Christmas gift ideas for the working poor....

**hollyhill** · 12-17-2006, 03:38 PM

One of the recent threads has me thinking.....
My children have two coaches (one from bulgaria and one from eastern Canada) both have left their families behind in order to work here....they don't make alot of money. They are so important to my children's lives and I want to give them a useful gift. Not something that adds clutter but will make their lives a little "easier" for having recieved the gift. But I feel stumped beause I can't afford much more.
I also feel this way about the children's male music teachers..... (not the female ones because they all have husbands and their teaching is just a lucrative part-time job....so they get christmas baking which they always appreciate....because it is time they lack.....or flowers because they are romantic)......
These are important people in our lives and they should be significantly acknowledged.......any ideas? I am desperate.

**PrairieRose** · 12-17-2006, 04:07 PM

My best suggestion would be either a gift of food or a gift card for groceries or gas or public transportation. This would acknowledge how important they are to your family and save them money to send home to their own families, etc... . You might also let your girls make handmade cards for them, including their own words on how much they appreciate them.

**SewCrafty** · 12-17-2006, 06:17 PM

I like Lisa's suggestions and would like to add that maybe invite them over for dinner during the holiday season. I bet they are missing thier family's a lot and it would probably warm thier hearts to be included in a family type setting. Maybe ask them to go caroling with you and the children then back to your home for cookies and hot chocolate/cider? I think not being alone during this time of year would mean a bunch to them.

**staceyy** · 12-17-2006, 07:35 PM

Something handmade where your love and appreciation comes through.

**celina** · 12-18-2006, 08:37 AM

i know we won a muffin basket..and we had breakfasts for over a week..it came with 2 jars of jam and some butter...we froze them and took 2 out every night....it was a wonderful gift and one your kids could help make...

**AmyMCGS** · 12-18-2006, 11:36 AM

Are they able to call home? If so, what about a phone card to help them feel closer to family?

**Michelle** · 12-18-2006, 01:55 PM

I like all of the above ideas, and maybe a useful gift along with something just nice (and not for a "need") would be really appreciated. For example: a phone card and dinner at your house or a phone card and some baked goodies.

It's very sweet of you to think of them

**hollyhill** · 12-18-2006, 02:02 PM

Thanks for the GREAT ideas! They are all wonderful and just what I was looking forward toooo....I didn't want to give them mugs and christmas ornaments.
I am going to make the muffin basket/with homemade Jam and add some coffee and a long distance calling card for one of them.
And a vancouver touque, lexan water bottle and a calling card for the other.

One is leaving Weds and DRIVING! UGH! All the way to Ontario.

The other Coach? Well I am going to see what she is doing for Christmas....heh whats one more I am already having 17 people over!!!! Actually that might overwhelm and scare her away LOL. Hey it scares me.