Midlife’s A Trip

Gifts on the Cheap

Posted on 09. Dec, 2008 by Karen in Holidays

The holiday shopping season is upon us–and digging into our wallets.  But many wallets are staying shut.  I know my wallet isn’t open like years past when the warm feelings of holiday cheer often had me spending more than I should on Christmas presents.  I also know I’m in good company as many people figure out how to do Xmas on the cheap.  And when I use this word, I’m not talking about gifts that are shoddy or poor quality.  I’m talking about being frugal and creative in expressing affection through gift giving–especially during these difficult economic times.  It’s something we’ve needed to get back to for a while.

Last Christmas, my then 3 year old niece–the Peanut had her eyes and desires set on a car.  Not just any car but a car she could sit in, specifically the Power Wheels Pink Barbie Escalade.  Pretty cool huh?  Peanut thinks so.  The price tag is cool too–$349.99!!!  For a toy!  Meno Mom (frugal mother of Peanut) was swayed by Peanut’s pleading for a minute.  Then she came to her senses and said if anyone in their house was getting a car that you can sit in, it was going to be Meno Mom.  The Peanut did not get the pink Barbie car last year. 

It’s hard to make that decision not to buy the gift someone really wants.  But these days it’s time to go back, whenever possible, to that old adage “it’s the thought that counts”.  In a recent post on one of my favorite websites Women Bloom, there’s a great list of homemade gifts that inspire the creativity and respect the wallet.  Check it out for some meaningful gifts that you can make before the holidays.  I’m knitting a few gifts as we speak.  Of course, I do a lot of knitting and little finishing so we’ll see how close I can get to the finish line before Xmas.

Another way to be frugal in gift-giving–dare I mention the word.  Re-gifting.  How crass!  Well these days maybe not.  Maybe it’s the best way to send a gift you received but didn’t love or use along to someone who would really enjoy it.  What do you have that might be a wonderful re-gift target?

The whole point of the holidays, at least from my perspective is to make those you love happy while not breaking the already cracked piggy bank.  I’m always open to ideas.

If you were to give a gift that was meaningful and on the cheap, what would it be?

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Tags: bad economy and the holidays, cheap holiday gifts, christmas presents, homemade holiday gifts, knitting, Menomom, Peanut, xmas presents