How to Use Great Gift Ideas in a Recession

If you are like me, you have found yourself watching your money more closely these days. Learn how to give great gifts in hard financial times.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• creativity
• generous spirit
• warm heart
• time

1. Find some old photos of people on your list! Make mini scrapbooks or photo albums with funny titles like "Remember When! or "Why I Love You!" You can find the photo albums or the mini scrapbook at your local dollar store! Use accessories for your scrapbook by finding small ribbons, buttons, or what-nots around your house!

2. Update your family photo! I don't mean spend hundreds of dollars at a major studio. You can go to Walmart, Kmart, etc and take advantage of their specials. Place those photos in cards and mail them off!

3. Get in the kitchen! Bake cookies, cakes, or pies! Wrap them up and deliver!

4. Think! Think about past conversations or experiences you have had with each person you want to give gifts! Grab from the things you remember that made them embarrassingly happy, sad, furious, or excited. There is something that you can find at a dollar store to bring the joy of "WOW I THOUGHT YOU FORGOT ABOUT THAT!" The key here is to either tell the story when they open the gift or write a reminder in their card!

5. They said it! What are some of the simple cheap things that you know your person enjoys? For example, you have a latté lover, pick up some regular coffee, regular cocoa, whip cream and make your version of a specialty coffee gift bag. Snack foods, Candy, Movie Mania, etc.

6. One man's trash is another's treasure! Recycle! Recycle any unused unwanted items as gifts for others. Some may frown upon this idea; but hey, it is still a great idea and also helps clear your home from unnecessary items you will never use!

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list
• Set a budget
• Make any gift idea your own, let it also reflect your personality
• Be creative when wrapping
• Ask your kids for ideas

Resources

• Shop AVON

[rmvaron]

on 11/23/2008 Very insightful and helpful information that I would like to quote in an article I am writing on a similar topic. I will include a link to this article, as well as to the profile page that lists the other articles you have written. I would like to include your full name as well (not just your screen name).

[00Analana]

on 11/5/2008 Creative ideas!