Budget-friendly gift giving ideas!

 

Think outside the box – literally the gift box – when considering budget-friendly gift giving. Stay within your budget by creatively rethinking what makes a good “gift.” Give gifts that cost less from your wallet but instead leave lasting holiday memories. Consider gifts of time, love, and labor this holiday season to avoid over-spending.

Get creative ~

Homemade gifts are a great way to express love and care. Consider your skills and the supplies you already have on-hand. There are tons of ideas online for simple, low-cost handmade gifts.

Family treasures ~

Pass along family treasures, as gifts, during the holidays. Example: If a niece has always admired Great-grandma’s crystal candy dish, then wrap it and include a handwritten note detailing the family history of the piece.

Serve others, together ~

Celebrate the holidays together with acts of service in your community in lieu of gifts. Many service agencies could use your help during the holidays. Remember safety for yourself and others first! Wear face coverings, gloves, and maintain distancing during acts of service.

Gifts of time or labor ~

Instead of purchasing a gift, wash a car, deliver a homemade meal, help with outdoor decorations (don’t forget to help remove them!), or an offer to walk the dog during cold weather. This type of gift is especially helpful to seniors, single parents, or those experiencing physical challenges. Focus on outdoor work that can help someone yet remain safe during this time of Covid-19.

Movie memories ~

Does a friend remember watching a special holiday movie with a lost loved one? Pop the popcorn, grab the box of tissues, and hold a holiday movie night instead of exchanging gifts. This can be done across the miles with the help of cell phones, zoom, skype, or other tools. Select the movie, grab the snacks, and share time together despite being in two different places! Create a movie quiz or a “who said it” worksheet to share before the event!

Give the gift of reading ~

Share a favorite holiday story or book together! Does a family member have a favorite holiday book from childhood? Schedule a zoom meeting to read the book together!

Dramatize it, complete with costumes and props from your closets as you share poems, children’s stories, or tell a tall tale of your own with family and friends. Each family unit can choose a selection and with the help of technology, can perform their piece to an audience of loved ones from different locations at the same time!

Those old photos ~

Organize old photos into stacks, tie with ribbon and distribute to family members. Names and dates are a bonus, if known! Select a few photos to have made into a collage at a local pharmacy or discount store. Include a letter explaining the significance of those photos.

Safety First!

Take precautions to be safe with face coverings, hand washing, and social distancing.

The holidays focus on family, friends, hope, and memories. Get creative with your holiday gift-giving this year to stay within your holiday budget. Share memories and make new ones!

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Posted: November 4, 2020


Category: 4-H & Youth, Home Management, Money Matters, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: 4-H, Acts Of Service, Budget, Budget-friendly, Gift Giving, Hamilton County, Holiday Spending, Holidays, Life Skills, Money, Spend Less


Comments:

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Beth Kerr

November 11, 2020

Glad you like the suggestions! Have a wonderful holiday!

Mary Elaine Vickers
November 11, 2020

Great ideas! I am printing this off and saving it. Thanks!

Joseph Hopkins
October 31, 2020

Hello Ghicks, This is a very Good story the student are planted two trees it's very good work for our nature. Thank you for share this article.

Beth Kerr
August 10, 2020

Thank you, Tracy! There are many great simple and inexpensive cleaning ideas that can save us money at the stores!

Tracy Fedor
August 7, 2020

Beth Kerr is a awesome advocate for the best things in life are simple and good. Thank you .

Yvonne Florian
June 24, 2020

I recently had to remove a Red Rat Snake from my home. I had the doors and windows open and 13 newly hatched chicks peeping in the dining room. I think she smelled the chicks, came in under the screen door and got lost under my bed, where she spent the night. I found her in my bathroom next day and was able to catch and release her back out in the yard, after a photo of course. Mom the snake catcher. She was over four feet long!

Lor
June 23, 2020

Thanks! Just came across a six-foot snake in my backyard. I didn't stop to identify it, but this will be helpful if we ever cross paths again.

Tracy
May 24, 2020

Well said Thank you for the great information.

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