Money-Saver Holiday Gifts

September 3, 7:55 PMHome and Family ExaminerSandra K. Bouie

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Frugal gift-giving!

Here are some quick money-saving ideas for gift giving during the holidays:

Create Your Own Greeting Cards

Put the pen to paper and produce your own greeting cards.  If you have a computer, find some greeting card templates.  These are usually found in Microsoft Word, Publisher or Print Shop.  Try a personalized version of cards and make them special by using the person’s occupation or favorite hobbies.  Another fun way to do greeting cards is to make them special chores like “I will make Breakfast in Bed for a week,” or “Mom, I’ll clean the kitchen for you.”

Give Gift Jars

Gift Jars are easy to make and are beautiful to produce.  You can use your favorite cookie recipes, soups, breads, breakfast drinks, pancakes, etc.  It is nice to use different colored sands, rocks or other formations to the jars also.  Layer all the dry ingredients in an attractive form in the jars, then place ribbons or other colorful ties around the jar.  Tie the recipe to the jar to let the person know what other ingredients they must add.   Kids love candies jars, rock formations, sand designs, and other creative forms you can create with the gift jars.

Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates are the easier form of gift giving.  Great for far-away relatives or friends!  Give food gift certificates to the aunt or uncle in another state who does not like to cook.  On the other hand, to the new mother who does not have time for cooking. Clothes, jewelry, toys, or other items can be sold through gift certificates.  They make excellent gifts, along with saving you from doing a lot of shopping and footwork.

Herb Gardens and Plants

Herb gardens make wonderful, savory-smelling gifts!  Seeds and planting pots are less costly and there is a wide selection for you to pick from.  Seeded bulb plants make a lovely gift – Make sure they are seasonal plants so the person can enjoy them right away!

Photos & Frames

A school photo of your child in an attractive frame is a grandparent’s dream gift!  You can pick your favorite photo and find a matching frame.  Alternatively, you can do a memory book with pictures your family will enjoy now and forever.

Create-A-Basket

Create a basket of memories!  Baskets are fun to create and can be awesome reminders of how special that person may be to you.  If you have loving friends, you may want to design a basket that is filled with their favorite things.  Be very creative and add interesting objects, needy gifts, and personalized items.