Since we are are feeling some of the ramifications of this blasted economy, I thought it might be a good time to suggest some holiday ideas that are affordable to just about all of us. Many of my more talented friends “make” gifts. That’s always a nice touch. Unfortunately, not all of us are able to whip up the pound of perfect chocolate brownies, or knit that wonderful pair of socks, plus supplies, ingredients and packaging cost money!
Since it seems to be the season to purchase and mail cards, I thought it might be a good place to start saving. By all means, go to a card shop, but take your relative and or friend with you. You can each select the perfect greeting cards for each other. Rather than purchasing the cards, spend the time looking at and reading what your partner has selected for you. This can provide you with hours of fun and not cost a dime. Plus, you won’t be limited by the “extra postage required” stuff, or the pesky address lookups. Also, you can afford to select as many cards as you want for that person, and it won’t cost either of you a damned dime! Quality time together! Priceless!
Another way to make this work is to buy the cards, but don’t address or sign them. That way the recipient can simply use the card to send to someone else. If this is a special someone, include a stamp. What a lovely idea! And generous as well.
Go through your drawers and pull out anything you really ought to get rid of. Look at each individual article and decide if you know anyone who might like it. If the answer is no, put it back because we tend to keep that kind of “stuff”. But in a lot of cases the answer may be “Yes! I know who would love this!” Your sister may really appreciate that cracked china cup that says “Welcome to Vancouver”! And your brother-in-law may have had his eye on the “I heart NY” key chain for some time! For your trendy niece, that Lady Godiva wig you bought for the costume party in 1979 might be just the thing. If you happen to have an automatic hot dog cooker, think about giving it to the gadget queen friend, unless you are still using it yourself! Ditto for the automatic egg poacher. You know a domestic goddess friend who would love it!
