More Gift Saving Tips

Gifts can come in a lot of different packages and forms.  You don’t always have to buy things to make it a memorable gift.  Building memories and teaching our youth to save money is a more valuable gift…
Here’s a list of very simple ideas that you can give as gifts for little to no cost.

Create a tradition with your family.  It is never too late to do this.  Even if you are grown with a family of your own, or your children are grown and living outside the home, you can create a new tradition that will be remembered and hopefully carried on from that year on.  Do you usually buy your ornaments? Why not make them this year.  You can start adding one homemade ornament to your tree each year from each family member.

Do you usually go to the latest movie that is out in the theaters?  Why not share some of your favorite holiday movies (or even non-holiday movies) with your family.  Have everyone pick their favorite movie to watch and spend the day watching them.  There are a lot of ways to create a new tradition.
Do you know someone that could use an extra pair of hands or free time?  Then why not give that as a gift.  Do you know a single mom that doesn’t have time to shop for her children for Christmas?  Why not offer to baby-sit for her, so she can have a free afternoon to do her Christmas shopping.  Do you have an elderly neighbor?  Why not shovel his driveway when you get snow or take him some homemade vegetable soup when you make some.  You know you always have more than your family can eat.  Giving of yourself can be a more valuable gift than anything purchased in a store.
To save money, why not make each year a theme…give only movies, music or books.  This way you know everyone is getting a great gift and you aren’t overspending.
Go Green!  Sending out an email doesn’t sound festive, but you can make it festive.  There are a lot of things you can do…attach pictures of your family or send them an email letting everyone know what you and your family have been up to this past year and put a link to your website or blog that will show them pictures of you and your family.  No cards to buy, no stamps to buy…just an email full of love and Season’s Greetings

The holidays are for giving of yourself.   The gifts are great, but the memories you make are so much better.