Grab Bag of Gift Ideas

© Nancy Twigg

Looking for some inexpensive gift ideas? These ideas are good for birthdays, Valentine's Day, or practically any other gift-giving occasion.

Free or Almost Free

• Write an "IOU" for something the recipient usually pays to have done. Good examples of special services you can provide are babysitting, housecleaning, giving a permanent wave.

• Create a gift using your computer. Make a "Certificate of Appreciation", type a favorite poem to be displayed in a picture frame or make a family cookbook.

• Make the recipient a book of coupons (using your computer or construction paper and markers). Include coupons for free massages, evenings of undivided attention or nights off from cooking.

• Present the recipient with a letter volunteering to do a task that he or she either doesn't enjoy or have time to do.

• Clean out his attic. Change her oil. This summer weed his flower beds. Create a piece of art. Do you paint, compose music or write poetry? What could be more special than the gift of a song, poem or painting created in honor of your loved one?

• Gather family pictures and an old (but in good condition) photo album. Come up with funny captions to go along with each picture. Write the caption on colored paper and tape beside each photo in the album.

$5 or Less

• Give a gift certificate for a movie rental at a video store. Blockbuster sells certificates in $5 increments.

• Using a camcorder and a new video tape, make a special video of the recipient's children or grandchildren. Have the kids sing songs or tell what they love most about Daddy/Grandma/Aunt Sally.

• Make a gift basket filled with inexpensive items from yard sales. If you can come up with a theme (example: kitchen gadgets, fashion accessories), that would be great. If not, make it a grab bag style basket with all sorts of useful items.

• Buy an inexpensive picture frame. Personalize the gift by putting a special picture in it. A picture of the recipient and her pet, her grandchildren or yourself would be great.

• Make 2 batches of the recipient's favorite cookies. Wrap one batch up in a decorative tin to be enjoyed now. Wrap the other batch in foil and a ziplock bag to be frozen and enjoyed later.

Up to $10

• What about gift certificates for McDonald's, Baskin Robbins or TCBY? These inexpensive certificates are wonderful for young children, teenagers or even the newlyweds who can't afford to go out very often.

• Put together a gift basket of snacks for the late night TV fanatic. Fill a basket with gourmet popping corn, individual bags of chips and pretzels, cans of nuts, etc. 

• For the coffee drinker who can't afford to splurge, buy a pound or two of gourmet coffee from a coffee shop. Add a decorative mug from a dollar store.

• Most dollar stores have a wide selection of bath products. Pick out several different bubble baths, bath oil and body lotions. Arrange them in a basket or in a festive gift bag.

• Check out the bargain book rack at your local book store. Find a book on a topic of interest to the recipient.

• Buy a long distance calling card for someone who would enjoy calling home more frequently. (This idea is a good one because it is also inexpensive to mail to out-of-town recipients!)

• For someone who is struggling just to make ends meet, put together a "care package" of household items everyone needs such as detergent, paper products, or pantry staples.

• Indulge the recipient by buying something for which she won't or can't afford to splurge. Examples: fancy chocolates, luxurious bath products, gourmet cheeses, sparkling water, etc.

Nancy Twigg is the editor of Counting the Cost, a free bi-monthly Christian e-zine devoted to everyday abundant living at its best. Topics include experiencing life more joyfully, using our time and money wisely, building stronger family relationships, and spiritual enrichment. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail message to: [email protected] or visit Nancy online at http://countingthecost.com and subscribe there.