| Well, there are some steps to giving a great gift | | | | Ideas include a flashlight, power bars, compass, |
| with very little out of pocket expense.The very | | | | disposable camera(for the one's that get away!), |
| first step is to make a list! Sounds simple doesn't | | | | and a certificate printed off the computer stating |
| it? For some it really is. But if you are like me, | | | | "World's Best Fisherman, etc".Techie? - Decorate |
| you get the "rebound" list. What's THAT? Oh, | | | | a T-Shirt with Computer slang (This Bytes for |
| where you start the thinking of "If I buy for this | | | | example). Or make a Password Journal for them |
| one, then I have to give this one a gift too". If | | | | to keep. Just decorate a blank journal with a |
| this is the case, then you MUST start early!So, | | | | computer theme. Make a Mouse Pad for them. |
| you have your list- great! Here's the hard part. | | | | You can purchase Blank Ones and decorate them |
| What to get everyone! Through trial and error, I | | | | yourself!Handyman? - Again you could fill up that |
| have found MOST people do appreciate a gift | | | | "Tool Chest". Fill it with candy or even handwritten |
| that is handmade. Now do not panic if you aren't | | | | notes. Find a great picture of him "in action" and |
| exactly crafty! I do not mean you must go crazy | | | | frame it in an unfinished wooden frame that you |
| here. Just put yourself into the gift is all, while | | | | have embellished with the phrase "Tool Time" and |
| considering the recipient. I will list some ideas that | | | | pictures of various tools etc....5. The Kids (Little |
| are simple and won't break the bank!Family Movie | | | | Ones)Create a Board game - Decorate a blank |
| Night Basket - This one is so easy and everyone | | | | piece of cardboard after a model of "Chutes and |
| I have given it to loves it! Find a medium sized | | | | Ladders", "Candyland", etc. You create the theme! |
| basket and fill it with these items (or similar)Family | | | | Do they love Pokemon, Yugioh, Barbie? Each |
| themed movie | | | | space can relate to their interest. You will need a |
| Old fashioned popcorn (bag costs under $1) | | | | large piece of cardboard, paper relating to the |
| Popcorn Bowl (even better-use this as your | | | | theme (maybe from a book, magazine, or even |
| basket! Buy at a Dollar Store) | | | | off the computer), game pieces (gumball |
| Flavored Popcorn Salts | | | | machine?), and "cards". For the cards you can use |
| Various CandyThis gift is great because you | | | | index cards. They will love it!Bubble Bath Heaven - |
| have shopped for an entire family! Instead of 3, | | | | In a basket combine bubble bath, bath crayons, |
| 4, or 5 individual gifts at 10.00 each, for under | | | | and small bath toys. My son loves those Grow a |
| 20.00 you have it covered!2. On the same | | | | Towels and the Sponge Capsules. Again go with a |
| thought buy a Family Game Night packageAn | | | | theme! Have fun with this one!Gift Certificate |
| inexpensive Board Game | | | | Books - Make your own coupon book. Include |
| Snacks | | | | items such as - stay up 1/2 hour later, trip to the |
| Hot Cocoa | | | | zoo, make cookies with mom or dad, family |
| Mugs3. For the LadiesSpa Gift Set - include small | | | | movie night. You name it! Cost? Nothing except |
| toiletries in an exotic scent along with a bath pouf | | | | the quality time you get later.6. Tweens and |
| in a basket. Add a few votive candles with holder | | | | Teens -Here the coupon book could work again. |
| and it'll look fantastic!Recipes in a Jar - Your | | | | Trip to mall, extra 1/2 curfew for one night, lunch |
| favorite recipes dry ingredients layered in a large | | | | date with mom or dad. You get the picture.Give |
| mason jar, along with a handwritten copy of | | | | them a "their baby book" and include a letter with |
| instructions. Wrap it up in a cute kitchen towel for | | | | it. My mom did this and I loved it!Books related to |
| a great presentation! | | | | their hobby.Make a decoration for their room. |
| Gratitude Journal - For just $1 you can purchase | | | | Lamps are easy ! Buy a fairly blank one and |
| a blank journal. Add embellishments to suit the | | | | embellish the shade to match their room (Sports, |
| recipient. Fill in the first page as to why you are | | | | Dragons, Pop culture, etc). Or a bulletin Board. |
| grateful for them!A Trip Down Memory Lane - | | | | Cover blank cork with fabric related to their |
| Several ways to do this:1. Buy a photo album and | | | | interest. Wrap some coordinated ribbon and |
| create a simple scrapbook. Add extra items such | | | | adhere with push pins for a French style |
| as postcards, pictures, and other things you have | | | | memo-board. Click here for an idea of the finished |
| shared with the recipient.2. Buy a wooden frame | | | | product.Now, of course, not everyone on your list |
| at the craft store. Paint it and decorate it with a | | | | will appreciate the handmade. You know who they |
| theme that corresponds to a picture of you with | | | | are! Be prepared. Shop early, check out clearance |
| the recipient. Ex. glue shells on it for a beach | | | | shelves, buy off season. Have a drawer set aside |
| photo.3. A treasure chest! For about $5 you can | | | | for gifts. That way you'll always have some on |
| purchase an unfinished wooden chest. Glue on | | | | hand.I hope some of these ideas have helped. I |
| photos and adhere them with Mod Podge. They | | | | will be writing another guide with more ideas |
| can fill it with their favorite momentos.4. For the | | | | soon!Thank you!I am an Ebay Store Owner, car |
| Guys- Yes, guys like handmade too!Fisherman, | | | | rental agent, and avid crafter. I have a very large |
| hunter, outdoorsman? Get a small plastic tackle | | | | family and have found handmade gifts to be a |
| box at any hardware store. Fill it up with | | | | great money saver each year! |
| emergency staples geared towards their passion! | | | | |