As Christmas approaches and you are searching for the perfect present for a friend or loved one, here are some creative ways to help you spread your good cheer without going broke. The biggest cost will be your time, but the reward is much greater than purchasing a gift just to simply have one under the tree.
A Card a Month: Cards can be made for anyone at any age. Who doesn’t like to receive cards? A homemade card created by their grandchildren each month is a perfect gift to give to their grandparents. You can also purchase cards at the Dollar Store for minimal cost. The great thing is you can incorporate birthdays, anniversary and other holidays. Your cost is dependant on how extravagant you want your cards to become and can be as minimal as the price of a stamp and your time.
Cookie Love: Do you bake cookies? Here is the perfect opportunity to put your baking talents on display. Everyone loves homemade baked goods. All you have to do is make a few extra cookies and create a cookie tray. For the person who doesn’t enjoy baking or doesn’t have the time to bake during the holiday season, it will be a treasured gift! You can also turn your talent into a gift by baking a cookie of the month and spread out the dough all year long. Either way, it will be a hit! I know my Dad loved this gift. My mom isn’t a baker, and he would look forward to receiving a freshly baked dozen of cookies each month. I could bake the cookies anytime I was baking and freeze them until I had the chance to give them to my dad and he was never disappointed.
Have a Craft Party After the Holidays! The real winner here is you can take whatever talent you have and share it with others. I have a friend who makes jewelry and she taught us how to make a beautiful bracelet. I love to paint and already own paints, brushes, etc. I pick up canvases when they are on sale for whenever I have the urge to paint. After the holidays when winter begins to settle in, what is more fun than grabbing some of your favorite friends and hosting a craft night in your home. Chances are if you do crafts, you have extra of everything. Refreshments can be as simple as some drinks, cheese, and crackers. The party isn’t about the food, but about spending time doing something fun with your friends or family.
Date Night: There are times a couple would love to have a date night, but can’t afford the date and the babysitter. Do you have siblings or friends with children who could use a night out? Do you love spending time with kids and want to give a priceless gift to a couple? Create a certificate for a certain amount of hours for a babysitter. Also, make sure you tell them they have to give you a week’s notice, so they won’t be disappointed when they want to redeem their certificate.
An Extra Hand: We all have people in our lives who need an extra hand now and then. Sometimes, it is your friend who lives next door who needs help shoveling their snow or your elderly parents who could use you to do some extra cleaning in the Spring. It might be a teenager who is struggling with Math, and you are a genius at Math. It is anyone who needs an extra hand. Offer your extra hand and give them the gift of your muscle, and time. This is a gift they will not return because it will not fit. They can determine what they would like the extra hand for and give you notice of how you can help.
Do you have creative ways can you think of to give a present that doesn’t break your bank and makes a meaningful gift? I would love for you to share your ideas! Remember,It isn't how much the gift cost that matters, but the intent of the heart from which it is given. Share on X it isn’t how much the gift cost that matters, but the intent of the heart from which it is given.
I love these ideas. Christmas has become so much about spending money on large gifts for lots of people versus letting them know you care and are there for them. This is a great reminder.
I really love all of your ideas and I like the ifea of hand made gifts not store bought. It makes me feel more special that someone took time out of their day to create something just for me. I would love to receive cards every month. That would be a great gift with cookies!! Happy Holidays 🙂
Hi Sheri! Thanks for stopping by and sharing! There is something very special about having someone create something just for you! It shows how much they care for you! Happy Holidays to you too!
I love all the ideas. I do most of them except the card a month and date night.
The first I will do .For the second I need a reliable babysitter
Amrita~ It is wonderful you already do these things! Date nights are important they help us keep life in perspective! Blessings to you!
great ideas! my favorite was make a card! <3
Hi Melanie! I’m glad you liked the ideas! Thanks for your feedback!
With a newborn, I would love to have a date night certificate under the tree.
Hi Danni! I should have one that offered a certificate for a nap! Congrats on your newborn and I hope you get a date night certificate 🙂
These are such lovely ideas for creating joy! I always love homemade gifts like cookies and “pinterest craft gifts”
Hi Ellie! I’m glad you liked the ideas! I love Pinterest too! Sometimes, I need a nudge to think outside my own box 🙂
Ah, i could DEFINITELY use a date night! A certificate for a babysitter is such an amazing idea. I hadn’t even thought about that. Thanks!
Hi Briana~ I hope you get a certificate! I’ll be rooting for you! Blessings to you!
Such a great ideas! making some neat cards are the best thing to do.
Hi, Dana~
You can share so many expressions of love in a card. It will mean so much to the person who is receiving it!
Thanks for your tips. I think we will organize a date night, and a crafting party after 🙂
Hi Blair! You are so welcome! Have fun on your date and your crafting party! I will be a great pick-me-up after the holidays!
These are truly lovely ideas, bake some cookies or make a card are great suggestions
Thank You Anosa! You can’t go wrong with cookies or cards 🙂
Great ideas for putting more joy into the season. Give a hand to others is a great idea all the time. Good tips.
Yes! Giving Joy does not have to be expensive!
So many wonderful ideas. My favorite is a receiving a card every month.
I love receiving cards! They become such special treasures to my heart! Thanks for sharing!
Love these ideas 🙂 Having the craft party after X-mas reminds me of what we do in January! We have a “Long Live Christmas” party! Haha 😉 Never wanting the wonderful season to end!
Hi Divya! I love your idea! I think I’m going to call my party that this year! It is a wonderful season!
Sheila, these are great ideas. I really like that once a month card idea! Great for a family with children to give to grandparents or aunts and uncles. Thanks for sharing. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hi Amy! I’m glad you liked my ideas! Everyone loves to get a card and anybody can do it!