Gift Giving Ideas for the Holidays: Gifts from the Heart

The holidays should be a time for happiness and celebration. Most families look forward to gift-giving, holiday activities, and visits with families. However, it can also be stressful with hectic shopping trips, budget planning, and the holiday “hustle and bustle”. Holidays can be even more complicated when finances (especially credit cards) become overwhelming. Focus on alternative gifts to your family and friends without spending a fortune. Some suggestions are as follows:

• Take advantage of sales throughout the year
• Create your own gift baskets
• Baked goods make excellent gifts using your favorite recipes.
• Fill a basket with ingredients for your favorite dish and include the recipe.
• Consider a gift subscription to a favorite magazine or newsletter.
• Construct a personalized picture by framing a holiday card.
• Take some of your favorite homemade jellies and jams and gift as gifts.
• Personalize a sweatshirt or t-shirt with fabric paints for interesting gifts.

Wrapping Ideas:

• Consider making your own wrapping paper with stamps or fingerpaint.
• Reuse gift bags from prior year.
• Make wrapping paper using fabric.  Fabric can be used later for other projects.

Other Gift Ideas:

Stocking stuffers can add up in addition to all the other purchases.  Save by making a list and staying on top of costs.  Christmas Stocking Stuffers: List what stocking gifts you have for each person.   List cost and location of purchase as well.

Gifts from the heart: Finding personal gifts can be a challenge, but here is a list to help you wow them this holiday season.

Looking for a NO cost gift idea?  Consider Gift Coupons – offer your valued services that will be appreciated more than any trinket you could purchase.

Holiday Gift Giving Ideas: Great ideas for saving on holiday shopping and still give great gifts.

My Holiday Spending Plan:  This is a must have.  Plan your holiday spending including gifts, food, activities, utilities and more!