Hey, Sweet Things!
You know what I think would be such a blast? Let’s share ideas for gift giving! Reasonably priced. (Or the deal of the century???) Creative maybe. Or QUICK, definitely! Perhaps you could share your best “everybody/anybody” gift. In other words, have you stumbled on something this year (a CD, a book, a keepsake, etc.) that you’re giving lots of people on your list? Then, share the wealth! We could use some ideas around here. The thing I keep hearing from women is that they have a long list of loved ones and no earthly idea what to get them. I’m in that same boat with about a third of my list. Let’s get those creative juices flowing in Siestaville and help each other out over the next few weeks.
Let me give a little disclaimer as we get started. I’m not as up on all the Free Trade discussions and debates circling right now so I’ll need your mercy there and other Siestas might need it, too. Let’s trust each other’s hearts around here and assume that, if we suggest an item or a product that has a link to an unethical practice, we didn’t realize it. My thought this time around was just to give you an opportunity to share…
B.A.R.G.A.I.N.S!!!!!
Girl, I do LOVE me some bargains. If I had more time, I’d honestly wear the stores out for the ultimate sale but, as it is, I just have to happen on it when I can. When I score a great buy, I leave the store as giddy as a bandit.
I’ll get us started with a bargain and I could almost get too tickled to type because I got it for my own self. Sometimes when I’m Christmas shopping, I am at a total loss what to get that person I’m browsing for. I’ll happen on something and think to myself, “I wonder if _______________ would like that?” And I’ll ponder it and ponder it and turn it this way and turn it that way. Then, I’ll answer my own self with, “I have no idea whether she’d like it or not but I know who would! Me!” I know. It’s terrible. Superficial. Almost unforgivable. I only do it about every five or six gifts though.
My most recent bout was about ten days ago at Burlington Coat Factory (where I did actually find a few real, live gifts that I’m giving to someone beside me). I snagged a pair of these:
Price tag? (Drum roll please)
And I’ve already worn them, let’s see, about 6 times and I’m not exaggerating. Before they tear up, they’ll be out of style so I call that a DEAL, Girlfriend. I call that a deal!
Okay, Siestas, tell us what you’re finding out there. And for decent prices! Remember, we have every age group represented here so maybe it’s the ultimate children’s gift or something great for in-laws. Maybe it’s food like a snack of some kind you can put in a cute Christmas tin. If someone’s told you, “Hey, that’s a great idea!” then we want to know about it! Help some Siestas out!
You’re so much fun to do community with, you guys. I can’t wait to look at your ideas! This will be a really fun one I think.
I love you like a mad woman.
always love to shop in places like Walgreens or CVS’s because you can always find a bargain in there. Don’t like big box stores much. Target is my favorite place to shop if I’m looking for toys…might not be the cheapest but has the most without going to Toy’r Us. Old Navy always has great bargains about a week from now. They always seem to want to get rid of the clothing they got in for Christmas.Found a Pea Coat for my son 2 yrs. ago for $25. in there.
I’m such the sentimental person…
If you know me, you’d know I am not a huge retail
gift giving person, not clothes and shoes anyway…I like
darling keepsakes for people to always have:
Precious Moments -I find on eBay and send them
to my old pastors family every year since I’ve known them,
Snowglobes- I love making gifts with the kind you can find
and place photo inside; I put poetry inside, I love
them so much bc people can have it out all year.
Nichole Nordeman cd- yes specifically- people who may be
new Christians, or just need some encouraging music I
that is honest and calming I send them her cd.
Believe bracelets- well, there is also hope etc. but I love bracelets
that share some sort of meaning to encourage someone.
Bath and Body works- everyone loves smelly fun bath stuff, and sprays
I think there are always good ideas for someone I don’t know
very well or just need an extra gift for family member.
Jesus Calling- a new gift I give out, it’s the coolest devotional on earth
with a real story from the author, it’s perfect for anyone.
Scentsy- it might be a little pricey but it’s perfect for special people in your life
and they will appreciate it.
Marie Osmond dolls- again this is EBay item,
And you can find good deals on those dolls and
have a gift for all ages.
There ya go!
🙂
Ang
One cool thing I had to mention w/ Precious moments,
We had just finished the Daniel study one year
and I found “Daniel and the Lion”
Precious Moments. It’s why EBay rocks! 🙂
Beth, what a great idea….love those boots…I just got a great deal on a
Pair at T J Maxx…wish I could show you all.
I love flameless candles..great deals at Hobby Lobby or on line.
Merry CHRISTmas everyone!
When I run into a person on my list that I don’t have a clue what to get for Christmas I look to the Gracious Gifts option offered at my church. I can by a warm blanket for our local homeless or a fa animal for someone starving in a third world country or syringes for a medical missionary to do their work for a year. The list goes on and on from local missions to national to international. The prices range from $5-$1000 and everything in-between. Then I fill out a card to the person I’m shopping for letting them know I purchased clean water in Africa for them. I know our country is all about the gifts & I was just explaining to my son this week that giving gifts brings great joy to the giver just as much as the receiver. But when I look at how much my country has…even the poorest in my country have more than some of the richest in a third world country. And my gifts can be towards missions in my local community to international so I can feed and clothe the poor in my neighborhood or on the other side of the world all for the person I don’t know what else to give.
Christmas gifts that are made with love are wonderful! But if you have to buy someone something and that someone loves watches and is also a teacher and you need a bigger gift…they have iPod Nano shuffles and there are watch bands for them!! So, you can wear your iPod like a watch!! And this is why they are so great for teachers-you can plug in the earbuds for when you are sitting at your desk either at home or after school grading papers, you can have all of your latest pictures you want to show your friends, you have a timer for all of your activities!!, you have a stop watch for school activities (we do lots of timed writing and reading and group write arounds)! and you can workout with it! it has a pedometer! you can also have podcasts, audio books! Really this has been so much fun! I had to buy one for myself (my parents gave me my Christmas money early and they were thrilled that I got so excited over it) I then had to buy one for my sister who teaches. Now as for the price-they are pricey-I think 129. for Nano, but the watch band could range from 15. on up. But if you have to spend more on a person or want to give just one big gift for birthday and Christmas combined-this really is awesome. The watch faces have about 20 options! All of the songs you have on iTunes can be downloaded on this. Pictures on your computer also are synced with this!
Merry Christmas! Sue
Thanks so much for thinking of this! It’s so fun to read everyone else’s posts!
A few of my favorite gifts to give:
For kids: Seeds for Worship http://www.seedsmusicstore.com/ is a series of GREAT worship cd’s designed for kids to hide The Word in their hearts (but our entire family listens and enjoys). They’re not “kid sounding” though–real music, and powerful scripture! I can’t tell you how fun it is to hear my kiddos singing in the shower right from scripture! The cd’s are very reasonably priced AND when you buy one they give you another one to share with a friend (seed producing philosophy!).
Another favorite for family’s with kids: Dinner Games http://www.ftfgames.com/products/beginner-dinner-games.php Games for dinnertime you play as you eat dinner together. We have both sets and have LOVED them. Our neighbor kid BEGS to have dinner with us and play a dinner game. 🙂 They’re simple and fun and just help us enjoy each other more. They have a pre-k version and an elementary version. They’re sold in stores, too. GREAT fun!
Neighbor Gift: Every year, we give our neighbors/co-workers and anyone else we need a small gift for a seasonal cellophane bag with all the ingredients to make amazing microwave caramel corn. Contents of bag: 2 pkg of microwave popcorn,15 marshmallows, 1/2 c. brown sugar (in a snack size baggie). Tie it up with the recipe attached. When they prepare it they just add 2 sticks of butter. It is everyone’s favorite and they look forward to it all year long…and it’s not expensive to throw together! Here’s a link to the recipe. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1629,145161-225201,00.html
Merry Christmas!
LOOOOOVE those boots!!!
Hmmmm, let’s see. It’s December 9, so I guess I should start SHOPPING!
My two sweet daughters, my sister and I are going shopping together today.
That’s the best part of shopping, spending time with the ones I love.
As a parent, to those of you who teach little ones and help them make gifts for their parents…… my favorites are anything that have their sweet little handprints or pictures on them. My children are 22,24 and 26 years old and I so cherish those memories.
Ok…take an 8×10 simple frame…mine were from Big Lots/ $4 each. Open the frame, remove the back, and put in a really cute piece of scrapbook paper (solid color or very simple pattern) under the glass. Replace the back. Guess what? You’ve got a memo board! Include a dry erase marker hung on the side by cute ribbon…OR…I found some markers with the eraser built into the lid with a magnet. I hot glued a flat magnet to the top edge of the frame, and the marker stays put. Try and match their home decor. I actually made these for five of my teacher friends for their classroom desk or wall. My personal one will hang by my bathroom mirror with whatever memory verse I’m working on. Inexpensive and useful 🙂
This year I have decided to “create” some inspirational gifts with my stash of fabrics, scrapbook materials, a few new items from Hobby Lobby and I am creating some inspirational plaques, wall hangings, etc. with some cool ideas from Pinterest (great new site) and Etsy, all this is bargain gifting and straight from the heart and alot is inspired from the people receiving them, their personality is kept in mind. That is just me!!!!
I mostly create my gifts with Scripture and fabric thoughout the year. Inexpensive for me and encouraging for those who receive them.
I’d love to see what you make with scripture and fabric…can you share?
I love to give gifts that actually cost little or nothing but are beneficial and appreciated. For example, to my oldest daughter who works full-time and has 3 daughters and no time, my middle daughter and I are jointly giving her a whole house deep clean (excludes windows girls). To my youngest I am giving homemade soup and bread once a month for the year. To my grandchildren I am giving various activity certificates (like sewing lessons at a local craft store) to do with me. They all have enough stuff so I give of my time and talent.
Love it!
What great ideas! I just had to comment. 🙂 The gift of soup! I would so look forward to that EVERY month! 🙂
Love this! Great minds think alike! I gave my daughter a casserole dish one year with the promise to fill it for her once each month!
She loved it and sometimes would make requests as to what dish she wanted! It’s the gift that “keeps on giving” and it is a joy for the giver as well!
Caol
I have to say that Target has great sales on toys right now…my boys are really into Legos and Nerf guns and superhero dress-up (the little one is always donning a cape). I just finished up yesterday at Land’s End online, they have a great coupon code you can use listed on the website. It’s more generic gifts but I got a fleece coat, men’s slipper moccasins(sp?) and myself the cutest hot pink fuzzy slipper for…..$66 total (including tax and shipping)!!! Still giddy about that deal!
This year I am exchanging ‘family baskets’ with my Mom, brother, & sister’s families. Throughout the year I shop thrift stores and yard sales/Goodwill store and have been able to pick up specific items for each of them (my sister likes snowmen, my brother likes lighthouses, Mom, manger scenes); I purchased holiday-themed baskets at Michaels (currently 50% off) and I added some $1 items from Target & Michaels like notepads, lip balm sets, gloves; I’ll also include a box of home-made cut-out Anise Christmas cookies using a recipe that has been in my husband’s family for generations. It has been fun to watch the baskets come together for less than $20 each. Merry Christmas!
Oh this is fun!! Ok, my first idea is…for women…scarves. They are so in right now and can be worn in a number of different ways. My husband surprised me w/one last week…beautiful velvity swirls…I happened to be w/him (God is so good) and I know he only paid $11 for it!! I’ve had numerous compliments and wouldn’t be afraid to wrap it up and give it to anyone!!
Then, every Christmas I make 3 jelly roll pans of what would be equivalent to Heath Bar candy. I give them to people at work; my neighbors and friends & family on Christmas Eve!! It’s honestly, the drooling kind of stuff that no one can wait to sink their teeth into. I’ll share the recipe if anyone’s interested and it makes a ton.
Last, but certainly not least…find a Ministry Partner (Missionary) at your church who may know of a group (something like human traffic/sex trade) who sell gifts that have been made by the hands of those who have either been abused or other’s culturally close, that will benefit the “least of these”. Some beautiful hand bags; jewelry, SCARVES and more!! God is so much fun!!
Please do share the candy recipe. My email is [email protected]
thanks so much, Debbie
This year’s “get it for everyone gift” at our house is the cutest thing – a nice, fat, roundish mug that is wearing a cute cableknit “sweater” which buttons around the handle. A little box of hot chocolate mix is inside, and a tiny whisk tied to the handle with a bow. I found them for 7.99 euro, which is just about $12.
I purchased 6 UZI tactical pens this year for friends. It is a great writting instrument and you can also use it for self defense if necessary. I am quite sure that I am the only SIESTA purchasing this item for people on their gift list this year. I can assure you you any gun enthusiast would love one of these. Check it out on EBAY if you have that hard to buy for person on your list
I did something last year that was cheaper then buying gifts. I made gifts. I went onto a website to find recipes for food in a jar, like taco seasoning, and made up homemade recipe jars. It was not very expensive and it was actually better for you because there are no preservatives in the ingredients. I just googled “recipes in a jar” and found all kinds of stuff. Hope this helps someone! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Tricia 🙂
I love personalized gifts. Got my kids personalized iPhone cases and my mom a personalized recipe notebook at http://www.zazzle.com. Vista Print is great for personalized note pads, note cards, etc. If you sign up for e-mails, they send you free deals all the time. Just be wise and click through the special offers. I use vista for business and personal ALL the time!
One of my favorite things to give is a set of virtues reflection cards. They’re beautiful and inspiring. Last Christmas, our family each chose a virtue that we saw in one another and read those cards aloud. It will always be one of my favorite memories.
The cards describe qualities like patience, understanding, integrity etc. and contain practical tips on how to practice them. They’re available at http://www.virtuesshop.com
The DEAL is that they’re also available as an iPhone app. 100 reflection cards for 99 cents. The cool feature is that you can choose a card or you can shake your iPhone to ‘shuffle’ the deck and trust that the Lord will give you the one you need. They’re fun and great conversation starters.
Here’s the link for the iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/virtues-reflection-cards/id326312834?mt=8
Merry Christmas, Siestas!
I love Christmas ornaments. I give them to my children’s Sunday School teachers every year. If you have a 10,000 Villages store near you everything there is international and free trade (if you are a coffee person they have some great coffee). The proceeds from the store also go to Mennonite Central Committee which has different projects they support around the world. This year I found some really cute ornaments at TARGET for only a $1 or $2 each.
Hi everyone,
My funds are very limited this year and I will be very creative with gift giving this year. I have about 16 adults and 3 children that I will need to buy for. I will probably do “couple” gifts with some kitchen necessities. For the last couple of years, I have taken a page from Oprah and done “my favorite things.” Since I have gone to a more natural lifestyle, the things I purchase are along those lines so they are not necessarily something my family would pick up on there own. This year, I am thinking of making a salad dressing that I have started using for myself that I really love. And for the women on my list, I have been reading a book that is one that has the potential to be a life changer – “Second Calling” by Dale Hanson Bourke “Finding Passion and Purpose for the Rest of your life” Excellent! That’s my thoughts for now!
So I am an avid reader and something that I absolutely look forward to every month is my copy of HomeLife Magazine. I bought two subscriptions for my sisters and will be purchasing two more subscriptions for my sister in laws. I absolutely love their articles and that each issue shares a presentation of the gospel! That means the most to me especially knowing that my sisters read it and can see how accepting the gospel changes not only lives but families!
I have been making book page wreaths for the ladies on my list. I even made a sheet music wreath for my grandmother from old Christian sheet music that I used to play at church when I was a teenager. A bunch of Gaither songs were in the batch too. I hummed those songs for days after I made it! My grandmother sang in the church choir forever and I can’t wait to see her face when I give it to her! The other wreaths were made from old books–some where the pages had started to yellow. I just rolled them into cones, hot glued them and glued them onto a cardboard ring I had cut out of a pizza box. They are so interesting to look at!!
One of the things I am most excited about giving this year is the Jesus Storybook Bible. I know it’s been out a few years, but I just recently discovered it, and my little girls and I LOVE it. We’ve been reading it before bed each night. So I got one each for my niece and nephew who are both 3 years old. I think they were 9.60 on Amazon.
Great ideas here, everyone!
Hilary
This is by far the best children’s Bible Storybook I have ever read! Bought one for both of my grandchildren!
Last year, my husband and I decided we wanted to do a take on Oprah’s favorite things idea. (reality budget, of course) We filled a gift bag with our favorite things! Ideas were small size Bath & Body lotions, favorite DVD, a bag of Starbucks coffee (trial size), tea bags, Hawaiian candy kisses, gourmet popcorn, again, all small sized. These are just a few ideas. We had so much fun putting these bags together. We had to shop together and agree on the items and stay within budget! We made a big production of the gift and it was very well received. I recommend trying it!
Love simple things, like APRONS, go to Michaels Craft store, by fabric paint, decorate & write their name on it. Give to young & old. Match for families ie Dad/Son etc. NATURAL FOOD STORE, pick up a few treasures, like vitamins, tea, etc the staff is usually good at finding clever ideas & stuff in basket. Great for older folks. And my number one idea…………
RECIPE CARDS – In a Microsoft Word document, I created a recipe card. I typed in all my favorite recipes in LARGE FONT. Then I just print directly to the recipe card. Bought an inexpensive laminator at Wal Mart & laminated each card. Great gifts for young & old. Steal you mom’s favorite recipes and share the love with the family! Merry Christmas Everyone
Baking cookies has been a family tradition for generations. Every year I makes several different kinds of cookies and arrange them on an inexpensive charger or plate. I always hand pipe a few sugar cookies to look especially festive and put them on top. I give these as teacher gifts, and they have been so well received as they do not have the time to bake to that extent, but then they have a beautiful tray of cookies to put out for their family. I love to think that my family tradition which makes me feel so good, also brings joy to another family.
Another gift that I have loved to give is Captivating by Staci Eldridge-speaks to a womans soul; and this year I will be giving His Princess: Love letters from your King to all of my favorite girls/women in my life.
I like giving books. Last year I gave “The Hole in Our Gospel”. This year my book of choice is “Heaven Is For Real.”
For a book lover (child or adult), I’m obsessed with the Penguin cloth bound classics for adults and Puffin cloth bound classics for children. Anthropologie carries them, as well as the Penguin website, but the very best price I’ve found is on Amazon. They are beautiful and are wonderful because you can add to the collection each year.
Adult collection: http://www.amazon.com/Penguin-Classics-Clothbound/lm/RANPNESIBGQMP
Children’s collection: http://www.amazon.com/Peter-Puffin-Classics-J-M-Barrie/dp/0141329815/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323438361&sr=1-4
I found these on amazon.com yesterday:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0020BC5XW
I have a 4-year old daughter and a few close friends on our list with daughters the same age. Basically the gift is a dog in a little purse. There are all different kinds and are about $10-$13 each. It is the kind of thing my daughter and her friends would love so I ended up getting 4 of them!
I like to do gift baskets for my loved ones. You can buy an expensive basket and fill it with goodies, stuff with tissue paper, wrap in cellophane and add a bow. It makes a beautiful gift. Things to include in a basket might be a movie/book, a $5 fleece throw for snuggling while watching the movie or reading the book, a holiday coffee mug for their hot chocolate/coffe, a bag of Hershey Kisses and a box of microwave popcorn. Or you could make a fruit basket for a fruit lover or if they like flavored teas, you can buy a box of every flavor of the celestial blends and include a couple of mugs and a loaf of pumpkin bread. It really doesn’t matter what you put in them. Just think about what you would like to do with it if you were the recipient and include all those small items in the basket. I love them because they make beautiful baskets and they are fun to do as well and aren’t very time consuming.
I can never figure out what to get my parents. So, this year my boss told me about http://www.framethealphabet.com. You can create a picture that spells out a word (I spelled their last name) using letters that are found in nature (like an O is a tire and a T is a cross). It costs $135 BUT if you use promo code ETSY2011 you get a $60 discount!! I can’t wait for it to arrive!
An every woman gift is without a doubt the book The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer!!!
A friend gave me a great teacher’s gift idea – a gift card giving the choice among three traditional South African desserts (my country of origin) that the person can claim at their convenience.
With both of our jobs downsized the past 2 years, “less expensive” is the way we’re going. There are four things this year that are on top of my list:
1. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (someone else already mentioned this). I’m going on my 3rd year of reading through it – if you look around, you can get it for $5 each.
2. Homemade All Occasion Cards tied in a neat bundle. My daughters & I make cards all of the time. Making 5 to 10 cards for someone, tying them together is a GREAT gift. You can put the stamps on them also, if you want.
3. I get the family’s username & password for their Kindle shop and use Inspired Reads (on Facebook). They send several free books daily that I download for a member of the family that would like them.
4. Faithful Provisions (on Facebook) sends out deals all day long. You can get a magazine subscription and other things for free or REALLY cheap!
Hello beautiful women of the Lord! I am not a bargain shopper, but I snoop other people’s carts. This week at Hobby Lobby a woman had pretty little jars and said she was going to make sugar and salt scrubs with her daughter for teachers. Googling the words “Salt Scrubs” or “Sugar Scrubs” works.
No one can go wrong buying “So Long Insecurity” for anyone. I read it and bought it for every woman on my list telling them if they don’t want to live wrapped up in junk anymore here is their key to freedom.
My Bible study group gives gift bags to the current residents in our local womens’ shelter and I have been including the pamphlet, “The Promise of Security,” based on the Beth’s book re Insecurity. The message and content are succint and so applicable to their lives. Available from Amazon for 99 cents. Whenever I order something I add a pamphlet then I am ready for the holiday gifting.
neat gift particularly for the guys
survivalstraps.com
Such a cool site – they make bracelets, watch bands, key rings etc but they’re made out of military grade cord and their policy is if you ever have to unravel it for an emergency they will replace it. Interesting stories of how people have used them are posted on the site.
prices start around $14.00 – you can also get some collegiate ones with a college colors & logo. Or you can choose any combination of colors.
I especially like that they are big supporters of the military and you can even send a care package, through survival straps, to a person serving in the military.
My husband is getting the watch band because I haven’t found one yet that could survive him – also getting my son the bracelet in Auburn colors – War Eagle!
Cute boots, Beth!
I am giving Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts to LOTS of folks on my list. I hope they aren’t reading this! 🙂 I think it’s on sale for half off at Mardel right now!!! 🙂
Meant to say inexpensive basket. Sorry. One completed basket only costs about $20-25. Just depends on how much and what type of stuff you put in there.
Most of my friends are crafty types, so I like to browse the DIY section of Pintrest.com. There are always great ideas of things to make for them on the cheap. Plus I am the type who likes to pick up little things all year long when I see something and go, “oh, this person would love this” I get it and put it up. Also for anyone who has “nerds” (I use that term affectionately as I am one myself) on their list, check out mentalfloss.com/store.
I really try to avoid getting the same thing for each person if I can. A few years ago when Snuggies first were popular, my grandma bought one for everyone on her list. While it was mostly successful (I am covered up with mine right now), some of her friends thought it was a robe (though confused on why it didn’t close properly). So the year of the Snuggies has become a joke, but needless to say, everyone gets their own unique gift again.
in Muscle Shoals:
This year I’m giving Smart Screen Knit Gloves by Mud Pie. They have “smart screen” knit on the thumb and index finger for use with smart phones and other touch screen devices. “They are perfect for keeping hands warm while staying in touch.” You can order online for $15 a pair, but I got them at a local store for $11.99. Really cute colors. Four pair bought so far!
This year I’m giving my sister silhouette pictures of her kids that I’m making. It was a lot easier to do than I thought it would be, especially since, with digital cameras, I could just take pictures of the kids, print them, cut them out, and trace them onto black paper. Walmart had some beautiful frames (11×14 or 10×13 I think)for $5, I used black cardstock for the silhouettes, and scrapbook paper for the background. Hobby Lobby has tons of choices for the paper on their scrapbook isle and I caught it when the paper was 50% off!. I was able to make 3 pics for my sister for less than $20. And I have to say, they look great!
Hey Beth! Love the boots! Great deal!! WOW!! I love a great deal, too! I have a thing about giving gifts that are personalized, like photo books, photo videos, etc… But, I also like to give gifts that I have created and personalized. My new favorite website is Pinterest!!!! Oh my goodness! You have to check it out if you have not done it yet. It has everything from DIY crafts, home decor, recipes and MUCH more! My sister and I stumbled onto these adorable wreaths made out of red and lime green mesh and decorated with balls and bows. We have been making them for a couple of weeks and have given some as early Christmas gifts. They are so fun and everyone loves them!!
I hope everyone has a joyous Christmas!!
The best tradition we EVER started at our house was a day filled with Christmas baking. We end up making TONS of baked goods (which we love) and has been a great day to spend with the kiddos. Then we put everything in pretty packages and make Christmas goodie baskets for our neighbors, teachers, and family friends. You wouldn’t believe how much our teachers have appreciated this gift…takes the stress of Christmas baking off of them. And it ends up being pretty reasonable cost wise once we are done….but it is very time intensive and you have to love baking. But it’s also a nice way to not have tons of stuff laying around the house for the kids and us to consume too!
In Him,
Andrea
I found what I hope to be the perfect gift for those more mature (elderly) people on my list. The ones who have everything! The new book by Billy Graham, Nearing Home. As only Mr Graham could explain: (description) his personal experience of growing older but also teach us some important lessons on how to view our time here on Earth. He says that the Bible makes it clear that God has a specific reason for keeping us here.
I found it at Amazon for $10 (it’s now $11.98) which is a real bargain compared to the street price of $19.98.
Oh how I wish I could post some pictures!
Go to http://www.orientaltrading.com
They have everything from craft supplies to teacher goodies! For instance, for the incredilbe price of $3.69 I took care of a dozen people on my list with beautiful white ceramic cross ornaments. For $12 you can get a cross with nails and the story of the holly wreath – another dozen! Incredible. The adorable ornaments also make great additions to the tops of packages in place of traditional tags.
I found these great thermal porcelain cups at Family Christian Store with scripture on them like Matt 19:26 and Phil 4:13. They have a silicone lid for on the go but what I like best is that I can reheat my coffee(yes-I bought myself one, too!) and they’re only $5! I’m going to fill them with chocolate nut clusters that I make every year.
First order of business…you CRACKED me up when you mentioned you had worn your deal-of-a-boots 6 times, Siesta Momma. I have a hard time spending money on myself, but when I do, it’s a deal of some sort and then I further justify the purchase by diving the amount spent by the number of times it was used until I KNOW I have gotten my value’s worth. Ha…oddity, I know. 🙂
Compassion International has Gifts of Compassion: http://www.compassion.com/catalog.htm Gifts starting at $5 (a Bible)on up through $325 (developing Godly men program)…and MANY items and prices in between can be purchased in the name of a loved one. AWESOME cause! Great for those who have everything…
Etsy is always a fun way to gift as well. Lots of handmade items can be found, many very reasonably priced and unique. HUGE variety!
Pinterest is a black hole, admittedly, but a great source for ideas. Baked goods and simple craft ideas are my weakness there. It’s my opinion that nothing shares the true meaning of this sweet season like handmaking items for those you love. Simple & imperfect is always lovely. “Producing” gifts in batches also seems to cut down on cost.
Love this group! Such fun ideas, I’ve already jotted down some great ones! Praying we all take the time to b-r-e-a-t-h-e and to ENJOY this time of year and its REAL meaning, rather than getting bogged down with the outside stresses, as the world would have us do. Have a wonderful weekend, Siestas!
I love giving books…my favorite this year is One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. In her book, Ann encourages us to count the gifts God sprinkles throughout our days…so find an inexpensive journal and a cute pen to wrap with the book. 🙂
I also think the most inexpensive little “something” is a perfect gift when you put words of encouragement with it…a note pointing out how that person has blessed me or what I love about her… adding a caribou/starbucks gift card that says “only to be used if I’m with you” is also a way to make sure we connect eye to eye 😉
I hope this christmas is really a special one beth moore!! You are a gift to us all!!
Our church is participating in Advent Conspiracy and the emphasis this year is on giving the gift of presence.
Some suggestions have been a special coffee for Dad with a note saying it is reserved for drinking when the two of you get together; a family gift pack including a board game and some lap throws; a jar full of scraps of colored papers each with a memory written on; a photo album or scrapbook created especially for the recipient.
I make several Christian gift giving items and sell them on etsy! I hope it’s ok to share here with my Siestas!
I make chalkboard/magnetic trays that say:
“I am proud of you because…” and you can write love messages to your children or spouse – or display report cards or awards.
I have others that say – “Pray for…”, “I love you because…”, and “I am Blessed because…”.
I also make and sell decorative prayer boxes and also
notepads for prayers and personal Bible study.
I have enjoyed reading all of the other posts – I now have some great ideas!!!
Here is my link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/giveit2god