It’s that gift-giving time of year, and I am listing below 10 ideas for gift giving. Actually, since I do everything to excess, it’s expanded to 12. Some could be good for people who have everything; others may be good even if you’re short on cash.
All are things I’d like to receive and maybe they’ll prompt an idea or two.
1. Share a binder of favorite family recipes.
This could take a long time to do, but a simple folder with photocopied pages would be a great start.
My neighbor Pat and I make a vow to do this every year because our children ask for our recipes and none of them are in any one place. Neither of us has done it yet. What a cherished gift!
One year I gave my tennis friends a packet of four of my favorite recipes from that year, tied with a bow. They loved it and it cost virtually nothing.
2. Write a note to someone telling what he or she means to you. This could be for a member of your family or a friend. It would be especially heartfelt if you’ve severed ties lately ... a gift that could reap great rewards.
3. Because I own an iPod, I know what a treat it is to receive an iTunes Gift card. If your recipient doesn’t have an iPod, there are great CDs around. I bought a Dolly Parton/ Kenny Rogers Christmas one at Kroger’s for $5 and there were many others to choose from. The Country for Christmas CD (available locally) includes my favorite, “Mary Did you Know” by Rodney Carrington. This CD only has six songs, but it’s only $4.49.
4. Make cupcakes from scratch using a cake mix. You can “cheat” and buy the icing in a “can.” I have a friend who whips canned icing with a mixer to get air in it and adds a touch of flavoring (vanilla, almond, etc). Simple but thoughtful.
5. Give a book or magazine subscription on someone’s favorite subject. I LOVE perusing the shelves at Barnes and Nobles and they often have coupons online. Other online sources offer used books with ridiculously low prices, although a minimum shipping charge of $3.95 is required.
6. If buying for a collector, consider a gift certificate to eBay. eBay sells virtually EVERYTHING and your recipient could hold out for something they’ve really wanted.
7. Also appreciated are calendars with a different picture for every month of the year. Copy Express on Maple advertises them starting $14.99, but if you’re computer savvy, Snapfish, Shutterfly and other online services offer them.
8. Dining-out gift cards are always a hit and can be purchased at most grocery stores.
9. A sports fan might enjoy a Jimi waterproof sports wallet (Amazon.com).
10. And while you’re there, look for family games.
My family’s favorite is Catch Phrase, but the game Likewise will be my next purchase. I’m going to try to find it locally.
11. If you’re computer savvy, offer computer lessons to a beginner. You’ll be their immediate BFF (best friend forever).
12. Give a kit that teaches how to crochet or knit (available at craft stores for $19.99). Even better, give a gift certificate to The Knaughty Knitter on Walnut Street and lessons are included with your purchase.
Send me YOUR great ideas to jbragg@murfreesboropost.com. It’s probably too late to include them this year, but we’ll have a great article to start on for next year.
‘Til next week. |
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