We have just kicked off the 2022 holiday season, and, with that, comes gift giving, especially for those who celebrate Christmas. Due to a higher rate of inflation than this country has seen for decades, prices are soaring in the marketplace. Many folks are struggling to make ends meet but still want to spread joy by giving presents to their loved ones and friends. Times like these call for creative thinking. This post offers four Xmas gift ideas that go easy on the wallet.
You can try some of these ideas or use them as a base to spark additional ideas in your mind. Either way, don’t lose hope, and try not to let a failed economy ruin your holiday spirit. Think of it as an opportunity to simplify and to return to the roots of our society, when gathering and praying together and enjoying food and playing games were the central focus of Christmases long ago. Giving gifts brings joy to the gift giver, as well as the recipient. So, this year, if you need to tone down the shopping, consider using these four Xmas gift ideas as part of your holiday plan.
Sugar scrubs, toothpaste and cleaners are easy Xmas gift ideas
If you have a health-conscious person on your gift list, the first of our five Xmas gift ideas might be a perfect fit for him or her. Do a quick online search for various recipes. Choose the ones you like best, and go for it! In your little homemaking kitchen factory, you can create sugar scrubs, natural tooth powders or paste and everyday, all-purpose cleaners that are non-toxic. With a few basic ingredients, you can make a collection of gifts that look lovely in a basket together.
This would make a wonderful gift for a college student or someone who is just starting out in a first apartment. It would also delight a busy mom who is interested in detoxifying her home but hasn’t had time to make any of these things for her family! If you have some small glass jars, ribbon and little sprigs of holly or raffia, etc., you can dress up your gifts to look as beautiful as a store-bought item!
Create coupons for Xmas gift ideas throughout the year
Kids and adults alike love to have coupons that they can cash in at will! For children or teens, you can make coupons that offer to do their chores for them. People of all ages would love a coupon for breakfast in bed! Additional ideas include coupons that let the recipient choose dinner or order take out. A spouse might love a coupon for a shoulder rub or spa night that you create at home.
While some of these ideas involve an expense, when you spread them throughout the year or a month, etc., it’s easier on the budget. You can make a coupon per month for a whole year or coupons for each week in a month. Whatever time frame you choose is fine. The idea is to offer things that give your loved ones time off or enable them to enjoy treats or special events (like a movie night) at home!
Share your talents as a gift
Are you handy with a camera? Do people admire your artistic talent? Maybe you are an experienced seamstress. Do your friends and family enjoy the DIY crafts or re-furbished items you make all year ’round? Use your special talents or hobbies to create Xmas gift ideas for those you love. If you are a talented photographer, for instance, offer the gift of a photo shoot to a whole family or a friend.
If you are a painter and have someone on your gift list that loves sunflowers or horses or barns, etc., create a one-of-a-kind work of art as a Christmas gift! Do you know someone who has a piece of furniture they have been wanting to upgrade? Do it for them! Offer your services for interior design and home decorating, if you have a friend who is not so great at this and is always complimenting your talents. You can also create a gift around an area of expertise. For example, if you are a great cook or crafter or can knit or crochet, offer to give someone lessons as a gift.
A spiritual bouquet makes a wonderful Christmas present
Most people would agree that there is no shortage of things to pray about these days. if you have a loved one or friend who would appreciate your prayers, consider giving them a spiritual bouquet this Christmas. To create the bouquet, you would simply need a nice, artificial flower arrangement. If you cannot afford to buy one, you can adapt this gift idea into booklet form and make the book out of paper. In the weeks leading up to your gift-giving day, offer prayers and good deeds in honor of your friend. Each time you do so, write it on a tiny slip of paper and attach it to a flower stem.
By the time you are finished with your gift, you will have a whole bouquet of wonderful prayers and things you did for your friend! This gift is especially meaningful if you have a family member or friend who has been going through a tough time this year.
Do small things with great love
You don’t have to rack up credit card debt during the holidays, just to give presents to the people you love. Use these Xmas gift ideas to keep financial strain to a minimum. When you make a gift with love in your heart, that love is felt by the person who receives the gift. Spending time creating gifts, doing kind things and thinking about your loved ones is what the season of giving is all about. We celebrate Christmas to remember that God loved the world so much that He sent His only begotten Son to save us from our sins! He was born into a family of simple means.
Let this Christmas be a simple and joyful one in your household!
