Christmas is not about presents, it is about people
When Ron went to prison, I realized that Christmas is not about presents, it is about people. My boys were grateful for the presents they received- but what they wanted most was to spend Christmas with their daddy. Some of the best gifts we have received over the years have overall been some of the least expensive. “It is not the gift, but the thought that counts” is so true.
Although you may want to provide lavish gifts for your loved ones, the smallest token of love will be the greatest gift Being remembered by you in the midst of a difficult time in your life will provide a beautiful gift of love to your family and friends—one that will not forget. As you are agonizing over your budget in comparison to your list of people you want to buy gifts for, stop and remember that marketing makes us want to spend a lot of money. Your family and friends just want to enjoy spending time together and making memories to last a lifetime.
The best gifts are the gifts that cost you by and large the most thought.
Ask yourself these questions for each person that is on your list:
- What do they like to do?
- What have I noticed that they use often?
- Do they by and large collect anything?
- What makes them smile?
- What will remind them of my care for them the most?
The best gifts are the gifts that cost you by and large the most thought.
Once you have answered these questions, you are ready to choose the most thoughtful gift for each of them! Here are 20 inexpensive Christmas gift options to get you started on finding the perfect fit for your family members:
The best gift for a prisoner is something they cannot get in the prison commissary. Helping your loved one celebrate Christmas in prison is a great way to stay connected and bring the family together.
- A book of stamps
- A framed poem (written by you)
- A framed scripture (created by you)
- Homemade ornament (Pinterest has hundreds of options!)
- Journal and pen
- Meal kit (ex: spaghetti sauce, noodles, parmesan cheese, strainer and spaghetti server all for $4 at a dollar store!)
- Candle and lighter
- Book (check your dollar store for a bargain on a great book)
- Christmas hand towel
- A jar filled with warm wishes due to the coming year (52 wishes for a weekly word hug!)
- Jar filled with dry ingredients to make their favorite cookies
- A container filled with homemade cookies or candy
- Socks and mittens
- Chapstick and hand lotion
- Framed picture of the both of you
- Handmade scarf
- Candy dish with a bag of candy
- Handmade coupons for 3 things that you will do for them (babysitting, taking out trash, mowing, etc.).
- Games (cards, Uno, or other games you can find at the Dollar store or Goodwill—and yes, Goodwill does get brand new games brought in!)
- $5 gift certificate for their favorite local place so as to get dessert
These are just some of the hundreds of options for inexpensive gifts you can make or buy for your loved ones. Whatever you do, as you think about what makes them each unique and special, they will love it!
I am rooting for you!
Cathy
- A book of stamps
- A framed poem (written by you)
- A framed scripture (created by you)
- Homemade ornament (pinterest has hundreds of options!)
- Journal and pen
- Meal kit (ex: spaghetti sauce, noodles, cheese, strainer and spaghetti server all for $4 at a dollar store!)
- Candle and lighter
- Book (check your dollar store for a bargain on a great book)
- Christmas hand towel
- A jar filled with warm wishes due to the coming year (52 wishes for a weekly word hug!)
- Jar filled with dry ingredients to make their favorite cookies
- A container filled with homemade cookies or candy
- Socks and mittens
- Chapstick and hand lotion
- Framed picture of the both of you
- Handmade scarf
- Candy dish with a bag of candy
- Handmade coupons for 3 things that you will do for them (babysitting, taking out trash, mowing, etc.).
- Games (cards, uno, or other games you can find at the Dollar store or Goodwill—and yes, Goodwill does get brand new games brought in!)
- $5 gift certificate for their favorite local place so as to get dessert
These are just some of the hundreds of options for inexpensive gifts you can make or buy for your loved ones. Whatever you do, as you think about what makes them each unique and special, they will love it!
I am rooting for you!
Cathy