Frugal and thoughtful gift-giving
Posted by: TammyA recent case of tendonitis in my right thumb and wrist has put a crimp in my ability to earn a paycheck this fall. Besides being the owner and publisher of Frugal-Families, I am also a dental hygienist. I have managed a few hours and we set that money aside for Christmas shopping.
Having this VERY set budget has really made me think of what we’re giving for gifts this year. I’ve always preferred homemade and thoughtful presents over just giving presents for the sake of giving presents (if that makes sense) but I seem even more motivated this year. In addition, I have been reading some books on The Great Depression. “Use it up, wear it out, make it last or do without” was the creed lived by many a household during that difficult time. I loved reading about women who would unravel sweaters that were past their prime and reused the yarn to knit mittens or winter socks that they gave as presents. One woman recalled her present one year. It was a doll’s dress cut from some old piece of clothing and her mom gave her a needle and thread to go with the cut pieces. Over the next weeks, her mother taught her how to hand-sew the pieces together so her doll would have a new dress. Having to piece the dress herself helped stretch out “the fun” of the gift. Anyways, the presents were practical, very thoughtful and made from what they had. It wasn’t about how much was spent (they didn’t have cash to spend) or how many things were given. Those stories really got me thinking.
I knew that my youngest son wanted a big boy quilt, like his brothers. I had made twin-sized quilts several years ago for them, but my youngest was still getting plenty of use out of smaller quilts I had. I decided to “make do” and started going through my fabric stash. I chose a pattern that is a “quilt-as-you-go” strip design that lets me utilize 6″ wide strips of fabric and batting which meant I could use “scrap” batting from other quilts I’ve done over the years. Within 2 hours I had pulled together my materials and over the next few days I sewed together his quilt. There was a certain joy and thrill that I found in making do with what I had in my fabric stash and creating this beautiful gift for my son!
Another family member is really tight for money this year as well. I asked if I could make practical gifts for everyone and she said that would be great! I know this family member is in school, working almost full-time and raising 3 kids. I’ve decided to make freezer cookies for her. I’ll make rolls of cookie dough, wrap them in plastic wrap and then store them in a ziploc bag (I’ll have to give her a box out freezer on Christmas, won’t she be curious!). I know she’ll love taking the dough out of the freezer and making homemade cookies with her kids after a long day of work! A practical gift that will also give her the gift of time with her children!
Granted, not everyone appreciates thoughtful and homemade presents (yep, everyone has someone like that on their list) but at least you can stretch your budget this way.