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Low Cost Gifts From The Heart
By: Cheryl Johnson
Gifts should come from the heart, not your pocketbook! Coming up with gift ideas
on a budget may seem difficult at first. Put some thought into your gifts and
you will be rewarded not only with lower costs but more practical, useful, gifts
for the recipient.
Giving gifts from the heart, instead of the pocketbook can relieve a lot of
stress during holidays and special occasions. Gifts thought out carefully and
directed towards an individual's needs and interests are much more appreciated.
Giving the gift that "Keeps on Giving" is easy if you choose a gift that
reflects the recipient's interests or needs and is useful to them. Consider gift
ideas you can make yourself. Hand made gifts are almost always lower cost than
store bought alternatives.
Some Tips to reduce expenses, and relieve stress:
Avoid compulsive buying.
Stay organized and calm - If you do your research, you'll know when it's a
bargain.
Shop early - I know you always say you will. This time DO IT! Buy gifts one by
one as you come up with good gift ideas and good bargains!
Make a list and check it twice! It always worked for Santa!
Plan ahead - Include gifts and holidays in your budget's variable expense
account. You'll have the funds when you need them.
Stay within your budget - it is possible.
Here are just a few great low cost gift ideas....
1. Give someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen a personalized apron
and/or a cookbook! Or create a basket with kitchen tools, recipes, mixes,
spices, etc.
2. Magazine subscriptions can be purchased for as low as $3.99/year. Give a gift
that "keeps on giving" all year long! You can find magazines on just about any
topic.
3. New or gently used books.
4. Family photos or personalized photo albums make great gifts for relatives or
friends.
5. DVDS/Videos - You can never lose with this one. Everyone loves a good movie!
Buy when they're on sale throughout the year.
6. Create a personalized gift basket based on the person's interests or needs.
Personal Care - fill with hair, nail or skin care products
Crafter's Supplies - yarn, ribbon, paints, paint brushes, glues, projects,
knitting or crochet supplies, drawing pencils, etc. Just take a walk around the
craft store for more ideas.
Food - This one is timeless! Bake a favorite recipe that you know the recipient
is crazy about. Add a variety of cookies, fudge and candy. Homemade baking mixes
and quick breads. If you bake yourself, it's a nice touch to add the recipe with
the goods. Use decorative stickers or tie on with pretty ribbons. Baking mixes
can be put in jars with decorative tops. Always include recipes for uses with
mixes! Be considerate of those with health concerns or who are dieting. Include
healthy varieties of the above or add fruits, nuts, and diet specific goodies.
Personalized Totebags or T-shirts - Great for kids or adults! This one is a
favorite of mine. Create a unique design and/or saying on your computer that
suits the person. Print onto transfer paper specifically designed for this
purpose (available at most office supply or craft stores. Usually comes with
instructions.)
There's nothing more appreciated than a personalized gift. And, everytime it's
used, you think of the person who gave it to you. It gives you a feeling of
importance somehow. Shows that the giver "really" had you in mind when the gift
was made or purchased. And, it's likely to be a gift that doesn't get tossed in
the closet, attic
About the Author:
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become, and
remain, debt free. Publisher of the personal finance site Simple Debt Free
Living at www.simpledebtfreeliving.com where you can find a free
household budget plan and a variety of money saving tips to maximize savings |
