By: Amy Hannold
24/7 MOMS Frugal Living editor
My 9th wedding anniversary is coming up in just 3 months. This got me thinking about a special gift for my husband. I need plenty of notice, to create something, especially since it takes me awhile to “get crafty”. Graduations, wedding and Father’s Day celebrations are also on the horizon.
Creating thoughtful gifts can be affordable. There are a number of frugal and money-saving options. Sales (including garage sales) and discounts will be available, as this is a season for celebrations. Look for coupon codes, advertised specials and new customer promotions. If you don’t have any summer celebrations to create gifts for, perhaps there is an upcoming birthday– or think further to Christmas.
Photo Gifts:
Choose photo collage pages, photo books or other products to reflect on the life of and celebrate the person or couple the gift is for. Surprise them with photos from milestones leading up to their special occasion. They will love to have these collections for years to come.
Scrapbooking:
Use a combination of journaling, memorabilia, photos and notes from others to create a special event book. Guests of the occasion can also add to the scrapbook. You can leave it as a “work in progress”, so that the recipient has room to add their own memories or celebration photos.
Journal Countdown Gift:
Writer or not, and whether you’ve decided on a gift or are still waiting for inspiration, begin to write about the person who’s celebrating. Find a simple notebook to “dress up” or a special journal gift book. Take the time as the event gets closer to record your memories, thoughts, best wishes, loving advice, recipes, drawings, etc. Children can get involved in a gift like this, in your journal or one of their own. As you’re focusing on the person and their special event, you’ll enjoy the relaxed nature of compiling what your loved one will enjoy reading later.
Handmade Cards:
Create a card which reflects the recipient, their event, and what you love about them most. Whatever gift you choose, a unique card will be remembered.
Gift Coupons:
Think about what your loved one will need following their big event. Offers for future meals, pet sitting, laundry, car wash, nights out, special desserts, shopping dates, gifts of your time for their “To-Do List”, etc. will be appreciated long after other gifts are opened.
A Gift that Will Bloom and Grow:
Instead of flowers or treats, investigate whether they would like a plant, tree or houseplant to enjoy at their home. If they’ve moved to a new home, perhaps a gardening kit for the new homeowner would be a fun gift.
Inspirational Wall Décor:
One of my favorite gifts to create is wall photo collages. I love to blend pictures with relevant quotes, song lyrics, my own words/poetry or scripture. Enlist the help of relatives to gather a selection of photos. For larger events, you can create a group photo or collage with the signatures and signed best wishes from guests.
Build Something:
I don’t have a whole lot of advice or great ideas for what you can build – but, I know there are many resources available to help you find just the right project. Large or small, something made with your time and talent will be treasured. Plant boxes, gift boxes, bird houses, or larger items – whatever you think your loved one would enjoy.
Personalized Gifts:
T-Shirts, book bags, stationery, notebooks, and other items can be created at a number of websites. My daughter loved receiving a notebook with her name on it – and it’s an easy gift to make to have ready for the next occasion. Use colors, symbols, or other favorite themes your recipient prefers.
Start Now to Enjoy the Gift Creation Process:
Brainstorm, research and plan now for the best gift outcomes. Ask around for the most cherished gifts others have received. Trade and barter your resources or talents with friends to keep the projects affordable. Be sure to take pictures or notes from your completed gift, so that you remember what you have made in case you want to create another in the future.
