Free Gift Guide

This holiday season will prove to be a thin one for those folks that have been affected by the sour economy and job losses. I understand what it is like to be poor, but that doesn't have to be the deciding factor when it comes to giving gifts this Christmas. I will do my best to give sound advice and gift giving ideas that aren't too expensive. One thing to remember this holiday season and all others, the season is here for us to be thankful for the gifts of love and friendship that get us through the year, and as we are heading into the darkest part of the year, remember the warmth and togetherness is the reason for the season.

1. Go outside in your garden and take cuttings from your favorite plants. Those cuttings can be rooted and made into a whole new plant to give as a gift. You can also harvest the seeds that these plants give forth and put them in a decorative envelope and give as gifts. Think about the money you are saving and also the money the recipient is saving by not having to go to a home improvement store or nursery.

2. Give cookies that you bake instead of a store bought gift. I'm sure there is a cookie or fudge recipe that you have perfected, and this is the best time to showcase it. You could reuse a cute container to display your confection creations in and tie a nice ribbon on it.

3. If you have a ton of dishes that you never use, you could recycle them and give them to someone just starting out on their own. Maybe you have a niece or nephew or cousin that is just moving out of their parent's house and they have nothing and no money. Don't you think that they would be tickled pink to save some money and have something to eat off of? I think they would.

4. Stop by your local Social Service Department and ask if they have any need for gifts this year. Instead of getting big things for the family, tell them that you are donating toys to a needy family. Some may balk at your decision, but that is not the point of you donating things, now is it?

5. If you have little kids to buy for, then head to the dollar store. The dollar store is the best place to go if you want to get a lot of stuff and don't have a lot of money. Think about making your own gift basket. Instead of buying those that are already assembled, make your own. That way you are in control of what it looks like and what it contains. You could make this gift for a child or an adult. It could be school supplies, bath products, cooking gadgets, or even craft supplies. The possibilities are endless.

6. Give your time. If you have members of the family that are home bound or in a nursing home, please go spend time with them. They don't want to be there any more than you want to go, but it will make them feel better to feel that connection with you.

I hope that this holiday season is the best one that you have ever experienced, and that the struggle of not having enough money does not stop you from enjoying family and friends, and doing what should come natural, and that is loving. Love is the best thing out there, and it is free. I hope you have someone to share that love with, and if you don't, then share it with yourself and enjoy being you.