Gifts for Giving

One of my favorite things in life is giving a gift to a friend or family member and watching the look on their face when they open it. As I am part of a one-income family, I am always on a tight budget, sometimes tighter than others. This has caused me to become very creative over the years; both in my choice of gift and in my choice of shopping venue.

There are two shopping venues that one may find a surprisingly pleasant outcome. My two top picks for great gift bargains are the Dollar store and the Second hand store. When I say the Dollar store, I truly mean those stores where everything is a dollar or less. You can find some great items at these places to either make a gift basket with or supplement a basket with, including the basket itself. Second hand stores, usually non-profits are the best, are a wonderful place to find collectibles and unique container ideas. All of the ideas in the next few paragraphs, with exception to gift cards, can be purchased at a dollar store or second hand store. Many of my favorite items to give are also my favorite items to get.

Candles: One of my favorite items to receive are candles and candle holders. I love jar candles in a nice warm vanilla scent. Vanilla is good because most people enjoy the scent and I very few people have allergic reactions to it. Candle holders are always classy and these can be picked up at the second hand store as well as the dollar store. In fact you may find more bang for your buck at the second hand store. Check for nicks and scratches before you purchase and then polish them well and fill with a new candle. If you want to get more creative, you can personalize the container. For example, if you have a friend who collects teacups, pick up a second hand antique cup. These are relatively inexpensive when purchased in singles. Polish the cup and saucer, hot glue them together, add little bit of silk flower or beads to the saucer, and place a new votive candle in the cup.

Girlie gift baskets: I can never have enough slippers. We have tile floors and I go through at least three pair a year. Who can resist warm fuzzy slippers? Buy plain ones in bulk when you find them, and use your glue gun to snazzy them up with sparkle and trim. Or just leave them plain, and put them in a gift basket with bubble bath, lotion, a back massager and a feather boa.

Movie Night: I love to get gift cards to the video store or passes to the movies. If you think this is too boring, put the card in a basket with popcorn, soda and candy. You can start your card at just five dollars.

Coffee: A bag of fresh ground gourmet coffee is always welcome at my house. You can buy the whole beans and make up a basket that includes an inexpensive grinder, or mugs and some special coffee flavors to try.

Gourmet Guru: For your foodie friends why not make up a basket of spices, sprinkles, new kitchen towels and gadgets. You can even include a new cookbook or a favorite family recipe.

Remember, giving is meant to be fun. If you stick to your budget, not only will it be less stressful, but also you will find the creativity you put into your gift will be well received

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