafts.htm
    Crafts - http://www.ornament-shop.net/holiday-recipes.htm (under Crafts)

    Most are very simple and inexpensive to make (some use household items)
    Enjoy!
    References :

  6. cowgirl on March 6th, 2009 4:08 am

    Hand made cards. They can add a note that says someone is thinking of them (or praying for them.)
    Most people like music. Have them sing a couple songs for the group.
    References :

  7. Mitch H on March 6th, 2009 4:10 am

    All Natural Handmade Soap. I make it and every woman who has gotten it loves it, then comes back to buy more.
    References :

  8. Matthew P (SL) on March 6th, 2009 4:12 am

    I know this answer comes a little late, and I know it seems a bit generic… but hand made cards have to be the best. Everyone loves the opportunity to be artistic weather in picture or word and express themselves… and everyone feels special when they get a hand made card. I'm not sure what you ended up doing, but in the future consider cards. God bless.
    References :

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