The process of finding gifts for friends and co-workers
that are personal, unique and affordable can make shopping
during the Christmas season feel difficult. Hours spent
shopping for the perfect present at a price within budget
can lead to frustration. Everything starts to seem generic
and overpriced. Not to worry; you have other options. Some
of my favorite gifts have been created by friends who made
small, inexpensive, and unique items after taking the time
to notice what kinds of things I would really want.

One of my favorite gifts is a bowl a friend made for me
while taking a pottery class. I was constantly losing my
keys, so she made a lovely little bowl, painted it to match
my decor, and gave it to me as a Christmas gift. Thanks to
this small, inexpensive present, I scarcely ever lose my
keys, and I have a beautiful decoration.

You can do the same things for your friends. Maybe you're
not in a pottery class, but there are many pottery stores
that allow you to paint your own piece for a small price.
There are also stores that allow you to create your own
jewelry as well. Other ideas include buying ornaments and
decorating them for your friends' trees, or you can
decoupage a small box with photographs and it can hold
letters or trinkets. You can also hit the day after
Thanksgiving sales to find great little gifts for rock-
bottom prices.

If you enjoy baking, don't overlook the simple, but
thoughtful gift of home-baked treats for your friends and
colleagues.  People love getting food they didn't have to
buy.  Make some batches of brownies and a variety of
cookies. Then combine them attractively on holiday paper
plates for hand-delivery. Another 'gift' is to throw a
relaxed holiday party, or cook a low-key dinner for a few
guests. People enjoy having a place to go and relax when
the holiday season reaches its stressful pitch.

Re-gifting. If you believe this is tacky or rude, I urge
you to reconsider. American culture is wasteful. When most
of us get tired of something or don't like it, we tend to
just toss it away like garbage. Many of the things we throw
away have intrinsic value, but we're just finished with
them.  It is actually thoughtful to re-gift something of
value if you know someone who you are certain would love
it.  Naturally, you don't want to pass along junk.  That is
rude and tacky.  However, if you are not going to keep
something and you know a person who would enjoy having it,
then why not give it to them and let them enjoy it?

By using a few of these options, you can save money and
shopping time as you fulfill your holiday gift list.  Enjoy
your holiday season!

Debra Amery's articles on topics related to gifts are
published in <a href="http://ftcgifts.com">The Gifts
News</a> the leading resource on-line for information about
gifts. Visit the complete archive of articles here:
http://www.ftcgifts.com/

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