Dec 16 2008
Last minute inexpensive gifts
Gift-giving can put a dent in your holiday budget.. However, with a little planning, a few inexpensive items and creativity; you can give practical, cute and inexpensive gifts to everyone on your list. Coffee mugs, small tins, gift bags and boxes can be used to make gifts for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, and co-workers. These items make great gift containers because they come in a variety of sizes, easy to decorate and very inexpensive. Below are fun and inexpensive ideas to help make gift giving more affordable.
Candy/gum/mints
Purchase pre-wrapped mints, gum and other mini candy bars (Snickers, Mars, Almond Joy, etc). Very few people can resist candy! Fill small cellophane bags and fasten with a twist tie or ribbon. Put into a lovely coffee mug, tin or small gift bag. Wrap tissue paper, tulle or cellophane wrap around coffee mug, secure it with a bow and add a name tag.
To make tins more festive add a bow; tie a ribbon around or across the tin.
Beverages—Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate
Gourmet coffee, hot chocolate or herbal teas are some of the best gifts to put in mugs. These items can be purchased by the box and a box has several individual packets. Buying by the box saves money and is sanitary.
Simply fill an oversized coffee mug with a several packets (two or three, depending on the size of your cup) of gourmet coffee, hot chocolate mix or herbal teas. Add a couple of stirrers, packets of sugar or a miniature bottle of honey. I found the honey at Walmart. This is an adorable, inexpensive gift, yet it can be personal. Consider adding a specialty spoon or a plastic spoon dipped in melted chocolate for extra flair. Insert chocolate covered spoon with a cellophane bag; tie with a ribbon or twist tie. This gift is quick, easy and delicious.
Gift Cards
Almost all stores and restaurants sell gift cards. They make practical gifts for most including the hard to please. Consider putting the gift card inside a coffee mug, an unusual shaped box or tin. You can fill the container with a little tissue paper or shredded confetti tissue and place the gift card inside.
Before buying a gift card consider the recipient’s interests or hobbies. E.g. if the person enjoys home improvement, give him/her a gift card to the local hardware or home improvement store. Placing the card in a container instead of an envelope or gift card holder is a good way to avoid a misplaced or accidentally tossed card.
Jewelry
Jewelry is considered a “can’t go wrong” anytime of the year gift. Costume and fashion jewelry are beautiful; and is an alternative to its more expensive counterparts-gold and sterling silver. Rhinestones are an alternative to diamonds. It may not be necessary to purchase any jewelry. Check your jewelry box. Are there pieces that a niece, sister or friend admired that you are willing to give as a gift? A brooch, necklace & earring set, etc. Clean it, wrap in tissue paper and place the piece(s) in a jewelry gift box. Cover box, add a bow and a personalized note: “Dear Wanda, you have always admired these earrings whenever I have worn them. Please accept them as a personal gift from me and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. Love your sis, Dot”
Additionally, try an area Thrift Store; you may be able to find inexpensive jewelry and perhaps some vintage pieces for the vintage lover. I would not clean any vintage pieces without checking with an expert first.
Books and Magazine Subscriptions
Avid readers enjoy and love books. No need to go out and buy a book, check your bookshelf. What books have you read that would be interesting or inspirational to someone? Book could be placed in a gift bag, Wrap, or tie book with a beautiful ribbon. Personalize your gift with short review or personal note. If you do not have a book to share: visit www.half.com. You cannot go wrong with a subscription to a person’s favorite magazine. Though it is a little late for a person to receive a notice by Christmas from the magazine company, you can easily include a note in a gift box or mug stating that the gift is on its way.
You may consider a subscription or gift certificate to an audio book club. The interests and hobbies of the recipient will help you select the best book or magazine subscription.
Soaps, Lotions and Potions
Need a feminine gift that does not cost a lot? Consider filling a pretty coffee mug with small (travel or purse size) soaps or lotions, perfumes, etc. These items can be purchased inexpensively at your local bath and body store, drug store, Target or Walmart.
For young ladies, include items such as lip gloss, Chapstick, nail polish and other makeup. Fill the mug and wrap a little tulle around it along with a ribbon to add a feminine look.
Other items that will make great gifts are movies, movie tickets, Cds, calendars depicted a hobby or interests (horses); computer generated coupons for services you are willing to provide, e.g. babysitting for an evening, preparing a meal, etc. Homemade items are a special treat and can be included, e.g. your homemade fudge.
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Choosing small tins, boxes, bags and mugs to fill with cute useful items, should reduce your holiday expense. Most of the items for the gifts in this article can be bought at a Dollar store or other discount stores.
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