Holiday spending can put a strain on the wallet. It may be Valentine’s Day, a birthday or any other special day. If you are living on a fixed income, you cannot possibly give your children, spouse or special friend everything they want. But you can make it a special day by giving more of yourself, and your time. Think of thoughtful gifts that do not have to cost a lot in money but are truly given from the heart.
As an alternative to purchasing a gift, consider giving a gift of items that you already have and give gifts from your heart. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Consider giving a special piece of jewelry or glassware that a daughter or granddaughter admires.
- A start from a plant that a friend would like to have. Buy a pretty pot and give this new plant to your friend.
- Do you make jams and jellies or other canned items that friends and relatives would like? Make decorative jar toppers and give canned items as gifts.
- Old photos that relatives would like to have. Make copies and put into an album as a birthday gift.
Don’t think your have to break the bank a gift from the heart can be the most treasured gift to receive.
Author: Linnette Mizer Goard, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension.
References:
University of Minnesota Extension Service. (2004) Plan ahead for holiday spending. Retrieved August 11, 2005 from the World Wide Web: http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2004/holiday.html
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. (2004) Save on holiday spending. Retrieved August 11, 2005 from the World Wide Web: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columnym/ym286.html
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