Creative Christmas Gift Ideas in a Recession
Even with gas prices on the downswing, most Americans are feeling the pain of what's officially being classified as a recession. As if that weren't bad enough, it's the holidays...a time notoriously characterized with heavy spending. It seems logical that cutting down on the amount spent on Christmas gifts this year is the way to go...but where do you cut back? Does Aunt Fern get slashed from the list this year? Do you tell the kids Santa only has room for one present each in his sleigh?
The positive side of a recession is that it forces us to become more creative in all areas of life...and this includes gift giving. There is no reason that Christmas needs to empty your bank account this year. Frugality is no longer considered a negative trait, and this truly forces us to focus on the meaning behind a gift, not just the monetary value.
Okay, you're saying. But WHAT should I give?
One very simple, inexpensive gift is one that goes straight from the heart to the stomach-food. Buy some colored cellophane, some ribbon, and the ingredients for your favorite type of cookie. Make a double, triple, or quadruple batch, divide them up into little packages, and presto! A gift suitable for everyone from your mother-in-law to your boss.
If you have children, another frugal but well-received gift is a framed photograph. Order a few prints of your favorite shot, purchase some inexpensive frames, and you have an instant gift for grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Stores such as Target often carry frames for as little as $5.00, and to be honest, no one is going to be focusing on the frame when there's an adorable picture of your rug rats inside of it.
Have anyone female to buy for? Head to a store like Bath and Body Works. These chains often have GREAT deals on the kinds of things all women like-lotion, body spray, lip gloss, candles-usually for just a few dollars after you factor in the holiday sales and coupons. And pretty much all women from the age of ten and up enjoy getting smelly girlie stuff.
We all have a talent...so figuring out what yours is during the recession is a great way to do something you enjoy AND provide gifts. If you knit or sew, make scarves for everyone. If you paint, consider making ornaments or painting decorative flower pots. These kinds of gifts are more time-consuming, but will cost you significantly less than purchasing a similar item at a store.
Offer a service to someone and make a homemade coupon to present it. This is a virtually FREE way to spoil someone at Christmas. Offer to babysit your sister's kids for a night, or take care of your neighbor's dog the next time they go on vacation. This type of gift is unexpected and often highly appreciated.
For gift exchanges within the office or with a group of friends, don't be afraid to look around your house. Most of us have things we've purchased for ourselves and haven't used yet, or a surplus of something that could double as a gift. Take in look in your closets for things such as candles, body lotions, or baby items that have not been used yet. Another FREE way to give a gift.
Consider flowers or a plant to give as a hostess gift or to someone who is normally hard to buy for. For less than $10 you can get a beautiful poinsettia or bouquet of seasonal flowers...and this is the kind of gift that everyone likes to receive.
Get creative with the kids. If you buy something with multiple parts, such as a train set, wrap each part individually. Your kids will have more to open on Christmas morning, and you'll have spent less money than you may have in years past.
For those of us who are digitally savvy, consider burning a CD of music or making a slide show for relatives and friends. A personally mixed CD for your best friend or a slide show of baby's first year for Grandma are two gifts that cost probably less than a dollar to make and give.
One final idea that is great for friends or relatives who you see frequently but perhaps don't spend a lot of quality time with-offer to make them dinner. Plan a post-holiday get-together in which you will toast to your friendship and good fortune (even if its not a monetary fortune!) Dedicate the meal to your friends' favorite foods and drinks, and spend the night enjoying each others' company and making memories. This is one gift that truly shows the meaning of Christmas.
