We all get caught up in the material excesses of Christmas at some point. We shop for that perfect Christmas gift for that special someone, we wait in long lines, we spend a load of cash, only to find that the best gifts are the ones that don't cost a thing but are filled with thought and joy. These are the true gifts of Christmas. Here are some surefire Christmas gift ideas that won't cost you a cent but are guaranteed to please:
IOU's
Ornaments
These are probably the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Figure out what someone needs or wants, something that's not tangible, and write out an IOU to them on a Christmas card. Some examples:
- Your Mom would love some time alone to relax away from the baby, write an IOU for 2 hours of babysitting.
- You Dad plans to organize the garage, write an IOU for 2 hours of help with sorting out the garage.
- Your elderly neighbor could use a hand with yard work, write them an IOU for 1 hour of yard work on a future weekend.
- Your sister gets migraines a lot, write an IOU to give her some TLC during her next migraine.
- Your nephew is having trouble in math, write an IOU for 2 hours of math tutoring.
- Your friend recently moved so you don't see them anymore, write an IOU for a trip to the park or some other special place.
There are a million different things you can write an IOU for, the only limit is the limit to your imagination.
Pictures & Collages
Relatives love to receive pictures of their family. When you buy school pictures or have any other type of picture taken, you are usually left with some extras. Put the extras together in an old album and give it as a gift. You can also make a collage with your pictures, these are easy to make and thoughtful gifts.
Crafts
There are tons of crafts you can make with stuff just laying around your house. From handmade ornaments to adorned picture frames to home decorations made with pinecones, twigs and branches.
Food
Many people make cookies, candy or some other treat for Christmas. Why not make a little extra and give them as gifts? Some other excellent food gifts that won't break the bank are gift jar recipes, seasoning mixes, hot cocoa and drink mixes, spice rubs, flavored oils, flavored vinegars and pickled fruits and veggies.
Ornaments
Some of the easiest gifts to make are ornaments. Use old greeting cards, AOL cd's, pinecones, foil, candy, pictures, gift wrapping, gift boxes etc. There's a million ways you can make lovely ornaments from things found around your house.
Gift Basket
You can go all out and make a personalized, customized gift basket filled with each of these things. You might have an unused basket around the house, make sure it's clean and fill it with an IOU or two, some cookies or candies, homemade hot cocoa mix, a picture collage and some ornaments.
No matter what you give, put plenty of thought and care into it and your gift will surely mean much more to the recipient than a 0 MP3 player or jeans.
Thoughtful Christmas Gifts That Won't Cost a Thing
Ricky Alberta writes for Eternal Christmas, a Christmas portal loaded with information about Christmas as well as Christmas activities, games, music, graphics, recipes, gift ideas and much more. Come and celebrate the spirit of Christmas year round at Eternal Christmas.
No comments:
Post a Comment