10 Creative Gifts Ideas for 10 and under
Hands down, the best Christmas gift always shows up...in June. Just kidding, it's just that it seems nobody these days prepares that far ahead of time, and perhaps that would be a fine time to start thinking for the Christmas giving season.
You should consider bargain shopping on sales events. You don't need to wait for Christmas time to have the gifts ready. Some people take advantage of Black Friday, some are a bit more clever...and get those super nice sweaters? On discount during the summer. If you don't mind wearing clothes from last season's rack? Go to outlets. They keep and sell super cheap...in the $10 bucks or less sometimes range.
Starting with just ten ideas we will probably end up with so many more once we start thinking of creative ways of filling in the gaps. Here goes my attempt, keep in mind that am a fan of dime stores, and I don't mind buying...gasp...used.
Think hard and think long, but for heavens sake, don't hesitate if you find a bargain. They are always hard to find...good ones that is, so when you're lucky...you should get it.
Gift ideas here we go:
1. Movies. Have you seen racks and racks that stores now carry of DVD's galore? You could purchase 1 of them on our budget. They don't have to be the newest releases, or is that you believe the people you're thinking of...has seen absolutely everything there could possibly be out there? Not likely? Well there you go, nice gift idea. (And if you have any change, get a box of popcorn to add a bit of humor to the gift.)
2. Chocolate. Ok. Here's an idea, go to See's Candy. They sell by the pound correct? Well? What are you waiting for, they tend to sell nice gift boxed 1/2 pounders, full pounders, etc. You're sure to find something yummy, and keep your bottom line. This can be the sweetest gift for the boss's wife, for Mom or Wife.
3. Take a nice picture and have it framed. Sometimes the gift of thoughtfulness is way more valuable than mere money can buy. Getting a picture of someone you love in a frame can give quite an impact. Perhaps of you and your significant other. Of your parents on their wedding day. Of the family. The sky's the limit and as affordable as frames are today? You should have a nice piece ready to display.
4. Improvise. If you dare, and think the person you are gifting has a good humor, buy items at a dime store. That's right. Go in with an open mind. Don't think of these as merely a bit of a gag, but instead pull together items that are everyday, but together make a package. For example, you can buy a set of 4 plates ($1 each), 4 glasses ($1 each), and a dish towel ($1). Stack the plates together in a basket ($1 each) next put the glasses on top and use the dish towel as cushion. Tie a ribbon to the basket handle. Tadda, instant gift for perhaps a couple.
5. A book. That is a classic, and so easy to keep in budget. If you know the person well, you should know what kind of literature they prefer. Get something that would compliment that pass time. Perhaps a funny person? Buy a book of jokes. Someone that likes thrillers? Get something in that order. Etc. Another option is to give them a magazine subscription. Half a year so that you can stay on budget. If they like it, hey they will end up renewing it themselves when time's up.
6. Sometimes, the best gift is the gift of a promise. From a girlfriend/wife to her guy? Buy a deck of cards ($3), a large feather ($2), and a calendar ($3). Pack both the cards, the feather and the calendar together. First though circle in big red marker a night he's completely on his own for some time out with his buddies on the calendar. Right next to it on the same night? Add an asterisk. When he asks? Tell him that's for the after party, when he get's home that night. No? Ok, fine it was still worth a try. How about getting them a brain buster puzzle? You know the ones that are 3-D puzzles that break apart? Always fun, always frustrating activities to try and decipher.
7. Dime store idea: Lotion may sound boring, but it shouldn't be if you get it to go with other items. Let's say you have something like a nice sedate, normal and unassuming bottle of Suave hand lotion ($2). Now, search around and get a pair of spa mittens ($2-3), wrap them together, with a towel ($1), add a bar of scented soap, a nice card with a note on use and you're done. Instant Hand Spa.
8. Online Auctions. Those rock. You can get so many things that are super cheap there, but cost more. Think long and hard, and see what you come up with. My suggestion? Go for the art. There are plenty of artists out there that are looking to have their name known. Many create and sell art trading cards. Which are literally about the size of a baseball trading card...but with art. ACEO they call them. You can get your hands on some miniature master peaces some of which go for below $5. Get 1, and put it in a frame ($3 or $4). You've just gifted someone with original artwork...under $10 bucks.
9. Music. For $10. You can give someone 10 songs (iTunes, etc). Seeing how that's very limited, and many times people end up buying much more. Give yourself a theme. A message you'd like to give them. It may be funny, it may be motivational, it may be romantic. You choose. The idea is to get your message ready, and starting picking songs that fit that theme. On a card, you can write the message and follow it with your customized list of songs.
10. Charity. Sometimes, $10? Just doesn't seem like a lot. When that moment comes, you might want to do a little soul searching, and find the many and varied ways that out in there...are people for whom $10 bucks? Might mean the world. Donate it in a person's name. Include a list of 10 different items you believe each dollar might cover to help someone else in the world.
There are many and varied ways of making and staying within budget for the holidays, just don't forget it's the thought that counts. Happy Holidays.
