My budget is tight. Got any ideas for inexpensive gifts?

My budget is tight. Got any ideas for inexpensive gifts?

by Lisa Conway

It’s true: the most meaningful gifts don’t come from a store. A friend recalled a difficult period in her life a few years ago, when she was presented with a “gratitude jar.” Each day, she wrote down one thing she was thankful for. Sometimes, it was as simple as being able to go for a walk, or as big as the birth of a grandchild. On days she struggled, she would open the jar and take out the slips of paper she had placed inside. Opening one after another, she would be reminded of the good in her life — and the difficult day would invariably turn around.

Gifts like the one just described are not store bought. They often involve more thought and creativity than dollars. You probably know from experience that such gifts are particularly cherished. Read on for a few creative gift-giving ideas!

• Gather a bouquet: If you have a flower garden or access to nature, create a colorful bouquet. Find an interesting container in your garage or closet or simply tie it up with some ribbon.
• Bake your heart out: There are many inexpensive mixes for cookies and breads. Turn on a holiday movie and spend an afternoon baking. Gift them in decorative Dollar Store tins or boxes.
• Set a date: Commit to a date or activity with your loved one. Whether it is a weekly Sunday bike ride, spaghetti dinner at your place, or a plan to attend an upcoming play, the anticipation of a good time is always a fabulous gift.
• Gather recipes: For a tasty gift that lasts year after year, compile your own “cookbook” of best recipes to share with family and friends.
• Photo gifts: From your computer, create mini albums from Walgreens.com for under $10, make customized bookmarks for .50 each, or put cherished photos on playing cards, pillows, mugs and more. Photos truly capture a moment in time.
• Offer your time: Create a coupon that offers a break for a specified block of time. This valuable gift lets people take a little breather for themselves.

I’ll leave you with a line from Dr. Seuss’s Grinch: “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas–perhaps–means a little bit more.” Want to try a simple arts and crafts project? Join us at One Senior Place in Viera on December 13 and let’s make some holiday magic. To reserve your spot in the free class, call 321-751-6771.    

Lisa Conway is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Care Manager for Senior Partner Care Services, Viera. Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.