Frugal Gift Guide
streamline
do less. live more.
Right about now I’m feeling that familiar Christmas feeling. It’s not comfort or joy exactly—though I feel those too. No, I’d describe it more as guilt. Though I set a budget for Christmas spending (read me discuss this here) and have (mostly) stuck to it this year, old habits die hard. I feel guilty about buying too much stuff that isn’t really necessary when there are so many people struggling in the world, or not giving enough to the amazing people that support us in so many ways (parents, teachers, friends, co-workers, house cleaners, babysitters, and so on). I feel guilty about spending money on toys instead of college funds, though I strongly believe in the value of play. The truth is Christmas is a time of conflict for me, conflict between two natural impulses: generosity and frugality. You’ve heard of retail therapy? Below is virtual retail therapy…a few ideas for frugal gift giving to tame the bickering between those natural impulses. Comfort and joy, people. Comfort and joy.
Frugal Gift Ideas
Organize a toy exchange with families in neighborhood, church, or school
Plan a thrift store “white elephant” gift exchange-$5 limit
Give baked goods or snacks
Create photo-inspired gifts - place mats, framed pictures, tote bags, coasters. (I like Ritxpix.com)
I stole this idea from someone but don’t remember who: Wrap up 12 winter/Christmas-themed library books and open/read one each day leading up to Christmas
Use the 4-gift mantra: “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read (from Working Moms Against Guilt) . Their Felt Board idea looks pretty cool too.
Exchange a service or teach a skill (Babysitting exchange anyone?)
Other Gift Ideas
These sites offer more ideas. Some may be pretty time-consuming for families with two working parents—unless one or both are very crafty—but many are not.
Well Kept Wallet - 32 Frugal Gift Ideas for Christmas
Thrifty Frugal Mom - 20 Inexpensive Homemade Gifts
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