Christmas present exchange ideas

Do you try and keep up with the Jones'?  Can you afford to keep up with them?  They say the average adult will spend $770.00 (AARP) on Christmas presents each year.

What are some creative ways to enjoy Christmas giving and still be able to pay your bills?



Draw names and have a cap on what you can spend. This can be a lot of fun if you make it fun. Some things that can be done to add a twist to it:

• The present cannot cost more that $20.00 (includes tax) and the receipt must accompany the gift.  The present must be something that the person will enjoy and/or use. 

For example:  If you draw someone in your family that is a do-it-yourself kind of person hit your local hardware store and buy small incidentals that will make their lives easier. 

If you draw someone who loves to garden why not hit your local store (dollar store is great for this) and put a basket of gardening tools and accessories together.

• One idea is to only shop "mom and pop" stores, no chain or large corporations. This not only gives the gift of giving but also supports your community.
• Set the price really low and make it a contest of either the best gift for that person or the tackiest gift.

• Each person has to select a charity and if you draw that person's name you must donate a well-thought out gift to that charity in their name.  Example: Animal shelter. Your gift cannot exceed $50.00.  A great basket for an animal shelter would include bleach, towels, blankets, etc.  (You can always allow the gift of money but what's the fun in that...but all charities need money so I leave that up to you.

• Here's a fun one:  You have a cap on how much you can spend.  You draw names but when you wrap the present you cannot put who it belongs to. Each person much purchase an "additional" gift ($5.00 cap) that goes unopened into a basket.  All presents go into a pile and each take a turn unwrapping one gift (you cannot pick the one you bought).  Once the present is opened that person must guess who the gift belongs to. One person can receive more than one guess gift. The person who guesses right gets to choose from the "additional basket"of gifts.  The person who receives the most gifts from guessing gets to choose from the "additional basket" of gifts.  It's a great way to see how well you know your family.
• Adopt a family.  What better way to celebrate the giving season than to help a family who may not be able to afford Christmas presents.  This takes a bit more
  
  work but is worth it.  Find a family that needs help. Get the children's sizes for clothes and what "fun" thing they want for Christmas. Assign each member of your family (or group of friends) to purchase something for the child(ren). The list can include food, clothes, coats, toys, electronics, etc. based on what you know about the family.  Want to make this a complete surprise for the family? Ask someone who knows them; church members, neighbors, relatives, etc.  Make a plan to go Christmas caroling and when you reach your target destination place the gifts by their door, ring the bell and start singing.  You get to remain "anonymous" and get to see the looks on their faces.  What better way to spend the holidays with your family helping out another one.

Each of these ideas can be done in part or taking a little from one and adding to another.  The whole point is to enjoy the giving season without feeling you need to keep up with the Jones' family.

With a little thought and a lot of love you can make this Christmas be enjoyable and affordable for everyone!

A big thank you to Pueblo West Hardware who made this blog possible.  Don't forget that that special gift for the do-it-yourself person can be purchased at your local "mom and pop" hardware store!

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