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