Inexpensive Xmas gift ideas ...

**ironmaiden** · 11-10-2006, 10:12 AM

Here are some ideas for kids:

- Cassette tape of stories : have grandparents, aunts, uncles etc. read stories onto a cassette tape. Not only will you have an hour long tape of stories for car rides, but it's the special people in their lives reading these stories. Especially people who live far away, are deployed or who may not be with us in a few years.

- Hammer, wood, nails : You'd be surprised at how much kids enjoy whacking nails into a board. Could do a birdhouse kit. Buy a hammer smaller than adult size. We've actually started giving these to DS's friends for birthdays.

- Fleece blankets : Lap sized throws made out of fleece. You can fringe the edges, they don't unravel. Or make it super warm by doing two layers and tying the fringes from layer 1 to layer 2.

- Crochet/Knit kit : A crochet hook/knitting needles and variegated yarn.

- Teach a kid : Teach a kid crocheting, knitting, woodworking, a craft, ice skating. They will always remember who taught them.

- Spend a day with a child : Especially if that child has lots of siblings, a special day alone is a treat. Whether that day is spent baking, taking a nature walk, doing crafts, going to the zoo etc., it's about one on one attention and listening.

- Babysitting: DH and I have plenty of stuff, but no time. We tell our siblings that babysitting is the best gift for us.

- Hair scrunchies : make by crocheting (ribbon) around a regular hair elastic.

- Craft baskets : craft supplies for kids. They love everything. You might even have the stuff already to add.

- Scrapbooking : Teach a child to scrapbook. Make memories of your shared life.

**ironmaiden** · 11-10-2006, 10:16 AM

- Pillowcases : Make pillowcases. My kids love their cozy (flannel) pillowcase from THEIR auntie. Could do character prints.

**miss_thrifty** · 11-10-2006, 10:43 AM

and your own version of gift certificates. eg. free movie nite and popcorn( for home); free game nite his/her choice; get out of trouble free card lol

**Katybird** · 11-10-2006, 01:10 PM

Great ideas ladies! Thanks for sharing them with us.

**yankeegal** · 11-10-2006, 02:47 PM

great ideas...I always did "certificates" at Christmas..my kids especially loved the "get out of jail free" ones, and the "stay up 1 hr or 2 hr later than usual" ones. Didn't cost anything except my imagination in thinking up creative ones, and the patience to "redeem" them.

**monkeywrangler71** · 11-10-2006, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by miss_thrifty

and your own version of gift certificates. eg. free movie nite and popcorn( for home); free game nite his/her choice; get out of trouble free card lol

I gave my daughter free room cleaning certificates last year (I would clean her room 3 times at her convenience). I've never seen her so excited about a gift.