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Giving Gifts on a Budget..... Home Grown!
Do you actually know how much you spend on gift giving? It can really add up over the year. The most important part of giving a gift is the thought which goes into it. A gift should be appropriate to the relationship between the giver and receiver, and the event which the gift is given. It should have meaning. The best gifts don't cost the most; the best gifts are thoughtful momentos which last the most. The feeling behind the gift is what is remembered.
Gift baskets are great gift ideas. During the year, it is easy to collect all sorts of items for assembling gift baskets for any event. A good idea is to designate a storage "gift" place to keep all the goodies which you accumulate for your gifting ideas. A closet shelf works great, or a storage bin tucked under the bed. When things go on sale after holidays, like wine, candy, perfume, cooking ingredients, it is a goldmine for gift basket assembly! The best thing to do is create gift baskets according to themes, such as, cooking/gourmet, relaxing/spa, seascape, fun/quirky, craft/creative, natural/candles, and the list goes on...... Also, pick up tissue paper and assessories for wrapping after Holidays, and ofcourse, save anything you can like bows and gift bags when you receive a gift.
The most useful and thoughtful gift is a home baked good. Everyone loves sweets and breads. The person receiving the gift knows how much time and care goes into baking. This baked item with some little treats in the gift basket, such as the recipe, a jar of jam, or butter, and some tea bags, makes a great gift.
The best place to pick up baskets is a local thrift shop. Baskets are a dime a dozen these days. Or, you could decorate a box with wrapping paper or newspaper. Another budget-friendly way to decorate the container for your goodies, is to stamp a brown paper bag with colored images or stickers......or better yet, with freehand design. Don't just think "basket" either......any container which holds goodies is great! A tray, a bowl, any type of container. Wrap it all up with clear cellophane and tie a big bow for the wow factor. Bows can be made with raffia, scrap material with little cuts all along the edges for a fringy look, or even string.
For the card, attach it by punching a hole in the corner and stringing it through the bow end. It becomes part of the appeal of the gift. Ofcourse, you would make the card yourself for that added custom touch! (and free)
Gift baskets are great gift ideas. During the year, it is easy to collect all sorts of items for assembling gift baskets for any event. A good idea is to designate a storage "gift" place to keep all the goodies which you accumulate for your gifting ideas. A closet shelf works great, or a storage bin tucked under the bed. When things go on sale after holidays, like wine, candy, perfume, cooking ingredients, it is a goldmine for gift basket assembly! The best thing to do is create gift baskets according to themes, such as, cooking/gourmet, relaxing/spa, seascape, fun/quirky, craft/creative, natural/candles, and the list goes on...... Also, pick up tissue paper and assessories for wrapping after Holidays, and ofcourse, save anything you can like bows and gift bags when you receive a gift.
The most useful and thoughtful gift is a home baked good. Everyone loves sweets and breads. The person receiving the gift knows how much time and care goes into baking. This baked item with some little treats in the gift basket, such as the recipe, a jar of jam, or butter, and some tea bags, makes a great gift.
The best place to pick up baskets is a local thrift shop. Baskets are a dime a dozen these days. Or, you could decorate a box with wrapping paper or newspaper. Another budget-friendly way to decorate the container for your goodies, is to stamp a brown paper bag with colored images or stickers......or better yet, with freehand design. Don't just think "basket" either......any container which holds goodies is great! A tray, a bowl, any type of container. Wrap it all up with clear cellophane and tie a big bow for the wow factor. Bows can be made with raffia, scrap material with little cuts all along the edges for a fringy look, or even string.
For the card, attach it by punching a hole in the corner and stringing it through the bow end. It becomes part of the appeal of the gift. Ofcourse, you would make the card yourself for that added custom touch! (and free)
Cost of Italian Gift Basket products = $12.00 (products bought at discount/surplus stores; Big Lots & ALDI)
For creating your own greeting cards, the key is to keep an eye out for nice images and have sissors nearby! Artwork is plentiful in magazines, newspapers, and printed advertisements. Keep an envelope with your cut-outs, and you'll have a constant supply of decor for your cards depending on the occasion. You'll need construction paper or cardboard for your card, a glue stick, specialty sissors make a scalloped edge, and a hole punch if you attach it to a gift basket. Your written sentiment is the most special part of the card. Personal customization is an extension of your authenticity.
