Creative Christmas Gift Ideas

Did Christmas sneak up on you this year? Have you just realized that you should have been saving for Christmas present ideas year round? Did you simply forget to budget for Christmas gifts this year?

If you're feeling torn because you want to stay out of debt while still giving your loved ones gifts they'll like, don't worry. We've got some fantastic creative Christmas gift ideas for you:

* Compile a themed gift box. For example, if you know a family who enjoys watching movies together, give them a movie or two (or a rental gift card), bags of popcorn, favorite candy bars or a homemade dessert and some little things related to the movie. It will be something they can enjoy together and maybe even invite you to join!
* Frame artwork and memories. If you have youngsters in your family, frame some of their artwork for the adults. The kids will be excited about seeing their creations on display, and the adults will enjoy the keepsake for years to come.
* Host a dinner party. Give your guests the party recipes in a festive booklet. You could also do a white-elephant gift exchange with a price limit per gift. You can't go wrong with food and time to visit and enjoy each other's company.
* Offer to run errands for an elderly relative, neighbor or friend. This will mean more than you know, especially for the elderly. Better yet, ask them if you can pick up any Christmas gifts on their behalf. They would love to have someone brave the busy mall for them.
* Give free babysitting. Know a couple or a single parent who could use an extra hand with the kids during the holidays? Offer to keep the kids one evening and let the parents get some shopping done or have a date night.
* Bake some tasty treats. If you know someone who's expecting a lot of company or is feeling overwhelmed, offer to help out by baking a few things. This will save the person time and will allow them to focus on other things to get ready for company. Homemade food is always a hit!
* Visit a shut-in, hospital patient or nursing home resident. Many times these individuals are overlooked during the holiday rush. Bake some cookies, frame some pictures, or write some notes to give when you drop by for a visit with some of your family or friends.
* Help a local school teacher with a special Christmas event for their class. Teachers are overwhelmed this time of year and having an extra adult around to help out would ease some of the stress for them.
* Give to a charity. If the adults in your family can agree, choose a charity to which your entire family will give money and/or time. You'll be touching the lives of people who are truly in need while spending time with your loved ones at the same time. It's a win-win situation!

Creative Christmas ideas don't have to leave you looking like a cheapskate. Remember, it's the thought and effort that really count. Think of your skills and how you can use them to create gifts others will enjoy. Take a little extra time to think about your family and friends and give them something that will inspire and enrich their lives for years to come.



Source: http://www.daveramsey.com/article/creative-christmas-gift-ideas/lifeandmoney_christmas/