Dec 06 2008
GIFT GIVING WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT
Although my children and step-children are adults, my husband and I still ask them to put together a Christmas wish list. The children have vastly different personalities that range from “I don’t know what I want,” to “anything dragons and Twilight books,” to “I want a laptop (in a specific color) and collector trucks,” to “You and Dad should put aside your differences and all of you chip in to buy me a voice amplification system.”
My husband and I have never hid our monetary situation from our children, so I find it interesting that some of our children have no clue about how to ask for presents in times where money is tight. We have set about a $20.00 - $25.00 spending amount on each of the children. It is difficult, however, to find presents for that price. If you are trying to shop on a tight budget, here are a few suggestions.
*Paper back books
*Magazine subscription
*Movies
*CDs of favorite groups or musicians
*A themed basket (If you put it together, it is much cheaper than the pre-packaged ones they sell in many stores. Creating your own also allows you to choose things you know the people like.)
-A collection of coffees & cookies
-A variety of popcorns for the microwave and & movie
-A bucket and car washing supplies
-Kitchen tools / pans and a brownie mix
*Experience gifts
-movie tickets
-live community theater tickets
-concert tickets
-sporting event tickets
There are a wealth of ideas for under $25.00 that will allow you to stay within your budget.
