Creative Gifts that won’t break the bank

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Around this time of year many of us are thinking about our “Christmas Lists”. As we grow up our lists change morph a five page list of outlandish gifts we want santa to bring to a list of gifts for our families, friends, co-workers, kids teachers, mailman, cleaning lady…the list goes on. Growing up with 8 siblings and huge family Christmases I’ve picked up a few creative and memorable gift ideas that won’t break the bank.

1. East or west – homemade is best! For the past few years I’ve made several kinds of fudge and Christmas cookies! They’re always a hit and if you double or triple the recipes they can stretch a long ways!
2. Annual Christmas ornaments. My Great-Gramma, Nanan, hand-painted a beautiful ceramic ornament for each of her children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren every year since we were born. I love pulling out my little box of ornaments I’ve received from her since I was a baby and will always treasure them!
3. Magazine Subscriptions. Theses days there are an amazing selection of magazines available to fit every lifestyle and what a great treat to receive a little present each month of the year! Cooking, travel, running, parenting, fashion, business, knitting, gardening - the list goes on!
4. Classic books. One year instead of buying toys that would probably be played with for 15min then shoved to the back of the closet I bought each person on my list a good book. Even the hardbacks were under $10 each.
5. Framed memories. Print out some family photos (new or old) and frame them in cute frames found at garage sales or Goodwill that you can sand and paint. A picture is worth a thousand words.
6. Draw for names. If you have a large group of people that usually buy gifts for each other, suggest to draw names. You can also put a $ limit on the gifts so one person doesn’t leave with a $5 starbucks giftcard and one with a diamond necklace :-).

In the end, your thoughtfulness and kindness will be remembered far beyond the actual gift!

About Jessica

Email Jessica Jessica Collins is a health nut and foodie who enjoys coming up with new creations almost as much as she enjoys eating them! Her unique combination of flavors and nutrition can be found at her Austin Hotcakes Blog. Jessica has worked in the modeling industry with both print and runway and has a love for fashion. Even more than food and fashion, she has a passion for encouraging and challanging women to live each moment to the fullest and rise up to become examples of hope for the next generation. Likes: cupcakes, vintage clothes, running, learning, nutrition, and organizing wallets. She and her amazing husband, Mike, live "south of the river" in Austin, TX."

1. 

   Yvonne V. Sanchez says:

   December 8, 2010 at 10:13 pm

   A couple of years ago, unemployment hit part of our family, so we decided to draw names. Each of us only purchases for one other adult and the price limit is $50. When employment came back into the picture, we kept the “one adult gift” agreement and focus on enjoying our time together.

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2. 

   Lynn Cherry says:

   December 9, 2010 at 8:32 am

   Great ideas Jessica! Thank you

   reply