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$25 or less
By Daphne | November 20, 2007
Last night I was watching a special feature on the news and it seems as though when the mainstream media finally picks up on a trend it is too late. The subject was how to find Christmas/holiday gifts for $25 or less.
One portion of the story was really interesting… buy an empty container and fill it with items that the recipient would use. Give a coffee drinker a mug and a gift card, or give a traveler travel sized items in a container. Though these sounded like good ideas some of the items were overpriced. The container that was purchased at a dollar store was listed as $2.50. That was more like a dollar plus store. Then some of the items were typical dollar store items.
Remember: The object of being frugal is not to look cheap it is to pay less for quality. There are good brands at dollar and discount stores but you must hunt around. Now is the time to hunt.
Thinking about creating a basket or container with a theme for a recipient was interesting
Find a cute or interesting mug and buy a variety of teas or hot chocolates. Find a tea box and give the person a couple of types of tea to put in the box.
You know when there are features on the news about how to save money that we are in trouble. For those who live a frugal lifestyle buying gifts is just another challenge. Be prepared before you go shopping - arm yourself with knowledge and you’ll be fine.Â
If a basket is too traditional, use any kind of container or container that the recipient would use is a definite bonus. There are other containers that you could fill with goodies for someone on your list:
- a toolbox
- a totebag that you can decorate for the recipient
- a pail
- a clean empty paint can
Basically, anything that can hold something could help you make a great and inexpensive gift. The receptacle could be something that you find at a thrift store or that is from another season and refurbished. An old Easter basket could be painted with a little spray paint. There are many possibilities.
If you are creating a “basket” for a person don’t go overboard in the amount you spend on the container. Look at how some of the professional baskets are assembled then let your creative juices flow. For $25 you can create a great looking gift that will be useful too.
Topics: November 2007 |