Christmas presents in economical crises...

A present that someone has put love, time and effort into rates very highly with me. I have been lucky enough to receive many such presents. Gifts that have been knitted, hand-sewn etc. We had a "make-it-youself" Christmas one year. We made pencil tubs, paperweights, personalised bookmarks, table mats, scrapbooks, calendars, letter racks, fridge magnets, board games. There are lots of useful things that can be made with recycled materials and some imagination. I've made tealight holders by punching holes in empty cans, windchimes from empty biro pens, papier mache gifts etc. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas knowing that you cared enough to create something for them

The present global financial crisis has put thousands and thousands of individuals out of work and struggling to get by. And as the Christmas season rolls in, many families will be trying to cut down on there expenditure on presents for there kids whilst maintaining the happiness of there children. I have certainly received gifts that are hand made, made by my grandma who despite not spending much money on the gifts, brought a smile on my face that was far wider than when I got my ipod 3 Christmases ago. Its the tender loving care that has gone into making hand made and cheap gifts that gives that sort of satisfaction.

Christmas presents do not need to be really fancy or expensive. The essence of the holiday is not about receiving anything but celebrating the birth of Jesus and celebrating the lives of those dear to our hearts. I believe that the best gift we can give on this holiday is to express our gratitude, our love and warmth to our families and friends and extend forgiveness to those who have done us wrong. Sharing our blessings to others gives a sense of happiness that cannot be explained in words, you just have to do it , and experience that wonderful magical feeling. The best present I can ever want on christmas is the gift of togetherness with family and friends. A simple coffee or hot coco and a good conversation would really make the day perfect.

A lot of people are finding themselves in a harsd to grasp situation in these tough economic times. Some of our gift giving lists get cut short because we don't have the extra money to spend. Some of us our finding ourselves looking to purchase gifts that are less expensive so that we can afford to give. None of us want to be in these predicaments but with the nation's economy, it can't be helped.

Christmas is about love, happiness, and joy. Its about family and friends... the people that matter the most to you. I have had people give me coupons they have clipped and organized (i'm a big coupon person) I've had them give me homemade coupons for stuff (the coupon would be like a free babysitting, yard work, cleaning, cooking from them) Ive have people bake me a treat, and pick me flowers. Its the thought that counts!

receiving a present is great, but it would be a lot better if you can spend Christmas with your loved ones.

yes doing crafts are great..well for me i love giving pictures as gifts..like an old picture of him that he hasn't seen before or a memorable picture of his loved one. you can make a crafted frame for that picture. it will be more personalized and im sure he'll appreciate it more because that something he can never buy in a store.. hope it works...

I think that receiving hand-made presents is much nicer. Knowing that someone cared enough to put a lot of thought and time into making something just for you is so special. One year when I had very little money, I bought everybody a mug, and I always make my own Christmas cards. One thing that I have noticed with little children is that they very often get more fun out of playing with a cardboard box than the expensive present it came in!

We are having a terrible time with money this year so we are doing the same thing for Christmas its going to be much different around our house. The kids are making presents for relatives such as handwarmers/neckwarmers....jars of colored bath salts......handpainted art in recycled picture frams....books of love coupons such as cleaning the persons house or deleivering a homecooked meal or free babysitting for a night. Sometimes gifts of time are much more priceless than a gift that costs $50. Try to search out near free christmas on ehow you will get lots of ideas on cheap things to make and give for christmas that dont cost much!

Well Miss Sweety! First of all I wan't to tell you that christians do not celebrate christmas just for presents. I am a christian but I do not know whether you are a christian or not. If you enjoy christmas just like the other true christians do then your won't be poor anymore. Presents, expensive drinks and food does not make christmas better. To make it better you must have faith in God and then you will be able to enjoy not only christmas but each and everyday. So have a great christmas this year. I hope my response was not boring.

I think someone just coming and spending time with you is a present in itself. Or something homemade that looks like the person put alot into, it means alot to know that person took time and effort to make you something instead of just going out to a store and buying it. I love when people cook tasty meals for me or make me burnt cd's or just a photo album of memories is awesome.

I think hand made presents are a great idea. They are from the heart. Search your heart and think about things you like to make. Also, think about the person you are making the gift for...what do they like? Hand made gifts show the person you're giving them to, your personality. The gift also shows them what they mean to you, because it is from the heart. In the past, many times I've made a Christmas drawing and put it in a frame or on a plaque. I've seen these gifts become part of the the receivers Christmas decorations in years to come. Some other hand made gift ideas are friendship bracelets made from embroidery floss, pine cones gathered and made into tree ornaments, or even baked goods.