Fun Little Gestures that don't break the bank!

Christmas can be a tough time of year for everyone. Some times making your list of people your going to give gifts to can be tough. You never want to offend anyone but where do you draw the line?

There are very creative ways that you can give the gesture without diggin  deep into those pockets. We have come up with some fun, inexpensive ways to show your thoughtful! With a little time invested and some creativity the possibilities are endless.

Photos

With all of the cool free software available you can take a simple photo and add effects that make it original. You can add text, frames, change the color and your biggest cost would be a picture frame. With dollar stores on every corner these days you can pick up a simple frame for $1.00. Check out some of these websites for ideas.

http://picasa.google.com/
http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pixelbasedwin/tp/freephotoedw.htm


We love the black and whites. Like this one I made for my husband...

Home-made Chocolates, Candies and Cookies!!

What is Christmas without sweet treats? I am a sucker for sweets over the holidays and I love making them. Candy and chocolate molds are super easy to come by. Places like JYSK, the Dollarstore and Superstore are great for cheap molds. There are tonnes of websites and books available for pattern ideas, creative  shapes and ways to make your treats fun. Making homemade treats are a fun way to bond with children, friends, and family. 

Then you can make the wrapping festive by using a basket, colored cellophane, or a paper bag dressed up with Christmas drawings or fun felts.

Home-made Treasure Box

These can be fun to make and can be personalized to your friends tastes or likes. The two I like the most are:

Wooden pre-made boxes from the dollarstore. They are simple and easy to paint, glue and decorate with stones etc. They can be found for under 5 dollars and can be made to your specifications.

Old books converted into treasure chests by gluing the pages together and using and exacto-knife to cut out the center. Adding a clasp or clip to hold it shut are inexpensive and can be made to look antique. Such a beautiful idea!

Sauces and Dips


I love to create my own sauces and dips at home. What better way to show your love than through the stomach. Making your own creation is fun and easy. Then you can get awesome little jars shaped to your liking and fill them with your secret sauce. The cool part is you can label them with stickers, homemade labels, or just wrap them with Christmas ribbons.



Anyway you look at it there are a million ideas that can show you care and your thinking of your friends during the holidays.

I've added some websites to the Christmas Links if your stuck or just looking for ideas.

Cheers to you and I hope you have a beautiful Christmas!!