Holiday Financials pt 3 - Gifts

Are you the type of person who loves to give? Maybe you feel more obligated to give because others give to you, or maybe you feel you have to buy a gift for every single family member?!

Let me tell you from the "been there, done that," perspective...that gets expensive - QUICK! Whether your priorities change, your family grows, or any number of life altering events...buying for everyone is not only expensive, but unnecessary. You stretch your budget or max out credit cards, and for what? Why on Earth would you want to be still paying for this years Christmas gifts in July of next year? Most of us get what we want or need, when we want/need it. So, why not purchase gifts for your family only and give gifts to others that are made from your heart?

Homemade gifts were the way of life many years ago, and only in the past 30 years or so has gift giving become so commercial. So, instead of blowing your budget and credit clear out of the water...MAKE SOMETHING!

Making homemade cookies and candies are always a great treat. These gifts are great for extended family, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, postal carriers, and paper carriers. Make a beautiful plate of cookies and/or candies.

Homemade facial or foot scrubs are simple and easy but a wonderful gift to receive. Most are made of epsom salts(about $1 a bag at Wal-Mart), or sugars. These can be scented with essential oils, fresh herbs, citrus peels, or a simple mix of sugars.

Gifts in a jar were real popular a few years back. Whether it's soup mixes or cookie mixes, these are still an amazing gift.

There are so many options for simple, inexpensive gifts and ideas online. Pinterst is the newest form of "all things creative!" For those of us able to create, just not creative enough to think of everything...this has been a great tool!

Always remember that giving a gift from your heart will always mean more!

~Salli~