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Homemade Love
With both my husband and I currently unemployed full time, it’s time to get creative with the holiday gifts. A financial downfall is not going to keep us from giving to those we love or are thankful for. Tis the season to give the gift that’s creative and shows that we took the time and thought of them. It’s not about how much you spend on someone, but the thought put into the gift.
You can…
- REFURBISH things…Not only are you keeping items out of the landfill but you’re saving the money you may have spent for something new. Go to 2nd hand shops, yard sales, flea markets, or utilize local groups like FreeCycle.org. You’d be surprised what you can find out there that’s practically being given away because someone didn’t want to take the time to do a minor fix or no longer wanted it anymore. You might even be lucky and find practically new things for free! It’s been awhile since I’ve purchased a replacement printer I can tell you that. Even picked up a couple computers to build a “new” computer for the kids one year.
- BAKE/COOK…Bake some cookies, homemade spice breads, or even jams. Pick up holiday themed tins for at the dollar store or a box of glass canning jars for under $20 to make a dozen gifts.
- SEW/NO SEW…Can you knit, crochet, sew, or perhaps just cut and tie? This is the perfect season for keeping the bodies warm. Make some no-sew fleece scarves and blankets.
- REMELT…Grab all those candles that are burned as low as you dare and start scrapping them from the containers to remelt into new candles. Find any container that is heat resistant to fill it with wax and throw in a new wick. You can even remelt crayons into shapes using muffin trays. Did this last year for Little One and she loved her “new” circle crayons her big sister and brother made that went with the new coloring books she got.
- REGIFT…(be sure not to gift it to someone who you got it from or to someone the original gifter knows) Empty the closet of the items you’ve never used and give them to someone who can and will use them. This might sound tacky but why waste space with items you can’t use.
- GIVE TIME…These days we’re so busy that we rarely take the time we need with others. Spend quality time with someone. Give coupons of favors to someone (dinner, baby sitting, etc). Spend time giving back to the community by helping those that are lonely less fortunate (retirement home, hospital, soup kitchen). There will ALWAYS be someone less fortunate than you even in your toughest times.
Here are some other places for ideas…
- 50 Homemade Gift Ideas
- 100 Hom-Made Gift Ideas
- Homemade Gifts
- Christmas Gifts
- Homemade Gift Ideas Under $10
- The Best Homemade Gift Ideas
Now crank up the Christmas tunes, make some hot chocolate or warm apple cider, and get creative with the family.
Got any more ideas you’d like to share?
2N4J29S3STFS
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First: Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest
Second: I love your list of ideas. My husband actually refurbishes computers all year long, it’s our unique way of starting a computer business. Right now we recycle old computer parts and if we get hard drives they are completely wiped and refurbishes so all data from previous person is gone. We sell these at around $50 sometimes less depending upon if someone really needs a computer and can’t afford it! It’s our way of giving back, recycling and making a little extra cash at the same time.
Happy Holidays!
Brandy´s last blog ..Realizing I Am A Mom