No, you don't need to give away expensive gifts this year. Neither do you need to hand out the latest toys of the decade. You can find at least 5 inexpensive but elegant gifts to send to your friends and family.
You don't need to overspend or to overbuy. With the economy going the way it is, won't it be much more reasonable to scale back yet still have something no one would turn their nose up at. It just takes being more creative with the gift choices to have something classy, unusual, and inexpensive all at the same time.
There has never been anything wrong with giving a handmade gift. Although you do need to start preparing a bit earlier and planning may be a bit trickier, it's a sure way to cut back on spending and on using up unnecessary sources.
Have you ever met anyone that has refused baked goods? No matter what the time of year, a gift of breads, cake, cookies, or a special pastry will always be met with a smile and a "Did you make this yourself?!"
These are also easily and prettily packaged in a variety of containers. To be really eco-friendly, it would be best to recycle glass containers that have been thoroughly cleaned. Simply decorate the top with a piece of cut fabric over the lid tied up with an attractive ribbon. If the lid is presentable, all you would need is a festive ribbon tied up in a bow and a sprig of dried or artificial flowers and greenery to pretty it up.
Why not share a much-needed jolt of caffeine with your friends? All you need to do is purchase a hand-thrown or inexpensive commercially available coffee mug and pair it with individual packs of instant brewed coffee. For fun, take a metal teaspoon and dip it in some white sugar that you've caramelized. Before it sets, dip the spoon in either ground cinnamon or mini chocolate chips. Wrap up the spoon in a sparkly piece of cellophane held in place with a clear twist-tie and put everything in either a pretty cloth napkin or a large cellophane bag. Accent it with a homey fabric ribbon and a dried orange slice or cinnamon stick.
Don't want to give an edible gift yet are faced with a sugar addict? Why not create a luxury basket with a homemade body scrub made of brown sugar, white sugar, extra-virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil and the essential oil of your choice? Pair it with a luxurious bar of super fatted soap and it will be a gift long remembered.
How about making a romantic massage kit for your partner? A bottle of massage oil, a set of votive candles, and a CD of romantic, Zen, or nature-based massage music wrapped in a silk pouch will be the basis of an unforgettable experience. The only thing you'll need to add are your own two hands to deliver that blissful massage.
For that extra-special someone, why not have a piece of personalized artwork commissioned? You can find online art galleries which can make a portrait from a picture sent to them. It's a truly special gift that can be passed on to the next generation.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out some inexpensive baby shower favors or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
