Cheap Christmas Gifts at the Last Minute!

OMG – Santa’s Coming! Are you Ready with Last Minute Inexpensive Gift Ideas?

It is not too late to come up with some frugal Christmas gifts. Sure, you’ve only got $75 left in your checking account until payday, and you still haven’t bought anything for Aunt Midge or that office coworker who surprised you with a gift last night. But it isn’t too late!

Regifting is the New Cool!

Regifting is totally fine, but you just have to be careful about it. If Aunt Midge knitted you a sweater last year, it had better not show up as a gift anywhere she is likely to be. You certainly do not want to break the spirit of the season by hurting somebody’s feelings.

But it is absolutely ok for you to look through your closet or pantry for stored picture frames, bottles of wine, coffee mugs, etc., and to pass them on. Use judgement, make sure they are not open and unused, and wrap them nicely. But beyond that, you are actually passing on something you do not use to somebody who might.

Make Your Own Gift Baskets

It is really very easy to make some very nice gift baskets that will make attractive and appreciated gifts. You simply need a container, like a basket or nice platter (check your Dollar Store). Then come up with a theme, load it, and finish it off with plastic wrap and a bow. You can even find colored plastic wrap in the grocery store which makes a nice touch.

Some Themes for Gift Baskets you can Make!

• Coffee Break - A tin of tea or small bag of coffee, a mug, and a tin of fancy cookies. If your gift recipient does not like coffee or tea, you can find packages of hot cocoa and hot apple cider mix.
• Movie Night – A couple of packs of microwave popcorn, a liter of soda, a couple of aandy bars, and a small (like $5) gift card to a movie rental place. This could be packaged in a plastic bowl (for the popcorn).
• Spa – A bath oil set, pumice stone, and a nice washcloth can be purchased at the grocery or a discount store for less than $10. If its for a guy, give them an inexpensive manicure set and some “not-feminine”  hand lotion.
• Wine – A bottle of wine, 2 wine glasses, and some fancy crackers would to the trick.
• Young Children – Coloring books, crayons, and a bottle of bubbles should keep them happy.
• Teens – teens are tough, but the bath set idea should work for girls. I have had teen boys appreciate some masculine grooming items that do not cost a lot.  The coffee break idea, but with hot chocolate or hot apple cider mix will also work for a teen or older child. It is fun for them to have their own mug and treats.
• For Men – Put together a battery box. Find some packs of different size batteries. This gift will probably be welcome this time of year, but is always useful.

Anyway, I’m sure you can think of a lot more ideas if you put your mind to it. You’d be surprised what you can come up with at the supermarket or dollar store when the pressure’s on.

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