by Janeal Mulaney

Created on: November 06, 2010   Last Updated: November 07, 2010

Christmas 2010

Christmas money is tight, gifts too expensive, your job doesn’t pay enough for the gifts your children want, or grandchildren need. So you’re ready to pull your hair out and hide under the bed. What will you do to make your dollars stretch so you can buy for everyone and still have nice gifts for each member of your family?

First, worry about the children in your family, one nice toy, instead of a lot of cheap toys will be more appreciated by the parents as well as the children who hate to throw away their toys. If you don’t plan to give them toys, but plan on clothes or something different buy or make one set of clothes for the children if you can sew, or knit you can make anything. You can put together shirts, dresses, scarves, hats, or even bedroom slippers; these are just a few ideas. If you are into tie dying buy some white t-shirts, or pillowcases and give them something different and unique. If you are still unsure, what to do, start a piggy bank for each child, and put your spare change in each bank at the end of the day. In this way you may find they like the idea of saving money, and will add to it as they grow.

Second, if you're creative make a blue jean purse or backpack and dress it up with beads or jewels for the older girls, for other older children, and adults in your family, knit or crochet a blanket or cozy for people who love to sit and read or for those children who are working long hours doing homework in their bedrooms or the living room. You can always buy pillowcases and needlepoint their names on the edge individualizing the pillowcases for each person. You could choose to buy tablecloths, coffee table and end table covers. Let your mind go wild and be creative.

Third, look for items you may never have bought before. Do the people you buy for like books, hats, small knick knacks. Do they collect something special? Many of these items won’t break your bank account, and they will consider these items very special.

Board games and puzzles are a nice gift for the entire family. You might find the family you are buying for has a favorite movie or classic Christmas movie that the whole family loves to watch on television each year, look for it at the stores, buy the DVD so they don’t have to change their schedule for one particular night to watch the movie.

Another idea might be artwork for their walls if they are into original paintings or unique art to put on their walls. You may find they have a favorite local artist, and artists are always looking to sell their work, many at a lower price, during this time of year.

Whichever way you decide to spend your money, have a great Christmas season and enjoy your family time together. That is what makes a fantastic Christmas, remember gifts are an added pleasure; the best gift you can give and get is the gift of love and time spent with your family.   

Learn more about this author, Janeal Mulaney.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.