Economic Gift Ideas

DH and I have been having some great convesations over the reason we give gifts. Do we give someone a gift that they desire or do we give a gift that we want them to have? The answer we came up with... both. So, if both are okay, let's look at some gift ideas.

I believe I mentioned that DH and I enrolled in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. We are half-way through our first 13 weeks. Then, in January, we will be the coordinators for our church and will be able to go through it again, right away, which I think is going to be great for us!

That being said, we are not spending a dime over what we have saved for gifts this year. I'm not going to take my Pampred Chef commission, my funeral escort pay or Roy's vinyl collection to "make Christmas happen." We've been trying to incorporate the ideas in "Unplug the Christmas Machine" for a couple years now and we're very happy with the results so far.

We're unplugging the machine even more this year - and I'm so excited about it! It's what I have wanted to do for a long time.

This post is on economic gift ideas:

~ Grandparents: pictures. They love pictures of their children, grandchildren and grandanimals! Think collage or calendar that they will enjoy throughout the year! If the GRANDS live away and don't get to see you often, consider making a home-movie with your family doing regular things, in addition to the posed moments.

~ Children: Honestly, they could care less if it is brand new. They prefer things out of the box, anyways! Shop thriftstores, yard sales, craigslist and better yet, find a friend and swap toys for toys!

~ Grandparents - Consider making a movie of you reading stories to your grandchildren for them to watch at bedtime! How awesome for them to see the story with you, hear your voice, see your face. What a lifetime treasury!!!

~ Spouse: Look around the house at something they have wanted to get to and do it for them! Is it laundry? Dusting? A little remodel? Have they wanted the bedroom rearranged? Do it!

~ Teachers: They want coffee and chocolate. Really. Maybe tea. Find a mug that you haven't used that is "like-new" and fill with chocolate, coffee or tea. They want a jar of your home-made jelly and fresh baked bread. You don't have to spend money to make it special. Perhaps you could make them dinner one night for their family! How thoughtful a present is that?

~ All those family members.... hopefully, you can speak to them and ask that "family gifts" be encouraged this year. Then, make a basket of carmel popcorn, one of your families treasured favorite movies that has been replaced by a new favorite movie, home-made goodies and a picture of you all! Merry Christmas Family!!!

Raid your closets. Really. What have you bought and never used or maybe used one time? Do you know of someone who would just love it? Don't pretend its new, if it's not... say, "I used this one time and realized I'm just not a cake decorator, after all! I know you enjoy decorating and I hope this works great for you." Let your friends know it's okay to do the same for you. Do you have a closet with lots of candles in it? Give some away! Think outside the box. Everyone will be relieved by the pressure it takes off of them to find the "perfect" gift for you.

~ Your BFF (best friend forever, Mom): How about making her favorite meal and a spare for the freezer! I know I would love you forever!!!

Have we covered your gift giving list? More gift ideas to come.