Thoughtful Gifts Without Breaking the Bank
As the economic situation around the world is worsening, it will be important for everyone to shop within their budget this season. That is why I've put this list together. I wanted to highlight some gift ideas that are inspired, wonderful and affordable. Buying a $10 gift can be just as powerful as a $100 gift when it is done with love, appreciation, knowledge and backed by inspiration.
These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things!
The affordable gifts that were selected for this lens were all done with the purpose of highlighting affordable yet meaningful gifts. The world is full of inexpensive and meaningless items, so I wanted to take the time to sift through some of that in order to uncover something wonderful. You can give these gifts to anyone and they will know that you took the time to find something special rather than just buying any old gift.Due to the economic circumstances we all find ourselves in it was imperative that these gifts be affordable. When we take the time to find meaningful gifts the thought and care that come attached to them mean far more than the price tag. The added bonus is, of course, when you buy them through Squidoo the world of charity is put into action and that is awesome!
Books, Books, Wonderful Books!
It can be difficult to decide on which book to give at Christmas because you never know if the recipient has already read it. The following options are lesser known books that are sure to be enjoyed.
Round Ireland with a Fridge
This is an obscure little book for those who truly appreciate good British humour. It is both hillarious and enlightening. But, be careful where you read it... there are many laugh out loud moments that make this a wonderful gift.
Twinkie, Deconstructed: My Journey to Discover How the Ingredients Found in Processed Foods Are Grown, Mined (Yes, Mined), and Manipulated Into What America Eats
This interesting book is ideal for those who are in need of a gentle wake up call as to what exactly we are eating in processed food. Wow! You will never look at packaged food the same way again.
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
This book will open your eyes and those of anyone who reads it to show you how little changes can have a big impact. My favourite point is how a window left unrepaired can send out a message that a neighbourhood is not care for and the fallout can be drastic.
Something From Nothing
This is a great book for kids ages 10 and under. The story is wonderful and teaches children that it is possible to make something from nothing. The detailed illustrations captivates kids imaginations and keeps them interested with each turn of the page.
Theme Gifts
Small Ideas That Can Enhance Someone's Life
I really enjoy giving "themed gifts". If someone is a tea lover I will give them a hand selected gift basket. If someone loves to cook I like to provide them with the tools or ingredients they need in the kitchen. Here are some of my favourite thoughtful and affordable themed gifts that say just as much about the giver as they do the receiver.Gourmet Dinner In
It isn't cheap to go out for a nice dinner, so more and more families are choosing to stay in. This is a great opportunity to print out some of your favourite recipes to help inspire people in the kitchen to try something new and healthy. Print out a few of your favourite recipes on index cards. Simple, healty recipes with minimal ingredients are the best. Get a bottle of your favourite olive oil, sea salt, or any ingredient that you love and wrap it up with ribbons and your recipe. Some other items that could be added to your recipes include:
- kitchen utensils
- mixing bowls
- cookie cutters
- muffin tins
- tea towels
- the possibilities are endless
Cookbook Get-together
This idea is similar to the one above but has a twist. I got this idea from a good friend of ours. Buy your favourite cookbook and make one recipe from it for the person you bought it for. You can give them the cookbook with a "voucher" that you make up that entiles the receiver to a meal prepared by you. Have a list of dates that work for dinner on the voucher, they check off one of the date that works best for them and mail the voucher to you (in the self addressed stamped envelope you provided). You can even have them choose the recipe if you like. I love this idea because it provides the opportunity to get together with friends or family after the holiday season has passed.
Movie Night
This a fun idea for someone who likes to go to the movies. A night out at the movies can cost upwards of $50 when you factor in drinks, popcorn and tickets. This gift gives the movie lover a head start on saving money watching movies at home and having fun. You can put together any combination you like, but here are some ideas:
- popcorn maker
- popcorn kernels
- DVD
- movie rental gift certificates
- popcorn flavours
Night At the Movies
... In the Comfort Of Your Own Home
Popcorn for a Movie Gift Set
Amazon Price: $19.50 (as of 12/22/2009) 
Presto 04821 Orville Redenbacher Hot Air Corn Popper
Amazon Price: $24.29 (as of 12/22/2009)
Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Amazon Price: $23.35 (as of 12/22/2009)
Kung Fu Panda Two - Pack (Kung Fu Panda Widescreen Edition + Secrets of the Furious Five)
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Wall-E (Single-Disc Edition)
Amazon Price: $15.49 (as of 12/22/2009)
Gourmet Dinner In
Personalized Recipe + Kitchen Ware = 1 Thoughtful Gift
La Piana 20 Years Aged Balsamic Vinegar, 8.4 Fl Oz
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Olio Verde Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2008 Harvest (Italy)
Amazon Price: $36.39 (as of 12/22/2009)
Gourmet Finishing Salt
Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Le Creuset 7-Piece Spatula Set with Crock, Red
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Le Creuset 2-Quart Batter Bowl, Cherry
Amazon Price: $35.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Cookbook Get-together
A Pinch of Creativity and a Dash of Love
Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics: Fabulous Flavor from Simple Ingredients
Amazon Price: $20.47 (as of 12/22/2009)
Jamie at Home: Cook Your Way to the Good Life
Amazon Price: $30.00 (as of 12/22/2009)
The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 12/22/2009)
Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes
Amazon Price: $20.47 (as of 12/22/2009)
Make Your Own Gifts
Not Everything Has to be Store Bought
My absolute favourite gift of all time comes from my daughter. She had some beads that she had from various crafts she had made. Unbeknownst to me, she got a piece of string and made me a bracelet with those beads. It is not made of gold or jewels, but it means more to me than any other I have because not only did she make it herself, but she came up with the idea to do so all on her own.The most difficult of times can often change the world for the better and I believe that these challenging economic times will have us reconnecting with the spirit of giving in a way that has slowly been fading over the last few decades. By taking your time to make meaningful gifts both giver and receiver will connect to an appreciation of the gift.
Here are some more ideas for affordable homemade gifts:
Mason Jar Recipes
Find a recipe that uses dry ingredients (cookie, muffin or soup recipes work well). Layer those ingredients in a glass mason jar so they can all be seen through. Hand write the recipe on a card (including the ingredients for those with dietary or allergy concerns) and tie to the lid/jar with decorative ribbon. All the recipient has to do is follow the directions on the card by adding a few of the wet ingredients and baking/cooking. These ready made mason jars are a real treat for a busy family who doesn't have time to measure ingredients for baked goods and the like.
Christmas Hand Ornaments
The possibilities are endless for making Christmas ornaments. We have small kids and their grandparents live across the country. So we take an inexpensive piece of thin craft foam and trace each of our kids hands. We then cut out the tracing, punch a hole somewhere on the hand, and loop a piece of ribbon through it so that it can hang on the tree. Don't forget to label the hand with the childs name and age on the back. My mom says that when she looks at the hand ornaments on the tree she imagines that her grandkids are all waving to her.
Christmas Baking
This idea is in no way original, but I still love to receive homemade baking from friends and neighbours. You can personalize your baking by getting creative with your wrapping. Wrap your homemade good in a tin, mason jar, cellophane tied with ribons, in reusable cookie tins, or in a Christmas tea towel. I always include a recipe card so that the receiver knows what ingredients were used and so that, if they really enjoy it, they can use the recipe and do the same for someone else. Pay it forward if you will.
Tea - With The Environment In Mind
Organic, Biodegradable Bags and oh so Yummy!!!
Revolution Tea Huckleberry Red Herbal Tea, Caffeine Free, Organic, 15-Count Pyramid Teabags (Pack of 6)
This caffeine free herbal tea has a very nice soft flavour. This option offers great value! For under $30 you get 6 tins when they regularly cost around $10 each. You purchase this item, split them up and you have 6 gifts!!! I love good value!
Amazon Price: $33.23 (as of 12/22/2009)
Revolution Tea Mini Travel Tin, English Breakfast Tea, 6-Count Teabags (Pack of 10)
English Breakfast tea is a good morning favourite! These little travel tins are idea for anyone who travels or likes to take their tea with them to work. This package comes with ten of them... split them up, pair with a mug and you've got a great gift for anyone on the go.
Amazon Price: $30.77 (as of 12/22/2009)
T-Pot Revolution Retail Tin, English Breakfast Tea, 10 Infuser Tea Bags, Each Brews a 23 - 26oz Pot of Tea
These tea bags have more tea leaves and are designed to steep a pot of tea. A perfect gift for someone who likes to put a pot on or for someone who entertains.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Honeybush Caramel Tea, 30 individually packaged nylon Infuser Bags
This is the perfect dessert tea!!! Yum, yum! It is an herbal caffeine free tea with notes of caramel that makes it smell sweet. The beauty is that it is not too sweet, so it doesn't compete with dessert. This item comes with 30 individual tea bags in mini boxes that are very attractive to have when company comes over or split them up and put them in a gift basket.
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
How Much Is Enough?
If I Had To Choose Just ONE Gift To Give Everyone This Year...
This Is The One!
The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All
Amazon Price: $16.78 (as of 12/22/2009)
"The Power Of Giving" is an amazing book that will inspire you to give for the greater good of all. It's soul purpose is to show you how everyone is capable of giving in some form whether it be of time, skill, money, etc. This transformative book has the potential to impact everyone who reads it in a most positive way and that will help change the world for the better. For that reason alone it makes an excellent gift this Christmas. Give it to everyone--friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, a stranger in a random act of kindness, or the people you encounter on a daily basis in passing. If we all learned to give in the ways described in this book, the world would certainly be a better place for all.
The Money Saving Ideas for Christmas
There are many ways to save money at Christmas, but these are a few of our favourites. Which do you like best?
Wrap presents in brown paper and have the kids colour the paper for a unique look
3 points
Technology + Time = A Great Gift
So here is when an ordinary gift becomes extraordinary...
When you buy someone a techno gadget take the time to figure out how it works. Then when you give it to them you can also give them the gift of your time by teaching them how to use it. Maybe what that person needs is another human being to teach them how to integrate technology into their lives rather than yet another "how to" manual. This personal touch will be very rewarding to both giver and receiver this Christmas.
CenOmax 2093482 7-Inch Digital Frame
Digital frames are great and everyone should have one. What makes this gift so special is that you can upload a bunch of pictures on it before you give it away. It's a perfect gift for grandparents. I gave one to my grandma with pictures of all her great-grandkids on it. She loves it!
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Mustek PF-E150 Travel Digital Photo Frame
This gift is perfect for someone who travels a lot. Load it with pictures so that friendly faces of friends and family are always travelling along too.
Amazon Price: $30.06 (as of 12/22/2009)
Apple iPod shuffle 1 GB Silver (2nd Generation) OLD MODEL
Everyone could use an iPod, but opt for this more inexpensive version for someone who likes to work out, go for a walk or bike ride. It's tiny size and clip on capabilities make it ideal for anyone who likes to exercise. Load it with upbeat workout songs for that added thoughtful touch.
Amazon Price: $49.00 (as of 12/22/2009)
Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus FM Transmitter/Charger for iPod
This gift is great for someone who own's an iPod who wants to listen to it in their car. It is great to have your own music with you where ever you go, and this wireless system is great for people who spend a lot of time driving.
Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 12/22/2009)
Sony DVP-NS700H/B 1080p Upscaling DVD Player, Black
DVD players have are as affordable as ever and ideal for someone who likes to save money by staying in to watch movies.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Thoughtfully Created Gift Baskets
When Time IS Money
Grand Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Basket
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
80's Decade Box Gift Basket - Classic 80's Candy
Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 12/22/2009)
50's Decade Box Gift Basket - Classic 50's Candy
Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 12/22/2009)
Don't Forget to Give to Those Less Fortunate
Now... here is your chance!
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us
(Christmas is December 25, 2009)
Feedback Is Always Appreciated!
Thank you to everyone for your great feedback and happy holidays to you all!
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- johnfn johnfn Nov 11, 2009 @ 10:17 am
- Good suggestions... thanks!
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- MarinaKuperman MarinaKuperman Sep 7, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
- Wow... what a great lens and those are really good ideas... I fived you and fanned you :)
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- susannaduffy susannaduffy Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:48 am
- Wonderful ideas and a wonderful lens to showcase them
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- financialadvisers4U financialadvisers4U Apr 8, 2009 @ 5:09 pm
- These are great ideas. It seems that so many people have lost the meaning of the holiday season and spend, spend, spend, so much that they are paying for it the rest of the year(s). Thank you .
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- Swisstoons Swisstoons Mar 31, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
- Hi, Sharon! This is an especially apt lens considering the current state of the economy and although you created it with Christmas in mind, the theme is certainly applicable for Mother's Day, Father's Day and every other giftgiving holiday and occasion. 5-starring, favoriting and lensrolling this one to several of my lenses and joining your FC.
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- Snozzle Snozzle Feb 21, 2009 @ 11:27 am
- Christmas Gifts 2009 ... I don't plan this far ahead and never do my shopping until late November at the earliest. Christmas is just too commercial otherwise. But ... an excellent lens nevertheless!
Best wishes, Mike.
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- bdkz bdkz Jan 13, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
- Great lens!
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- Tipi Tipi Jan 7, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
- Affordable gift ideas is a useful lens idea 5*'s
I like the selected products....
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- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Jan 7, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
- Love this lens!
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- MattTaylor MattTaylor Dec 23, 2008 @ 5:44 pm
- Good job Sharon! 5 stars from me...
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