The economy has continued to get worse and those of us who are considered "low class" (in terms of politicians who call themselves middle-class and make more than $100,000 a year) have to find ways to make it in the world. Unfortunately, the season of Christmas is just around the corner. The biggest gift giving time of the year and of course the most expensive time to "keep appearances." We are glad to rely on Jesus for our needs and appearances also mean little, but we do enjoy giving some holiday cheer.
For the Johnson's it will be the year of the inexpensive (as in free whenever possible) gifts. I plan to use crafts and things around the house to make or re-make gifts for family and friends. The kitchen is a reliable source too as caramel popcorn and cookies tie with a colorful bow make great gifts for teachers and friends too.
Here are some ideas I want to try or am already working on:
I have already purchased six dish towels for stitching
Thank You cards and envelopes tied with a ribbon
Pillow in a Blanket (for my little guy but don't tell him!)
A Baby play mat for a friend
Maybe some of these tote bags or some momogramed wall art.
Tea Towel Aprons could be simple too.
(Thanks to my cousin Emily for all the ideas!)
Okay so the list is pretty short. Ahh, the reason for such a post. Time for everyone to add in their two cents, literally! How are you spreading holiday cheer this year on a limited budget, for toddlers or anyone else for that matter? I would love to see links to sites for projects you have in mind or have made in the past. The sky is the limit here folks so add to the comments!
Tea Towel Aprons could be simple too.
(Thanks to my cousin Emily for all the ideas!)
9 comments:
In the past I have made the following:
- Granola .. I never know what to get for my father-n-law and he loves my granola so I pass him a batch of it. (http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cherry-Almond-Granola)
- Cookies in a jar or you can do many other things in a jar.
- Applesauce, apple butter, jams, etc.
- Breads
- Probably even a freezer meal or two!
I, myself, am not crafty, but like to do things in the kitchen, so that is where my homemade gifts come from.
For my daughter's birthday I bought a mailbox for $9.99 at Menards and decorated it with rub-ons. Now she has her own mailbox (see my latest blog entry). I like it because it's long lasting and she won't outgrow it in a year. I'm not much of a baker but I do enjoy receiving things I can eat. You can also get nice books at 1/2 price books if you are not so creative in making your own gifts. Another idea is just to spend time together somewhere special and forget the shopping (a play or something). There is plenty of cheap entertainment to choose from. Or you can have a get together and make gingerbread houses out of graham crackers etc.
Well you know we are crafty over here. Last year I made some simple games for Ayden, a truck book and a story/felt board. This year I am sewing him a nice blanket and a super hero cape. I ma going to try to put together a savenger hunt game for him. He loves to play hiding games. Hubby is going to build him a riding crane ans frontend loader. I am sure he could help Jason do this too.
Can't wait to talk to you tomorrow!
Wonderful ideas! Thanks ladies.
OK I actually couldn't sllep last night because ideas kept coming.
A 'grandma' bag- take a plane canvas bag and put your childs handprint on it or have them paint it with fabric paint.
Make your own playdough or slime.
Getting coustumes on mega clerance after Halloween for dress up clothes.
make a mixed tape/cd of your childs favorite songs. dance time fun!
Goes crazy with scholastic books, they are always cheap.
I am sure more will come
I told you more would come.
Family pictures always seem to be a hit with my family. So a nice family photo framed is a good gift.
....Or have your child decorate the frame and put a picture of themselves in the frame.
Ok I am going to stop now.
If you have a large group of children to buy for (a Sunday School class, play group, etc)I always go to www.orientaltrading.com. You buy most of their items in bulk (by the dozen, mostly) and they are inexpensive, but good quality!! They even have some cute ornaments that would make good gifts for friends or family. There are even "craft" items (DIY ornaments, pins, jewelry, etc) that you can make or the kids can make for family members. We are purchasing the "nativity puzzles" made of cardboard or foam for our Sunday School this year. We won't spend more than $25 for the whole Sunday school (including shipping!!!!).
http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?demandPrefix=12&sku=4/1923&mode=Searching&erec=4&Ipp=16&No=16&D=puzzles&Ne=90000&Ntt=puzzles&Ntk=all&Dx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&N=380740&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&sd=%26%238220%3BHappy+Birthday+Jesus%21%26%238221%3B+Puzzles
They also have nice gift bags, greeting cards & decorations - for all seasons/occasions!
Rosie's comments brought about another thought that I had today. Use heavy cardboard and cut it into shapes to make ornaments. You could pain them or cover them with colored paper and with a touch of ribbon they can be a handmade craft to hang on the tree!
So, if you are getting a gift from me it will be on this list...Guess you will have to wait and see what it is!
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