Given the current economic climate, many people can hardly afford ordinary day-to-day living, never mind the extra costs of Christmas presents. But everyone has skills which can be used to make acceptable gifts for families and friends. Here are some possibilities…but there are many more.
Using Photographic Skills to Make Presents
Many people have digital cameras and have collected a wealth of photos of family, pets, special occasions etc. These could be made into large-size prints and framed, or – even more cheaply – mounted on heavy-duty card. Or they can be collected into photo albums. Another idea is to make them into personalised calendars, either by buying the basic materials in craft stores, or using one of the commercial companies who will make calendars from your own photos very cheaply. These will be unique gifts that will be treasured for years to come.
DIY Tasks as Presents
For those who are good at DIY, offering one’s services could be an excellent present. The gift-giver could simply make up a certificate offering to do a certain task, or promising a certain number of hours of carpentry, plumbing, decorating, etc. Not everyone is good at these sort of things, and they may not be able to afford to pay tradesmen during the "credit crunch". A gift like this could be a godsend for the right person.
Home-Cooked Christmas Gifts
For those who can cook, there are a variety of gifts which can be made. Cakes, biscuits/cookies, and sweets are all most acceptable Christmas presents, and everyone loves home-baked items…one can pay a fortune for these in shops! Homemade jam/jelly and marmalade is also very popular. Or traditional Yuletide drinks such as sloe gin could be made and given, carefully packed into attractive bottles.
Craft Gifts
For those who enjoy craft work, there are a number of presents which can be made. Knitting, crochet, sewing, and embroidery all lend themselves to making acceptable family gifts. The same applies to woodcarving, stone carving, etc. Or, if the recipient enjoys crafts themselves, it would be possible to make up a kit of her favourite craft, buying the materials cheaply and packaging them attractively and carefully.
So now is the time to start making a list, and working out how to save money yet produce the best range of Christmas gifts ever!
Source
"The Guardian", Money, 4th October 2008
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