frugal on my own

**perSue** · 11-10-2008, 06:42 PM

i want to say i adore the ideas i get from here and the creative inspiration i get as well.
but sometimes i really feel like i'm in a world all my own here.
with the holidays coming up, i think of "what a neat idea to make for so&so"... and then I think about the person to whom I'd like to give the gift and it falls short.

it's not that family/friends are not frugal - it's like they're not as appreciative as "I" would be if someone made me a simple gift in a jar or a framed collection of old ticket stubs of events/places we've been.

i know i'm simple and require very little out of life from others. but it saddens me that i've got all these really neat ideas and no one to share them with.

and that's what's on my mind today.
i'll go back to looking for things to buy for most ppl this season - as usual.

**RaineyDaye** · 11-10-2008, 06:47 PM

That's how I feel, too. I feel like the things I have made in the past were not really appreciated by the recipient, although other people admired them. And this year, I feel bad about not spending as much per person as I have in previous years, especially when I compare what I will be giving my grandchildren with what their other grandparents will probably be giving them.

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-10-2008, 07:11 PM

Your not alone. MY mom is the only one who appreciates the simple things. Simple life is an amazing beautiful journey that everyone else is missing out on because they are too busy to slow down and see that all this modern life crap is clouding our minds.

I'm sorry I don't know you in real life because you must be an awesome person too care so much about making others happy with their gifts. As far as I am concerned you are the best gift anyone could get.

**Starlight9803** · 11-10-2008, 08:38 PM

You are not the only one. Some of our family is really grateful for my homemade presents, but there are a few that, while they don't openly shun them, you know are throwing it out the second you leave, and that does sting a bit. But, I just know that I'm doing the best I can, putting lots of thought and effort into their gift, and if that isn't good enough for someone, then that is THEIR problem.

**AmyBoz** · 11-10-2008, 08:40 PM

I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Just remember, the best gifts come from the heart, whether they realize it or not.

**LynnLC** · 11-10-2008, 09:12 PM

I would so much rather receive a homemade gift from the heart than anything from a store. A relative of mine knitted me a beautiful sweater a few Xmas' back. I about cried when she presented it to me. All the hours of work and love that went in to that... you can't buy that at any store.

**perSue** · 11-10-2008, 09:25 PM

thanks

and i agree... i think more often than not homemade things are more personal (obviously) and tend to be of higher quality.

Sure, my making a scarf costs a little more in material and definitely time than to go to some store and buy one. Is it in the colour I want? Probly. Does it have a neat design to it? Maybe.
What about the one I make? Definitely - on both accounts! (And if I don't like it, it's my fault! lol )

But I digress... there's simply a matter of understanding what goes into a personalized gift... and it seems lots of people just don't "get it"...

I live a simple life. I ask for very little - just my basic needs taken care of - but rarely more than that.
(talk about hard to buy for - i am!... even for ME!) lol

thanks for sharing everyone.

**frugalbabe** · 11-11-2008, 12:54 AM

When I make something for someone I think about them the entire time I am working, the good times, the bad, the inside jokes etc not too sound corny but there is something magical that gets infused with those thoughts into the finished piece I am sure of it. I say make your gifts anyway. Sometimes the act of creating is what it gives to you the creator.

**Jskell911** · 11-11-2008, 06:19 AM

Trust me, you are not alone! My family (except my mom) think I am a little weird with all of my handmade stuff. We live in a very material world these days, and if people want something they buy it, they don't make it!

But, I will continue to give the way that I do. (After all, I have caught each and every recipient actually using what I have made for them, even if they cannot understand why I would chose to go homemade!)

**joyofsix** · 11-11-2008, 06:58 AM

I have tried very hard in the past to come up with cool, handmade things. They were not particularly appreciated. I have resorted to gift cards which people seem to like better. I guess for some it's not the thought that counts.

**Patty A** · 11-11-2008, 07:35 AM

I couldn't agree more! I think you have be one who creates to be able to appreciate what goes in to a homemade gift. The homemade gifts I have received from my kids and husband are priceless! But I think the reason is because I know how much time and effort goes in to a project. Some people are never happy, no matter what they get it doesn't make a difference. I will never understand how a homemade gift can be out done, it comes form the heart with lots of time, effort, work, and thinking of the person it is being made for. Maybe its part of being frugal, that makes us see the real thought and love behind a homemade gift, but to me they are truly priceless!

For those of you that have given a gift that goes unappreciate, its time to stop worrying. Do yourself a favor and go buy them a gift card! They are not worth your time and effort to be made one of your PRICELESS gifts as they don't know the true value that comes from giving from the HEART!!

I still have all the little gifts my kids have given me over the years, and there is no amount of money that could ever buy one of them. Homemade gifts come with love, and no price can be put on that.

**rainbowgc** · 11-11-2008, 10:26 AM

People should get what they get with gratitude that the person thought about them enough to do or get something for them. Do what you want and stop feeling crappy for what others think - it is their stinking thinking that is making yours.

**MomK** · 11-11-2008, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by perSue

i want to say i adore the ideas i get from here and the creative inspiration i get as well.
but sometimes i really feel like i'm in a world all my own here.
with the holidays coming up, i think of "what a neat idea to make for so&so"... and then I think about the person to whom I'd like to give the gift and it falls short.

it's not that family/friends are not frugal - it's like they're not as appreciative as "I" would be if someone made me a simple gift in a jar or a framed collection of old ticket stubs of events/places we've been.

i know i'm simple and require very little out of life from others. but it saddens me that i've got all these really neat ideas and no one to share them with.

and that's what's on my mind today.
i'll go back to looking for things to buy for most ppl this season - as usual.

You may be surprised at how well your gifts would be received! Good luck! It's good to know there are people out there who think frugally like I do. You're not alone!