By Notes From The Frugal Trenches
I've shared here before that I don't know how to crochet or sew, my knitting attempts are best left unseen by members of the public, and my growing of all things edible, well um, leaves a lot to be desired! I put my hands up and admit it because I'm on a journey not a race, a journey of learning what works for me, and a journey of accepting it may take time to acquire these new skills. There are many posts on this co-op about other writer's ability to make lovely things ranging from soap to granola to knitwear. But I thought for anyone who is a novice like me, whose attempts often fail, I'd write about just what we can do to redeem ourselves and feel like we are giving something of value even if we don't make it ourselves.
It is no secret I don't like a lot of plastic, mainstream toys or jewelry and I certainly don't have the budget to purchase often lovely unique items from private sellers, but I have found a good compromise. Here are some gifts that work for me!
• I think ahead about the people I want need to give gifts to and write down their favourite hobbies and interests, with some suggestions. Keeping this in my diary helps remind me to think & plan ahead.
• I make a realistic budget for gifts each month, and break that down into a budget per person
• I frequent charity shops, not simply to buy anything but on the look out for treasure! For example for a friend who loves all things vintage, I found the most remarkable vintage tea set in perfect condition for £7.50!
• I purchase charity gifts - for example requesting catalogues from places like World Vision or smaller organizations who have good gift & fairtrade initiatives. Recently I found some lovely handmade stationery from children in Guatemala! I purchased these note sets and a bracelet (total £6) for two friends for their birthdays and both were very well received
• I donate to charities in people's names! One year for everyone on my Christmas list I made a donations to a village in Africa for purchasing livestock, plants, soil, immunizations etc.
• If a friend or family member has a special interest - I look at something that will help cultivate that, for example a small holding magazine subscription, or natural mothering subscription for a friend who is a new mum!
• My one skill I have & I enjoy is cooking, so I will make soups or meals for friends and family
• I have found giving plants for the garden, or grow your own herb boxes to be very welcome
• I purchase experiences - for example for one friend who was ashamed she didn't know how to swim, I purchased her a swim lesson (private instructor) specializing in adults and then gave her 4 handmade vouchers from myself, for an hours swimming together!
• I find one off shops (thankfully we have several where I live) and look for unique gifts that I can keep at home ready for when needed.
• I trawl through etsy and bookmark lovely, frugal and green things I find there! And yes I do swoon over the talent people have!
• I remember that time is just as special a gift as something physical, the photo above is from a day I took a family member to the beach for their birthday, treating them to a lovely english high tea overlooking the sea! I then took this photo and gave it afterwards as a little momento of our trip!
Finally, I'm learning to have patience with myself, to start small with low expectations and to learn simple new skills so that one day I just might be able to make something worth showing on this blog!
Well, I really hope I'm not the only one who has to admit they are a work in progress when it comes to handmade gifts! So, if like me you sometimes have to resort to other frugal, green & simple gifts I'd love to hear what you do!
8 comments:
Such good ideas!
I was not raised learning much that was useful or handy. Now, in my late thirties I am teaching myself the skills I want. The internet has been such a help in this. From blogs to videos to tutorials, I love seeing what others have accomplished. It's such a great jumping off point. I can't seem to learn how to do things with yarn though and think that will take some in person instruction!
Thank you for encouraging us all to not only learn new things, but discover new ways to gift others. I'm going to print out this post and put it in my Everything Book where I can review the ideas for the upcoming holidays. I started making gifts by hand months ago, but I love the ideas you have to add to and compliment my tokens.
Yes,I am the same way.I was not taught any "skills" as a child or young woman.I am on a learning journey!I love canning,gardening,knitting,soap making,the whole self sufficient package.Many,OK most lol, of my first projects will never see the light of day!But I don't see them as failures,they are part of the learning process.
Well, I do have a lot of those 'handy' skills; I grew up on a farm in the 50s and 60s. However, I've found it's not realistic or even appropriate to make all gifts and I really think your list here is a very valuable one for all of us. Thanks for it!
I think giving the gift of experiences is wonderful. It is a gift that keeps on giving because they always have the memory of the event.
For her boyfriend's birthday, my daughter bought a tall apothecary jar with lid on sale and filled it with 365 rolled and ribbon-tied parchment slips listing all the reasons she loves him. Then she took him to Samuel Adams brewery (his favorite) for a tour. He told her repeatedly it was the best birthday ever and cost her very little.
Another gift I've given is my own bread of the month club. I baked my brother a special loaf each month for a year.
So for those who may not yet possess a lot of skills, remember that creativity is a cornerstone of frugality.
For a recent babyshower gift I made and printed a "choose your treat" checklist which included about 10 choices. My friend could check off two selections/month for three months for me to bake and deliver to her fresh. I thought this would be a great, practical, gift as she has two older kids in addition to new baby and even if mom is tired, the family still needs to eat!
Great Ideas. I look for great china in charity shops too :)
One of my favourite pressies to give is a 'hamper' (empty wooden / recycled box) of homemade goodies cakes, chutneys, crackers, drinks etc with perhaps a bought hunk of local cheese - its quite easy to put together as time and funds allow but looks good to get!!!!
Maxine
http://slowingdownwiththejones.blogspot.com
We purchase gifts for my husbands side of the family every other Christmas (which is how often we see them). His extended family is much larger than mine, and they like to do the big everyone-in-one-house Christmas celebration. Needless to say, this gets pricey once the gift-giving part kicks in. So this year we've decided to go the simple route and hope it goes over well. We're going to make two big batches of soap (one for men and one for women) and I'm going to crochet washcloths. We'll haul it all in three baskets and tell everyone to go for it. Neither of our families are big on DIY, so the result will be a toss up. I'm terribly nervous about the whole thing, but I'd rather do that than gift cards again.
I cooked Roast Pork for my friends birthday. His wife is vego. He walked around for days just salivating at the thought of it. It was a great hit, and a great night. Jacky
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