Gift-giving On A Budget

The holidays are looming once again, and money may be tight. This is often a cause for concern for many people, but it need not be so. There are many ways to take care of those on gift lists, and do so well, without having to break the bank.

Homemade gifts are back in vogue again. With the 'shabby chic' movement, more and more people are turning to things that they can upcycle-the new trendy name for recycling-into something new and interesting. If it works for home decorating, it can work for gift giving, also.

Don't be afraid to scour the local thrift stores and charity shops for finds. This does not mean that a second hand gift is going to be given. Many a time wonderful craft items can be found in these outlets, such as leftover yarn, pieces of fabric, or embroidery kits that have been started but not finished. Patience and diligence may be needed in order to obtain what is truly desired, but pots of paint, art supplies like brushes and canvases, and craft items such as rubber stamps can all be found in second-hand shops.

Resale stores are also good for finding discarded items that can be turned into something else. A cheap glass vase and some paint can create a wonderfully unique candle holder. An old window-panes still intact-can be turned into a piece of wall art by painting scenes on the glass. If the panes are missing, the frame can be decorated with silk flowers, which can also be found second-hand, and hung as a vintage focal point. Even old pots and pans, or shoes and handbags, can be filled with potting soil, and used as planters for bulbs that can later be set outdoors. The only limit is how far the imagination can stretch to see how something can be repurposed.

Needlework fans can find second-hand items invaluable for providing them with materials to make something from nothing. Hand-knitted sweaters can be frogged (pulled down) and the good parts of the yarn turned into something completely different. Woolen items can be reworked and felted. Acrylic items can be turned into toys, bags, and other smaller items, as well as being parts of a larger item such as a patchwork afghan.

Those who are clever in the kitchen might think about making edible gifts, but these can be expensive if care is not taken. Making a homemade treat might cost more than the store-bought item, so work with what is available, rather than creating a specific shopping list. Many times the simplest gift, such as herb vinegar, or a loaf of artisan bread, makes more of an impact than something needing many extra ingredients. Popular choices from the kitchen are not necessarily costly ones, just ones that people don't want to take the time to make themselves from scratch. Jams, jellies, and pickles-particularly if the ingredients are homegrown-can be both exquisite, and inexpensive. Look for interesting jars at rummage sales and resale shops to help offset the cost of purchasing new ones.

Don't forget that non-tangible gifts can also be greatly appreciated. Coupons for services, such as cleaning, babysitting, gardening, or other work can be printed from the computer on a gift certificate template, or made with scrapbooking supplies. Those who have a trade, such as a hairdresser, a manicurist, a massage therapist, or other skills have a ready-made gift to offer; the gift voucher is all that is needed to complete it. Skills and time are very valuable commodities in this day and age, and should not be sold short when it comes to how their worth is perceived.

Above all, don't get stressed by thinking that a gift has to be given in order to feel appreciated. It doesn't. Remember that this is the time of year when the gift of oneself is the most valuable. Spend time with those who make life meaningful. Hug them, and let them know they are appreciated. Often that is the greatest gift someone can ever receive.