ALT-1 Ten Creative Gift Ideas that Won’t Hurt your Pocket
Give that someone special the perfect gift. It's possible to give one-of a-kind gifts and not go into major debt. A little creativity and your someone special will be gushing over your thoughtfulness.
TEN CREATIVE GIFT IDEAS THAT WON'T HURT YOUR POCKET:
GIFT IN NAME TO CHARITY
Select an alternative life-sustaining gift atwww.alternativegifts.org(AGI. You choose how much you want to give(for $1 your honoree can give a meal to refugee in Kenya), where your money will go(US or another country), this gift is tax deductible, and a nice gift card will be sent to your honoree describing their gift.
GREEN ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS
Give green and make an eco-friendly gift basket. Stock it with green gifts. Re-use a basket of your own, include energy saving light bulbs, organically grown cotton dish towels, provide ingredients and directions to make their own household cleaners(bottled lemon juice, vineger, baking soda, and extra virgin olive oil).
GARDEN DELIGHT
Plant lovers always need more clay pots and seeds. Purchase a couple of small clay pots, seed packets(herbs grown indoors year round), and bright ribbon. Paint the pots, be as fancy as you like. Coat dry pots with Modge-Podge(clear protective coat), tie the ribbon around the seed packets(5-10 packets per bundle), and place the seeds in the clay pots.
WEEKEND OFF
Everyone needs a weekend off, including Pet Parents. Offer to pet sit. Jot down a pet report detailing all the fun activities you and their pet did while they were away.
GIFT OF WORDS
Book lovers love books, whether new or used. Pick-up a secondhand book. Do a little research, find out favorite genres and authors. Plan ahead and visitwww.bookmooch.com, a free community that swaps books through the mail. All you pay is shipping.
YUMMY BAKER'S JAR
Make a cookie jar, all you need is a quart size Mason jar with a lid(purchase at grocery stores or craft stores). Use your favorite cookie recipe and funnel the ingredients into the jar. Omit the liquid ingredients, add a small recipe card to the top of the jar. These look beautiful, are cheap to make, and stay fresh for later use.
HANDMADE RECIPE BOOK
Family members will love a handmade recipe book filled with family recipes. Have each family member choose one of their favorite recipes to be added to the cookbook. Try to include family pictures and fun family facts.
COFFEE LOVER'S GIFT BAG
Coffee lovers will appreciate a basket filled with their favorite coffee. For under $10 a bag of ground or whole bean gourmet coffee may be purchased at your local grocery store. Add some plastic spoons dipped in chocolate(melt chocolate, dip plastic spoons in it, let cool, and wrap in plastic with a ribbon tied around it), and a small package of yummy cookies.
KID'S CRAFT BASKET
Kids need fun and creative activities to do over school vacations. Help the kids in your life get back to the basics. kids love crafting. Look for good sales at your local craft store. Fill a basket with craft items and see where their imaginations lead them.
GIFT OF TIME
Give the gift of your time. Everyone could use help. Make a coupon, redeemable for half a day of your help. If there are certain things you don't do or can not do like windows or dishes, be sure to omit those activites on your coupon.
Be creative and keep your money in your pocketbook where it belongs. Give big and spend small. Remember, it's all about the thought.
