Some people might think I'm nuts for doing this but I'm going to plug another site here. I came across it while searching for a different Christmas topic and was intrigued enough to go and read this 'A Buy Nothing Christmas' Alternatives page. Just click on the name, it's linked and will take you to where I'm talking about.
There are quite a few suggestions for making low or no cost gifts, adopting an animal species on the brink of extinction, recycling and bunches more, all for Christmas gift giving. The point obviously, is to avoid buying the traditionally expensive presents that have become synonymous with the season.
So many of us suffer overwhelming consumerism at this time of year. We buy stuff nobody needs and that we can't afford. That's not always the case, certainly, but sometimes it seems that things have spiraled out of control. I just think that it would be nice to step back a little and give more from the heart than the credit card. Gee, that sounds a little cynical, doesn't it. Guess, I'd better dig out my Santa hat and start getting into the spirit more myself.
Meantime, check out the site. You might find some ideas that are perfect for the people on your list this year without having to spend a fortune. It's fun to make personal gifts or to give something totally unique and extra thoughtful. The recipients will love it, too!
Showing posts with label christmas gift ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas gift ideas. Show all posts
Christmas Gift Ideas Under $5
The current state of the global economy has many people tightening their Christmas gift budgets this year. For that reason, I think this is a good article to have a look at, if no other reason than to get a few ideas, even if only for stocking stuffers.
You really don't have to go broke to give Christmas gifts. That's not what the Holiday is supposed to be about, after all.
Just click this ideas for Christmas link to view the suggestions.
You really don't have to go broke to give Christmas gifts. That's not what the Holiday is supposed to be about, after all.
Just click this ideas for Christmas link to view the suggestions.
Homemade Christmas Gifts
Lovely, homemade Christmas gifts can be a thoughtful, inexpensive alternative to store-bought. It won't take much time or money, it's fun and the recipient will feel special because you took the time to make something just for them. Try it this year and see the difference. Here's one to get you started.
Homemade Herb Scented Candles
These are not difficult. If you don't have candle molds, use tin cans or milk cartons, or pour wax into a decorative jar that can withstand the heat of a candle flame. Paraffin is easily obtainable at the supermarket in the canning section. Wicking can be found at craft stores.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. paraffin wax, broken into small pieces
- 2 cups dried herbs or 1 fl. oz. essential oil
- 2 wax crayons for colouring (optional)
- candle wicking
- petroleum jelly
- pencils
Directions:
Melt the wax slowly in a bowl placed over a sauce hot water. (I have used a double boiler instead, on very low heat) Stir in crayons if desired. Remove from heat and add herbs as the wax cools. Coat molds with petroleum jelly. Drop one end of wicking to the bottom of each mold and wrap the other end around a pencil resting across the top of the mold. This keeps the wick centred as you pour in the wax. When the wax resembles a gel, pour into mold or container. Allow candles to set overnight, then remove carefully.
*** I have used things from my garden to put into the candles, but you have to watch as they may catch fire. I think that using essential oils is safer. *** Annie
Try giving homemade Christmas gifts this year. Fun to make, fun to receive.
Homemade Herb Scented Candles
These are not difficult. If you don't have candle molds, use tin cans or milk cartons, or pour wax into a decorative jar that can withstand the heat of a candle flame. Paraffin is easily obtainable at the supermarket in the canning section. Wicking can be found at craft stores.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. paraffin wax, broken into small pieces
- 2 cups dried herbs or 1 fl. oz. essential oil
- 2 wax crayons for colouring (optional)
- candle wicking
- petroleum jelly
- pencils
Directions:
Melt the wax slowly in a bowl placed over a sauce hot water. (I have used a double boiler instead, on very low heat) Stir in crayons if desired. Remove from heat and add herbs as the wax cools. Coat molds with petroleum jelly. Drop one end of wicking to the bottom of each mold and wrap the other end around a pencil resting across the top of the mold. This keeps the wick centred as you pour in the wax. When the wax resembles a gel, pour into mold or container. Allow candles to set overnight, then remove carefully.
*** I have used things from my garden to put into the candles, but you have to watch as they may catch fire. I think that using essential oils is safer. *** Annie
Try giving homemade Christmas gifts this year. Fun to make, fun to receive.
Uniquely Canadian Christmas Gifts
In keeping with the theme of this blog, here are some Christmas gift ideas with a uniquely Canadian flavour. Click on any of the pictures for more information on Canadian Christmas gifts.
What could be more Canadian than maple syrup? This is a gift that you can get away with spending only $10.00. Sweet gift idea!
Another typical Canadian symbol is the moose. You can get Canadian Moose beanie babies, minted coins, books, antique posters, tapestries and more. These are definitely uniquely Canadian Christmas gifts.
For the coin collector, there are of course, mint condition releases of commemorative issue coins available for sale, as well as coin jewellery.
Don't forget about the other animals that we're known for - the Canadian goose and the beaver. The same goes for these two as far as gift selection goes. There are several things available.
We can give gifts that are truly representative of Canada. Hope this short list helps stimulate some good ideas for the recipients on your list that you wish to give uniquely Canadian Christmas gifts to.
What could be more Canadian than maple syrup? This is a gift that you can get away with spending only $10.00. Sweet gift idea!
Another typical Canadian symbol is the moose. You can get Canadian Moose beanie babies, minted coins, books, antique posters, tapestries and more. These are definitely uniquely Canadian Christmas gifts.
For the coin collector, there are of course, mint condition releases of commemorative issue coins available for sale, as well as coin jewellery.
Don't forget about the other animals that we're known for - the Canadian goose and the beaver. The same goes for these two as far as gift selection goes. There are several things available.
We can give gifts that are truly representative of Canada. Hope this short list helps stimulate some good ideas for the recipients on your list that you wish to give uniquely Canadian Christmas gifts to.
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