Gift ideas for a tight budget
It used to be easy to buy a shirt or tie, robe or something for the kitchen, but now those things can be a major investment. Below are some ideas of that I have used for friends and family.
A personal letter in which you share what that person means to you and why, along with some special memories. It is nice to add a picture of a shared time. Too many of us go without expressing gratitude and taking the time to say thank you and share our feelings. Don't miss an opportunity brighten someones life. There will never be regrets for something not said if you let others know the difference they have made in your life. Be sure to wrap it in a pretty box with a bow.
When my husband was a pastor, he would get many thank you notes. Each year he would put those in a gift-wrapped box and give them to his mother, thanking her for her investment in his life. She loved reading them and knew how much Larry appreciated her.
Other ideas:
Make coupons for a delivered home cooked meal, babysitting, help with a project or anything else a friend might need.
Homemade soaps, cookies in a pretty box, cookie and soup mixes in a canning jar decorated with fabric and ribbon, jams, and candy are easy to make. Pictures framed to match the receiver's decor are always appreciated.
Gift cards for ice cream, movies theaters, coffee shops, groceries stores, discount/craft stores are a fit for everyone. Plants you start from cuttings are good for someone who loves plants. Herb seeds in a pretty pot can be planted by children. Fill a jar with assorted individually wrapped candies for a desk.
Use a great basket for a plant and tie with a festive bow, * homemade Christmas pillow cases are fun for all ages. Make a center piece of oasis and cuttings from a holly bush and evergreen cuttings, add a ribbon and a candle (battery operated candles are great around children. Some have timers to come on automatically).
For children:
Give a coupon to go to bed late one night (exception: a school night), to have a day off from chores, breakfast at their favorite fast food chain, a trip for ice cream, getting to pick the menu for dinner and play time with a picnic in the park are some good choices. Let them use redeem them whenever they want.
Make a box with craft "stuff" from the dollar store.
Hints:
Baskets can be expensive but thrift stores often have a nice selection for a dollar or two.
You can also find pretty containers for your homemade goodies at thrift stores.
You can make your own pillow cases if you can sew a straight seam. Be sure to watch fabric stores for sales on the Christmas fabric and trims.
*Instructions for a standard size pillow:
You can lay a standard pillow case on your fabric to double check the width and length.
1 1/3 yards of permanent press/ wrinkle-free fabric
1 3/4 yard of trim (pre-wash in case it shrinks)
Thread to match fabric
If the fabric is a directional print, make sure it will be facing the right direction at the hem.
Turn fabric inside out and fold on the original fold. Use the fold of the fabric for one side of the case (no need to sew). The fabric is the perfect width folded with a 1/4 inch seam on the other side and along one end. Stitch the open side and across the top. Make a 4 inch hem. Turn right side out. Add trim at the top of the hem.
I made these for my kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Keep them packed with your Christmas decorations and put them on the bed when you decorate for the holidays. It was a fun tradition for the children.
You can also put some on your guest bed in a traditional Christmas fabric. Instruct your guests to take them home when they leave.
I have had these two cases for many years and I can't help but reflect on all of the years I put them on my children's beds.
A personal letter in which you share what that person means to you and why, along with some special memories. It is nice to add a picture of a shared time. Too many of us go without expressing gratitude and taking the time to say thank you and share our feelings. Don't miss an opportunity brighten someones life. There will never be regrets for something not said if you let others know the difference they have made in your life. Be sure to wrap it in a pretty box with a bow.
Other ideas:
Make coupons for a delivered home cooked meal, babysitting, help with a project or anything else a friend might need.
Homemade soaps, cookies in a pretty box, cookie and soup mixes in a canning jar decorated with fabric and ribbon, jams, and candy are easy to make. Pictures framed to match the receiver's decor are always appreciated.
Gift cards for ice cream, movies theaters, coffee shops, groceries stores, discount/craft stores are a fit for everyone. Plants you start from cuttings are good for someone who loves plants. Herb seeds in a pretty pot can be planted by children. Fill a jar with assorted individually wrapped candies for a desk.
Use a great basket for a plant and tie with a festive bow, * homemade Christmas pillow cases are fun for all ages. Make a center piece of oasis and cuttings from a holly bush and evergreen cuttings, add a ribbon and a candle (battery operated candles are great around children. Some have timers to come on automatically).
For children:
Give a coupon to go to bed late one night (exception: a school night), to have a day off from chores, breakfast at their favorite fast food chain, a trip for ice cream, getting to pick the menu for dinner and play time with a picnic in the park are some good choices. Let them use redeem them whenever they want.
Make a box with craft "stuff" from the dollar store.
Hints:
Baskets can be expensive but thrift stores often have a nice selection for a dollar or two.
You can also find pretty containers for your homemade goodies at thrift stores.
You can make your own pillow cases if you can sew a straight seam. Be sure to watch fabric stores for sales on the Christmas fabric and trims.
*Instructions for a standard size pillow:
You can lay a standard pillow case on your fabric to double check the width and length.
1 1/3 yards of permanent press/ wrinkle-free fabric
1 3/4 yard of trim (pre-wash in case it shrinks)
Thread to match fabric
If the fabric is a directional print, make sure it will be facing the right direction at the hem.
Turn fabric inside out and fold on the original fold. Use the fold of the fabric for one side of the case (no need to sew). The fabric is the perfect width folded with a 1/4 inch seam on the other side and along one end. Stitch the open side and across the top. Make a 4 inch hem. Turn right side out. Add trim at the top of the hem.
I made these for my kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Keep them packed with your Christmas decorations and put them on the bed when you decorate for the holidays. It was a fun tradition for the children.
You can also put some on your guest bed in a traditional Christmas fabric. Instruct your guests to take them home when they leave.
I have had these two cases for many years and I can't help but reflect on all of the years I put them on my children's beds.
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment