Creative Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas gifts don't have to leave you in debt

from daveramsey.com on 10 Oct 2009

Did Christmas sneak up on you this year? Have you just realized that you should have been saving for Christmas gifts year round? Did you simply forget to budget for Christmas gifts this year?

If you're feeling torn because you want to stay out of debt while still giving your loved ones gifts they'll like, don't worry. We've got some fantastic creative Christmas gift ideas for you:

Compile a themed gift box. For example, if you know a family who enjoys watching movies together, give them a movie or two (or a rental gift card), bags of popcorn, favorite candy bars or a homemade dessert and some little things related to the movie. It will be something they can enjoy together and maybe even invite you to join!
Frame artwork and memories. If you have youngsters in your family, frame some of their artwork for the adults. The kids will be excited about seeing their creations on display, and the adults will enjoy the keepsake for years to come.
Host a dinner party. Give your guests the party recipes in a festive booklet. You could also do a white-elephant gift exchange with a price limit per gift. You can't go wrong with food and time to visit and enjoy each other's company.
Offer to run errands for an elderly relative, neighbor or friend. This will mean more than you know, especially for the elderly. Better yet, ask them if you can pick up any Christmas gifts on their behalf. They would love to have someone brave the busy mall for them.
Give free babysitting. Know a couple or a single parent who could use an extra hand with the kids during the holidays? Offer to keep the kids one evening and let the parents get some shopping done or have a date night.
Bake some tasty treats. If you know someone who's expecting a lot of company or is feeling overwhelmed, offer to help out by baking a few things. This will save the person time and will allow them to focus on other things to get ready for company. Homemade food is always a hit!
Visit a shut-in, hospital patient or nursing home resident. Many times these individuals are overlooked during the holiday rush. Bake some cookies, frame some pictures, or write some notes to give when you drop by for a visit with some of your family or friends.
Help a local school teacher with a special Christmas event for their class. Teachers are overwhelmed this time of year and having an extra adult around to help out would ease some of the stress for them.
Give to a charity. If the adults in your family can agree, choose a charity to which your entire family will give money and/or time. You'll be touching the lives of people who are truly in need while spending time with your loved ones at the same time. It's a win-win situation!

Creative Christmas gifts don't have to leave you looking like a cheapskate. Remember, it's the thought and effort that really count. Think of your skills and how you can use them to create gifts others will enjoy. Take a little extra time to think about your family and friends and give them something that will inspire and enrich their lives for years to come.

Don't let Christmas sneak up on you this year! Start planning now with Dave's free budget forms.

Like the movie theme - have a dinner theme. Get an inexpensive basket, fill it with pasta, sauce, cheese, bread, etc. and have an Italian theme dinner basket. Great family/couple gift. Joyce in GA

Make a personalized calendar with pictures and family dates. Help tear-down a busy mom's Christmas decorations and clean after the holidays. Sarah in Cincinnati

Ask family members to send you their favorite recipes and compile a family recipe book for each family member. It's a great gift and will make sure your family recipes are preserved for future generations. My family's was printed and binded so that new pages may be added. Whitney in MS

The year my grandfather passed away I dealth with my grief by composing a poem about his life. When Christmas came I was going through a divorce and had practically no money. I made copies of the poem for each family member and framed them in very inexpensive frames. These turned out to be the most treasured Christmas gifts ever! Retha in MO

Nearly everyone has a videocamera and editing software is cheap or even free to download. Offer to put together clips of a special event such as a wedding, birthday, or family gathering and put it on a DVD. In addition, you can do the same with picts. organize them and actually PRINT off the CD or download of your phone and put together a neat themed photo album. You might also record a video or read a book and send the audio to a grandchild or grandparent. You will be preserving some family history by having the audio on CD or your computer if the loved one passes away. J in KS

We made yule logs last year. We kept several extras on hand for unexpected gifts. We took a nice log from our wood pile, cleaned it a bit, wrapped red ribbon around the middle, hot glued some berries and fresh greens and a bow. We printed out the history of the yule log on nice paper and attached it. About $1 each. Everyone loved them. A nice hostess gift as well. I think I found the idea online. Also, we made several wreaths from the bottom branches we cut off our Christmas tree. Bo in MI

This Christmas I have decided to do scrapbooks for gift giving to family members. Many dollar stores have nice scrapbooking items for cheap and you can always make some, too. You can either use photos you have or just build the scrapbook pages and leave room for the receiver to fill in the photos! Be creative! Phyllis in OH

We have a small online photography business. This year we plan on giving copies of our prints, matted and framed to some family members who have admired our work in the past. We already have the prints and mats on hand from a bulk purchase we made for the business earlier in the year. Just assemble, wrap and give! Chris and Tina in OR

My cousin and his wife will celebrate their second Christmas as a married couple this year. Last year, I took a picture of them and this year I'm framing it and giving it to them as a present. Angie in AL

For that "half bathroom" get a candle, soap, and spray in a basket with a nice bow, and you have something everyone needs to keep the bathroom nice and fresh. You can also add hand towels/napkins as well. Kristina in TX

Take pictures of your kids and make up a story that goes with the pictures. Put your story and your pictures together in an inexpensive photo album. This is lots of fun to do with your family and a great unique gift. Sarah in OH

My mother worked in HBA at Wal-mart for years. Personal care items are expensive, so she and I decided to gift each other (and our hubbies) with the things we're going to need anyway. We list the brand names of everything we use: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, etc. then trade lists. I'll buy all the stuff on her list, and she'll buy the stuff on mine. We wrap all these goodies up and everyone oohs and ahhs over cotton balls and chap stick! No wasted money, no useless presents! We're both simply spending the same money we would have spent anyway, but now we have Christmas presents. Of course, each person does get *something* they really want as well, but it works great. And it makes for LOTS of present to open on Christmas morning! Thanks for all your great ideas and advice! Toni in GA

Stamps for elderly, childcare coupons for young couples, think practical houehold budget savers. I would rather have my favorite coffee than a tin of popcorn I wont eat. Jennifer in MO

Our family decided this year that since we have all teenagers, that instead of giving each other the $20 gift cards that we would give a shoe box gift. This idea was inspired by the Operation Christmas child shoe box gift from our church. Every person would put whatever they wanted in a shoe box, weather it was new, used(didn't want it anymore), or thrift store, etc... we would then place a number on them under the tree and everyone would draw a number. I can't wait till Christmas morning! Julie in MO

Glass marble magnets! Easy and can be personalized. Purchase small clear flat glass marbles, they are found at Wal-Mart in the craft section near the floral supplies or at any craft store. Purchase strong flat magnets, clear silicone glue, and super glue. Print photos in "index" or "collage" format so they are small, or use designs and images from magazines, junk mail, etc. Use the marble to check the size of the picture. Use the silicone to glue the marble over the image. Let dry for close to 24 hours and then cut out the marble/image. Use super glue to glue magnet to the back of the marble/image. Use empty altoid tins or candy tins to present the gift. I am making a set for almost everyone on my list this year! Susan in PA

Get a group of friends (Sunday School Class, Club, etc.) together. Each person bakes one kind of cookie making enough so every friend can receive 1 dozen. So if there are 6 friends participating each person bakes 6 dozen of their cookie. Then get together and exchange cookies. Each person then has 1 dozen of each variety of cookie to share with their families or to use in gift baskets. Vicki in KY

Give a gift certificate for a meal of the month. Make a homemade meal once a month for your parents, single mother or anyone else. Shawn in SD

My college aged daugther has offered to organize my photos (2 boxes) and put into photo albums, which will be a big job. She is good at organizing, and will get this done much quicker than me. This will be a great Christmas present. Cindy in TX

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One year being money challenged, I got a photo album, and took pictures from my own teen year album, and made a album for my Mother, many of the pictures she had forgotten about, she showed it to all her friends. Then on her 90th Birthday I did a scrapbook, complete with extra sheet protectors, and had children, grandchildren, and friends send her a letter about the memories they had shared with her over the years. Mother loved giving and sharing with many so this was a great gift for all to share with her. If God can take you to it, then God can take you through it.
Dianne C. December 15 2009 8:44 AM

I like to give practical gifts, especially given the economy of late. For the senior citizens on my gift list, such as neighbors and our senior volunteers at work, I get a gift card to one of our local grocery stores. This way they choose the food they like and foods listed by their doctor/dietician.
Cheryl Schreiman December 09 2009 7:43 PM

If you're mechanically inclined and know someone who needs some car work, offer your services to repair their car.
Dave F December 09 2009 7:23 PM

I Bought daves book money make over loved it. Made it through baby step 3 im on my way! thanks
Terry Williams December 09 2009 2:48 PM

We packed Operation Christmas Child boxes for our family this year. We packed two boxes per family. We still wanted to send them something so I'm making my "famous" English toffee to accompany the Operation Christmas Child bookmarks to remind them to pray for the children that get their boxes.
Lori Smith December 09 2009 2:42 PM

If I win anything i will give it to someone who needs it more than I do. Your ministry is great because it helps others. Thank You Chris
chris evans December 09 2009 1:51 PM

Years ago my grandmother and I were in a dollar store and found a cheap version of a glass etching tool. I've used them over the years to engrave names on candle holders, stemware, etc. This year I'm using them on picture frames for some family and friends. I'm buying an inexpensive frame that already has the mat inside, got a bit of fabric from the craft store (although you could just use extra fabric around the house, a piece from al old set of curtains, sheets, window coverings, etc. - or even a favorite photo of the recipent) and am engraving things that have to do with the reciever. For example, my grandmother's will say 'warmth,' 'kindness,' 'laughter,' etc. We're also giving my husband's grandparents a frame with thr names of all their children/grandchildren on it. Another idea? Homemade candles. Candle holders can cost mere pennies and you can get the wax, wicks and scents for really cheap at a craft store. What a great way go add a special touch (and save some money) by creating something we normally pay more for around the holidays anyways. Also - as most of my gifts are already purchased and/or done, I wrap them up and then wrap gifts other people have purchased. It's a great way to help out that single parent or busy/overloaded couple. I make the adults present more elegant by adding inexpensive picks and sprays I get on sale and the kids I add ribbon to in order to give a more festive look. However, even just wrapping them with no decorations is a time saver for many parents and a welcome gift - it means they don't have to stay up all night Chrigmas Eve to get it done or try to fit it in with the rest of their busy activities!
Ashley December 09 2009 1:40 PM

Last year I put together a recipe book of my mother's recipes we all love. I'd emailed my siblings' and asked them what their favorite recipes were. Then I went online and got a membership at smilebox.com. There I uploaded photos when we were all small along with a little story that went along with the recipe. I printed out the photos and used a small scrapbook to put the photos in. Everyone raved about the cookbooks. It was fun to make!!
Penne December 09 2009 1:00 PM

I knit and crochet so I buy yarn on sale during the year and make dish cloths and hot pads and give them away for Christmas, birthday and shower gifts. This year I even made some aprons with fabric that was on sale.
Jody December 09 2009 11:38 AM

I always make candy for everyone and add an ornament that I buy on sale the year before. I've gotten great ornaments for $1 by waiting until a week after Christmas to buy. Everyone loves the candy and they have a new ornament to add to their collection.
Julane Crabtree December 09 2009 11:21 AM

When our kids had mastered the art of writing their name, around the age of four, we had them write their name on nice paper, and framed it inexpensively for their grandparents.
sarah December 09 2009 11:20 AM

One year I did a "Found Items" Christmas. Over the course of the year, I collected freebies from work, convention swag, re-gifted items, etc. A knit cap with the logo of my nephew's favorite band? Much better than anything I could have bought for him at Target!
Susan Houston December 09 2009 10:57 AM

We're having a handmade Christmas. I've just come off of med. leave with no job prospects, so handmade it is. Luckily I do make jewelry, so the fems in the family/friends are getting jewelry. I'm painting a new painting for the hubs, sewing blankets by hand for our son (our son is the only one getting bought presents this year), and printing out greeting cards from a photograph of last year's winter painting I painted. If not an artsy person, then there are options. Shooting a shot of the kids really pretty artwork and printing it to frame and/or use as the greeting card this year works beautifully. Going to the Dollar Tree type stores will help you find inexpensive little crafts the kiddos can make to give as gifts as well as all sorts of cute little ornaments that could be used as gifts and they have inexpensive Christmas cards there. There are ways to do this. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Mignon December 09 2009 10:49 AM

I search the salvation army and goodwill stores as well as yard sales all year long and purchase "treasures" for pennies on the dollar, a unique coffee mug for example makes a great teacher gift filled with homemade chocolate coverred pretzels. Photo frames, that can be painted or cleaned up make a cheap way to gift those great photos of the kids and family. One year my local salvation army had a skid of Southern Living at home pie plates (retail at $24.99 each) and I purchased 15 of them for $1.99 each (no shipping or handling fees). Found a farmer willing to give me apples that were past prime for selling, but still good for baking, and had my kids help make pie crust from scratch and cut and core apples for 15 pies. We assembled them in the pie dishes, and froze them unbaked. On Christmas Eve we were able to gift our neighbors and friends with home made - yet they baked it on their own fresh apple pies and got to keep the great Southern Living at Home Pie plate as part of the gift!
Michelle December 09 2009 10:48 AM

I am out of work, and as a single mom, it's difficult. Thankfully I do have a SMALL savings to pull us through this time. Thinking out Christmas gifts, I realized that I have a ton of stamps & cardstock from an overzealous summer "adventure" two years ago. I thought, at first, I could craigslist the stuff and get money for gifts, Then I had another idea - I made a shoebox full of cards for different occasions - for my pastors, for my adults children, and smaller boxes for the neighbors and teachers at my daughter's high school. It only cost me my time, and of course are greatly appreciated! The cost of cards these days is incredibly high, so I'm giving gifts of love AND saving them money!
Mady December 09 2009 10:07 AM

Along the idea of the basket. Give a smore basket. Families with fire places and kids would love it. You could add the marshmellow fork and still keep it reasonable.
Krista, MO December 09 2009 9:31 AM

I gave my grandmother an IOU for home cooked meals throughout the year. When I fixed a casserole or stew, I'd freeze a portion for her, and then deliver several at a time. (She lived about 50 miles away.) She loved it. It was a nice change from the convenience foods she ate most of the time.
Lois in AZ December 09 2009 9:15 AM

A couple of years ago when our family decided to give at least one "homemade" gift (and I'm not a "crafty/creative" person), I came up with an idea to give them something that I do everynight - home cooked meals. I started about mid October, when I would cooked dinner for my husband and me, by making extra of what we were having for dinner and freeze it to give as my "homemade" Christmas present to my son's and daughter's family. I made and froze ahead; beef stew, chili, lasagna, chicken noodle soup, potato and ham soup, red beans and rice, spaghetti sauce (I included store bought noodles and garlic bread for a complete spaghetti dinner) and mexican conqueso dip, complete with tortilla chips - all meals that were family favorites of my son and daughter growing up. All meals were frozen in either nice reusable containers or bakeware dishes. I presented them in a reusable tub, which I did not fill until ready to give. A week of mom's homecooked prepared meals has become their favorite - most expected present, especially for my daugher who welcomes not having to figure out what to fix for dinner for her husband and two children after a hectic full-time work week. Honestly, when I came up with this idea, I never thought it would be such a hit!! Now my daughter is giving the same gift this year to her single father-in-law.
Julee December 09 2009 8:51 AM

For the ladies I make homemade bodyscrub and bath salts. It's really simple... I use 1/2 c. sunflower oil, 1 cup of sugar and some essential oils for the scrub and epson salt and essential oil for the salts. Guys normally get food!
Jennifer December 09 2009 8:33 AM

We grow our own garden and can. That is always used for Christmas gifts. Salsa, pears, jam, chili sauce. Nothing's better than homemade. We always make up boxes of the canned and baked goods. It is so appreciated every yr. I buy the jars, and the cookie tins at yard sales, resale shops through out the year. Love the movie themed baskets too! Blessings to all this joyous season.
Cindy December 09 2009 3:47 AM