Christmas on the Cheap
Being a SAHM means less income and usually, less money for gifts for the holidays. That combined with today’s economy has sent many people looking for more “cost-conscious” gifts to give. Below are some ideas our family as implemented for this years’ gift giving.
Wearable Gifts
I put my Knifty Knitter to work and made some scarves for family members in colors that I knew they would love! The Knifty Knitter is great because you do not really need to know how to knit to make something, and it goes a lot quicker than actual knitting (atleast for me!)
We also did a lot of shopping on etsy.com. We managed to find some unique necklaces for ladies in the family and hair clips for our niece. It’s nice to know your money is going directly to a person as opposed to a corporation!
Edible Gifts
Who doesn’t love food? When I was a teacher, yummy goodies were always well received! One of my favorites was the mixes in a jar. Many people immediately think of cookie, hot chocolate or coffee mixes, but there are others, including soups, spices and bread mixes. One thing I love about jarred gifts is that when the recipient goes to make the item, they will remember the giver!
We made Peppermint Marshmallows this weekend to give as gifts. Unfortunately, I think more was eaten than will be given!
Photo Gifts
Many sites such as snapfish.com, kodak.com and winkflash.com (to only name a few) offer photo gifts such as calendars, coasters, blankets, sweatshirts and puzzles (and the list goes on and on and on!) You can usually google a coupon code for these sites and get even better deals on these unique items!
Decorating
The best idea I have seen this year is to take old Christmas cards and stencils. Trace your desired word (“MERRY CHRISTMAS” for example) – one letter per card and then string them up!
To Wrap it all up…
There are so many unique and crafty ways to wrap gifts (not to mention “green” ways – upcycling). One thing we have implemented this year, instead of using gift boxes, to re-use cereal and pantry boxes (from muffin mixes and whatnot). I tried cutting them so I could tape them inside out so the brown was showing – I don’t have that patience!
Also, using cloth shopping bags as gift bags for bigger items.
A project I also started, was to take glass ball ornaments and pour paint inside and shake them for a marbled look. I plan on writing the gift recipients name on the ball (and the year) and attaching that to the gift as opposed to a name tag.
You can also take brown butchers’ paper or white art paper and have your children draw on it and use that as wrapping paper.
I saw a neat idea for using up those magazines sitting around your house – turn the pages into bows. I haven’t tried it yet, but can’t wait! (this could work for all gift occasions!)
How are you keeping the holidays simple this year?
by Terra Jones
