How to Buy Cheap, Meaningful Gifts for Holidays

Spending Less During a Recession Does Not Mean Getting Less

Nov 10, 2008

Many people are starting to fret about the expense of the holidays. Financial problems can take away the joy of the season. Find ways to buy cheap, meaningful gifts.

The holidays do not have to be a season of worry, maxed-out credit cards and financial meltdowns. There are many ways to buy or make gifts that will have friends and family alike grinning from ear to ear.

Gift Ideas for Everyone

Gather up some old photos and take them to a printing center that creates mugs, calendars, key chains, postcards, or albums. Many online sites such as Flickr and Kodak offer these services as well.

Make a home movie of friends and family and duplicate for loved ones.

Make a mix tape or CD of all the music that means something to you.

Write a song and sing it at a family gathering.

For the alcohol lover, spend some time choosing a meaningful shot glass or flask.

Shop online, some sites such as Amazon offer free shipping during the holidays.

Try out your domestic skills by whipping up a pie, some holiday cookies, or chocolate candy. When it’s made in love it tastes that much better!

Wal-Mart and Target often have $1 items for the holidays, as do dollar stores such as the 99-cent store and The Dollar Tree.

Promise to help out. Make coupons designating what part of the house you will clean each day, and then follow through.

Make a special dinner for friends and family in lieu of a gift.

Make a small donation in each family member’s name to a favorite charity.

Purchase a book that has significant meaning in your own life and share it with someone you think would benefit.

Have children create artwork or poems to give to friends and family members.

Give gift certificates when there are places you know someone truly loves to shop.

Buy family board games and movies to instill a Family Night tradition.

Everyone can appreciate more time spent with family. Simply drop the hectic schedule for a few days here and there and find time to create memorable experiences with your family. It’s guaranteed they’ll remember that for far longer than any gift.

Gifts Especially for Children

Write a story with your child’s name in it, and illustrate it.

Go to second-hand stores and purchase all the costumes in your child’s size. Place them all in a chest or toy box for dress-up.

Make them a special key chain of mom and dad to keep them company during the school hours.

Make a progressive album showing how much they have grown each year.

Buy inexpensive coloring or activity books, puzzles, crosswords, and more for a fun and challenging experience.

Enjoy holiday traditions with your child such as decorating the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, baking cookies, and listening to holiday music.

Whatever you decide to buy, you don’t have to break the bank to bring a smile to someone’s face. Homemade gifts, inexpensive trinkets, and personalized presents can all be meaningful to friends and family.

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The copyright of the article How to Buy Cheap, Meaningful Gifts for Holidays in Green/Simple Living is owned by Abby Deliz. Permission to republish How to Buy Cheap, Meaningful Gifts for Holidays in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.