The gifts of Christmas

Consider making handmade gifts
I am not talking popsicle stick picture frames. There are so many different things and ideas online. To begin go HERE. Just so you know I am NOT crafty. I come up with good ideas but my hands are broken I swear. I can barely glue or cut a circle right...HA!! I have found a few things I am going to this year which is HUGE for me so all that to say if I can do it. ANYBODY can. A family calendar with pictures of the year is a cool gift and great keepsake too.

Consider Baking or cooking as a Gift
Who does not like to eat?? Come on. But to a family who is going through a stressful time or an elderly couple, making a meal or taking over some baked goodies is a great gift. If you love to bake or cook use that as a gift.

Consider doing a family gift
Like getting a family zoo membership or a membership to the aquarium or amusement park. Why not pull all the money together and buy one gift that everyone can enjoy throughout 2010. You can enjoy family time as well as make memories.

Consider a Class or Hobby Gift
Does someone like to rock climb or maybe you have a future gymnast in the family. Give the gift of a class to learn a new hobby or skill. This is one I am very excited about because I am thinking of signing up my daughter for a little gymnastics class. She gets a lot of the hand me down toys from my older child and my kids are so blessed with stuff from others and being the only grand kids that my hubby and I were thinking of something she would enjoy and something that does not clutter up the living room.

Consider a Gift Card
You can't go wrong with a gift card. There are some great incentives for buying gift cards during the holiday season. Like at Kroger, when you buy $100 worth of gift cards (they have a great variety of gift cards) you get $10 off your groceries. Also restaurants give incentives when you buy a certain amount of gift cards you get $5-10 back. My family buys gift cards during this time to use throughout the year and pair it with the incentives and you get more money to use. If you know you will be spending money at a certain store or restaurant it is good to buy ahead if you are able.