You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I’m telling you why …
It’s not because Santa Claus is coming to town, even though his arrival draws nearer by the second. No, you can’t give in to the temptation to throw a tantrum during the month of January when one last Christmas “card” arrives in your mailbox.
Spending more than you make by charging your way to a happy holiday can result in a financial fit, killing your New Year’s resolutions before the first full week of 2017.
Most of us long to give gifts to the special people in our lives. While we might be able to budget a few more dollars for intimate relationships such as spouses, parents and children, finding simple, meaningful gifts for teachers, coaches, extended family and neighbors can be a bit tricky. I’ll admit that I often take the easy way out by purchasing a $5 or $10 gift card.
However, if you’d like to take a more personalized approach, you may want to consider these simple, affordable gift giving ideas.
Candy bouquets
Christmas isn’t typically the holiday for flowers (with an exception for poinsettias, of course). But that doesn’t mean you can’t give a sweet treat in the form of a bouquet.
Purchase a vase at the dollar store or better yet use a mason jar or vase you already have. Purchase candy in bulk or look for sales at your big box retailer. Tip: December is a great month to find plenty of candy coupons to sweeten your deal. Tape the candy bars to pencils. Arrange tissue paper in the base of the vase or jar. Arrange your candy “flowers” for a special gift certain to make the recipient smile.
Passion gifts
Is your best friend starting a business? Design business cards. Know someone who loves to write? Purchase a pen. Have a brother who loves to travel? Purchase a map for the next adventure. Consider the unique gifts and passions of each individual on your list and turn those special qualities into a meaningful gift.
Photo Gifts
A picture is worth a thousand words. Luckily, making a photo gift doesn’t cost a thousand dollars. From key chains to puzzles to small flipbooks, your local pharmacy and big box retailer can turn the photos from even your phone into amazing gifts. I’ve printed a number of small photo books for less than $4 at Sam’s Club over the last five years. Grandparents and family friends love them.
Personalized thank-you notes
Teachers receive scores of gifts from their students every holiday season. Help them respond to this generosity by making or purchasing personalized thank you notes. You might even include a special pen or stamps, too. You can print cards at home or design notes on your computer to be printed by an office supply store or by an online printer.
Frame a favorite recipe or letter
The handwriting of loved ones now passed is a true gift and treasure. A bit of the best parts of their lives remain with us on the page. Dig out written family heirlooms like recipes or letters. Scan them into your computer or make a copy and then buy a simple frame. You’ll have a one-of-a-kind gift that your friend or relative will value for years to come.
Giving simple gifts might require a bit more thought than simply zipping through the drive thru. But you don’t have to spend a bundle to show how much you care. From handmade gifts to fresh baked cookies, you can be generous on a budget. And maybe your simple, meaningful and thoughtful gift will outweigh pricier options because your effort displays how much you truly care.
Greenwood resident Cherie Lowe and her husband paid off $127,000 in debt in four years and now live debt-free every day with their two kids. She is the author of “Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.” Send questions, column ideas and comments to [email protected].
