Inexpensive Gift Ideas

Flowers from the garden in a vase.  Vases can be purchased at second hand stores and cleaned, or start saving vases you may receive for gifts and just reuse them.

Fresh bread wrapped in a decorative cloth or bow with a jar of jam.  The cloth is not necessary; you could wrap the bread in plastic wrap and include a bow, or jar of jam.

Cookie mix jar.  Place the dry ingredients of your favorite recipe in a clear jar.  Tie the full recipe to the jar with a bow or tape.

Picture frame or picture box.  Purchase an inexpensive frame and give it with a family picture.  If you are good with wood, make a picture box.  You can choose the size and place dried flowers or memorabilia in the box.  Price glass to fit, or purchase an inexpensive frame the size of the picture box and insert the glass.

Candle with a poem or card, tied with a bow.

Write a personal experience.  For a family gift, give a written a life experience.  For example, when a child was born, or how the parents met.

Have an extended family un birthday party.  Have pot luck food and games.  Make a deal that this will take the place of personal gifts throughout the year for cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Recipe box.  Write some of your favorite recipes on index cards and place in a recipe box, or tie with a bow.  You could even deliver it with one of the recipes prepared and ready to eat.

Child’s homemade book.  Make up a story that a child would enjoy.  You can do this on construction paper.  Make cut out objects that the child can move, or open to see a picture.  Use old magazines or color books.  Be creative!  Young children will enjoy what you make.  They may also want to make their own.

Candy jar.  In a clear jar place various candies and tie with a bow.  Include a poem or card.

Be creative!  Use things that you already have to compliment or create gifts. 

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