Brandi RhoadesEasy, Inexpensive Gift Ideas (LINK)
August 21st 2008 21:43
Sometimes you buy gifts for others because you feel obligated to do so. Other times you want to give a gift but just don't want to shell out the money for something the other person may or may not use. One option is to try making your own gifts.
You're not crafty, you say? Who cares? You don't have to be crafty to make your own gifts. These ideas are simple and inexpensive. Best of all, they add a personal flair so your loved one will enjoy it!
Framed Pictures
Was your nephew's Little League team in the newspaper? Clip the picture - or save it from the online version of the paper - and frame it for him for Christmas. You can get a cute frame for $3 or less, and he will be able to display the gift proudly.
Beanbags
Even someone who's never sewn before can make a set of beanbags for the preschool set. At a craft store, look for quilting quarters. They are small strips of fabric usually sold for $2 or less. You will need a needle ($1), matching thread ($1.50), and a bag of dried beans ($1). These supplies are enough to make 8 beanbags.
Cut two squares from the fabric. Place the outside of the two pieces of fabric facing each other so that you're sewing onto what will be the inside of the beanbag. Pin the sides to keep them from moving, and then begin to sew a straight line around the edge.
When you get to the fourth side, leave a 2-inch gap unsewn. Turn the beanbag right side out. Stick a funnel in the gap and fill about 80% of the way with beans. Then sew up the gap, and you're done. A set of 4 is a great gift, so you give 2 children a gift for $5.50 total!
Candy Fun
Even if you don't make candy, you can use plays on words and whimsical decorations to give gifts to people like co-workers or your mail carrier. Try this one out. Purchase a large whisk ($1) and a bag of chocolate kisses ($2). Put the kisses between the slots on the whisk. Use a red marker and write on a plain index card "we 'whisk' you a Merry Christmas!" Then add a bow, and you're done.
You're not crafty, you say? Who cares? You don't have to be crafty to make your own gifts. These ideas are simple and inexpensive. Best of all, they add a personal flair so your loved one will enjoy it!
Framed Pictures
Was your nephew's Little League team in the newspaper? Clip the picture - or save it from the online version of the paper - and frame it for him for Christmas. You can get a cute frame for $3 or less, and he will be able to display the gift proudly.
Beanbags
Even someone who's never sewn before can make a set of beanbags for the preschool set. At a craft store, look for quilting quarters. They are small strips of fabric usually sold for $2 or less. You will need a needle ($1), matching thread ($1.50), and a bag of dried beans ($1). These supplies are enough to make 8 beanbags.
Cut two squares from the fabric. Place the outside of the two pieces of fabric facing each other so that you're sewing onto what will be the inside of the beanbag. Pin the sides to keep them from moving, and then begin to sew a straight line around the edge.
When you get to the fourth side, leave a 2-inch gap unsewn. Turn the beanbag right side out. Stick a funnel in the gap and fill about 80% of the way with beans. Then sew up the gap, and you're done. A set of 4 is a great gift, so you give 2 children a gift for $5.50 total!
Candy Fun
Even if you don't make candy, you can use plays on words and whimsical decorations to give gifts to people like co-workers or your mail carrier. Try this one out. Purchase a large whisk ($1) and a bag of chocolate kisses ($2). Put the kisses between the slots on the whisk. Use a red marker and write on a plain index card "we 'whisk' you a Merry Christmas!" Then add a bow, and you're done.
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