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10 Creative Ways to Give from the
Heart, Not the Pocketbook
by Nancy Twigg
Meaningful gift giving doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of
the most precious gifts are the ones that cost very little, but mean a
great deal because of the time and effort the giver took in giving the
gift. Below you will find a list of gift ideas that are low-cost but
high value. Rather than a large chunk of change, these gift ideas
require you to invest your creativity and time with only a little of
your hard-earned cash.
Make a scrapbook of the history of your relationship with the recipient.
Fill it with pictures, mementos and memories from the past. Include your
own heartfelt note thanking the recipient for the value and warmth she
adds to your life.
Put your artistic abilities to work and create a piece of art in honor
of the recipient. Write a personalized song, do a painting or sketch, or
write a poem.
Use your computer to make a family cookbook with a variety of recipes
contributed by different family members. Or make a cookbook of all of
your own special recipes to share with the recipient.
If you have artistic flair, purchase blank note cards with envelopes.
Decorate the cards with your own drawings to make personalized note
cards for your loved one.
If you can knit or crochet, make the honoree a new scarf, hat, afghan or
pair of mittens. If you sew, create a new apron, fleece throw or
keepsake pillow.
Make an "I Love You because..." or "You’re Special because..." jar. On
individual slips of paper, write something you love and appreciate about
the honoree. Place the slips of paper in a decorative jar. You can also
make an "I Love You" book by writing each thought on a different page of
a blank journal.
Use a desktop publishing program or your calligraphy skills to create a
wall-hanging featuring a inspirational quote or Bible verse that is
particularly meaningful. If you are handy with a needle and embroidery
floss, do the same thing using your needlework skills. Display the
finished product in an inexpensive, yet attractive frame.
For the chocolate lover on your list, fill a gift basket with several
varieties of homemade chocolate cookies, candy, and brownies. If the
recipient loves sweets but is concerned about weight gain, use recipes
for goodies that are low in fat and calories.
Make a keepsake video containing something that would be special to the
recipient: her children singing songs, friends telling why they love
her, or you recounting funny stories of times you’ve shared together.
Do a week or month’s worth of cooking for the recipient. Fill her
freezer with homemade meals that she can easily heat and serve rather
than having to cook.
About the author
Excerpt from Nancy’s book, Celebrate Simply: Your Guide to Simpler, More
Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions. Just in time for holiday gift
giving! Use this special link to get free shipping:
http://www.celebratesimply.com
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