Practical Christmas Gifts in a Dying Economy

Christmas is approaching and we are feeling the need to help others, exchange gifts and have good cheer and good fun. But what about the family members or friends who are losing their homes, their jobs and the way of life they have known for so long? What do you give someone to help their future without hurting your own? Simple. You provide practical gifts.

It's time to cut back to a simpler life, but for many they have never had to live without luxuries and all that technology provides. Following is a few gifts that are practical and needed for those who must now make their own simple life, repairs and fun. Have fun and help someone to adjust to the frugal and fun side of life.

1. Fist is knowledge of how to live a simpler life. This can be provided through books and magazines. It doesn't cost for electricity and can be browsed through, read by candle light or read for one topic needed to help out. There are so many to choose from you won't have a problem matching to the person you love. A few of the magazines to offer in way of subscription, purchase or a collection of back issues are Mother Earth News, Backwoods Home, Countryside, Hobby Farm, Simple Living, Mary Jane's Farm and many others providing simple living for entertainment and survival.

2. Clothing is next. No more latest styles. We are talking the basic's of life. New tee shirts, sweaters, neck scarves and gloves, socks and so many others. If you have sizes you can purchase jeans and other clothing needed or shoes for the coming season. It's ok for everything to be pretty as well as practical. You just need to choose wisely for what will be the most useful on a day to day basis. Choose for need, warmth and durability when making a choice.

3. Every home needs simple and basic tools. Even if you live in a tent you need to have tools. Choose from basic home repair to car repair kits. Flashlights, hammers, screwdrivers of various kinds, tacks, duct tape in many colors and information on repairs. This is an easy one and very practical for anyone moving to a fixer home or even living in their car.

4. We must keep our friends and family from going hungry so provide a gift bag, basket or box of foods for fun. You can provide a basket with makings for pasta. It doesn't cost much to put together, but you are giving them a few meals they won't have to worry about. How about a Dutch oven, cast iron cook wear for outdoors or small barbeque set? Prepare a bag of ready to eat items such as good albacore and crackers, cheeses, spam, cookies, jerky or soups you can just add hot water too. It may not be much to you, but to someone starting over it helps to save on a budget they are still trying to get used to and brings a little food of love into their lives. Never, ever forget the chocolate if women are involved! You will make a friend forever if you provide good chocolate.

5. Now for entertainment. Board games suited for the whole family or a group of friends is perfect entertainment. Games of cards such as the stand by Old Maid and others from out childhood will bring back memories of fun and a good time for all. Paperback books are a wonderful and easy entertainment, but don't get too many. Provide information for a place to donate them when finished or trade for more reading material so the gift can recycle and provide further pleasures in their future.

These are just a few suggestions for practical Christmas gifts for those who must start over or live a simpler life now. There are many other ideas and if you just look around and listen to those you love you can fill their stocking and their cupboards with love and practical gifts from the heart. Merry Christmas everyone.