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