Inexpensive yet thoughful Christmas gifts

[catofhope]

I realize especially for newlyweds money could be tough.
So wives (or those soon to be) let's share some inexpensive yet thoughtful gifts.
I thought especially the hubbies may find some of our ideas useful.

I don't care so much about material things just to have them.
Much better if the gifts were meaningful and/or personal in natural.

Hand made "coupons" would be an example of personal.
Coupons could be for anything: a massage, help with the chores, preparing a romantic dinner, or anything that you could do for your beloved.

Sometimes even everyday necessary items could make a very thoughtful gift - if presented properly.
Maybe a basket of your favorite bathroom items: soap, shampoo, hand cream, etc.
It would show you noticed and took some time to organize it.

Come on ladies - share some other ideas.
I know my soon to be husband is not use to buying for a lady.
So yes, this is also a way to help give him some ideas.

 

[Meshavrischika]

my DH made me a wooden box, that was cool, but not the best part.

in it, he put things from the store that reminded him of me... tissues (i have allergies), beef jerky, gel pens, pretty paper... it was all pretty average, inexpensive stuff, but it meant SO MUCH because it was tailored to ME.

sigh... sniffle.. good memory

 

[catofhope]

my DH made me a wooden box, that was cool, but not the best part.

in it, he put things from the store that reminded him of me... tissues (i have allergies), beef jerky, gel pens, pretty paper... it was all pretty average, inexpensive stuff, but it meant SO MUCH because it was tailored to ME.

sigh... sniffle.. good memory

Definately what I was talking about.

My fiance writes poetry/lyrics.
Wrote me something for my brithday.

 

[Meshavrischika]

BTW... DH's name is Randy - lol

 

[catofhope]

BTW... DH's name is Randy - lol

Randy's are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Meshavrischika]

baby is randi too... lol. father in law is randy, uncle is randy (uncle by marriage)... ummm... ex father in law is randy... cousin is randi...

too many randi/ys

 

[Catholic Wife]

Certificates for "cheap dates" are always good. Roger and I have set up a date next month to rent a bunch of Christmas movies and have cocoa and snacks. And it means a lot to me when he takes the time to figure out what book(s) I would like and buys them for me (I know, this could be expensive, but he loves the Half Price Books stores).

 

[catofhope]

Certificates for "cheap dates" are always good. Roger and I have set up a date next month to rent a bunch of Christmas movies and have cocoa and snacks. And it means a lot to me when he takes the time to figure out what book(s) I would like and buys them for me (I know, this could be expensive, but he loves the Half Price Books stores).

Are you sure Roger is not really a Randy???

My Randy has a huge movie collection which will mostly go to storage as he moves.
But the Christmas movies have been set aside for easy access so we can watch them.

And my Randy also is a bargain hunter so also loves Half Price Books.

 

[Ari5]

A picture album of the 2 of you or get a few good pictures of just the two of you & get a nice frame to hang in your bedroom.

I did the 12 days of christmas one year & each of the 12 days before christmas I did something special for him such as: drew a bath, made a favorite dessert, bought his favorite candy bar, packed a special lunch, gave a massage. He really enjoyed it. Ari

 

[GodrockDJ]

Get creative! Even if you don't think you are that type of person, most everyone can do some crafting if their heart is at the right place

Examples:

• Last year for Valentine's day I made hubby a large plaque stating 100 reasons why I love him. I had to sit down and really think about the list for a bit - and they can be anything that is meaningful to you and your spouse - I love your smile, I love the way you seek the Lord, I love your quest to be chivalrous, etc. Then I set up a simple word document that arranged the 100 reasons in a rectangle. Leave space in the center for a photo - 4x6 is best. Pick a beautiful photo of the two of you and stick it there. Print out the reasons on nice, specialty paper. Arrange them and stick them to a suitably sized mat for the background (anything will do). Then frame your creation (WalMart has some nice inexpensive frames) and you have a touching, personal gift My dh cried when I gave it to him
• Go to a pottery painting studio and make something for your sweetheart. Check their website calendar - many have discount painting days and coupons!
• A scrapbook - EVEN FOR MEN! Yes, guys can do this too. Just buy an inexpensive scrapbook, collect meaningful photos, and attach them in the book. On each page jot down some of your memories and thoughts about the two of you or that event. If you have anything from the event related to the picture laying around (concert stubs, movie tickets, playbill, etc) stick them with the photos! Wonderful, creative, and memories that will last a lifetime!
• Out of ideas but know what your loved one likes? I made this list a while ago of 101 Gift Basket ideas - something for everyone! Ex - car lover, quilter, movie lover, etc. http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ajk26ngfbs6j_2gx5tsj

Hope that helps!

 

[CoolMom6]

We are buying ea. other CDs of favorite artists.
I asked for underwear; lol, but I need them. And sox.

 

[adelaidepensiero]

A cheap teddy bear. I got a 5 dollar one for valentines day and now, every once in a while my husband pulls it out and has it talk to me... cute and silly.

 

[teishpriest]

One year I filled a blank journal with all of the poetry that I'd ever written. He really liked that. One year he gave me a CD of the songs that he has written.

If you like to sew and knit like I do, you can usually come up with something nice for not too much money. Socks or a hat are easy enough to make, and my DH likes it when I make something especially for him. PJs are easy to sew too.

 

[ciaradawn]

Godrock had a great idea with the pottery painting. A bunch of my friends painted a set of bowls for me for a bridal shower; it was really fun and you can paint them however you want!

I like it when DH surprises me with little things; a card with something nice written in it, a cd I've been wanting, a dvd, a book. He knows how much I love The Office! He gave me season 3 a week ago for no reason It's always nice when he writes something inside the front cover of the book.

ps - my uncle's name is Randy!

 

[CoolMom6]

While we are on the subj, Cat, lol....
I kept thinking this earlier, but HAD to come back and post it.
My first (5th and 6th grade) bf was Randy, so whenever I see the name I think of him.
He handmade my first Valentines' Card and I loved it!!!!

 

[catofhope]

I've known two other Randy's and they were also both nice, sweet and shy.

And my Randy happens to have a thing for Cathy's.

 

[shaslove]

I agree with the scrapbook idea...my dh gave me one last christmas, it was awesome!

 

[CoolMom6]

I've known two other Randy's and they were also both nice, sweet and shy.

And my Randy happens to have a thing for Cathy's.

Smart man!!!!

 

[corvus_corax]

So wives (or those soon to be) let's share some inexpensive yet thoughtful gifts.

I'm a husband, so please excuse my jumping in.

I thought especially the hubbies may find some of our ideas useful.

Hence the reason I'm jumping in

Hand made "coupons" would be an example of personal. Coupons could be for anything: a massage, help with the chores, preparing a romantic dinner, or anything that you could do for your beloved.

There is a potential problem with that.
Many women, simply overwhelmed that their husband/bf would give something so thoughtful, would never dream of actually "cashing in" those coupons. I'm not exaggerating or making stuff up. Take it from your ol' uncle Corvy, many (not all) women would just think that the thought is enough. And in the end, the husband/boyfriend gets off "scot-free" (so to speak).
Hey guys? BZZZZZZZZZZZZT! Wrong.
If you want to make the coupons (great idea Another example- "Dishes for a seven day period, redeemable before or after Superbowl sunday" (that is if you are a football fanatic. After all, do you want to spoil your gift by getting peeved that she has you do dishes ON superbowl sunday?)
Me, personally, I'd take dishes on SS, but then again, I'm not a sports fanatic......
HOWEVER- If you are a football fanatic and are completely willing (WITHOUT resentment) to do dishes DURING Superbowl.........well, heck your gf/wife will love you all the more for it
Another idea regarding coupons- Something along the lines of "Will prepare a fully romantic dinner". Just include an expiration date. No, seriously. See below*.

Sometimes even everyday necessary items could make a very thoughtful gift - if presented properly.
Maybe a basket of your favorite bathroom items: soap, shampoo, hand cream, etc.
It would show you noticed and took some time to organize it.

Like cat said, NOTICE what is important to her. C'mon guys, it's close to Christmans.......sit up and pay attention.
It's not that hard
If you want further examples, I can supply many years of experience

Come on ladies - share some other ideas.

Yes ladies, share!
And I think guys should share as well. We should share our good experiences and our BAD experiences.
Just a piece of advice from ol' Uncle Corvy

I know my soon to be husband is not use to buying for a lady.

HAHAHA .... MOST guys aren't used to buying for a female, no matter how long they are married.
Simply put, men and women think differently, no matter how long they are together with the opposit gender


*SPECIFIC TIMES- okay guys, this isn't your excuse to get out of your coupons (should you decide to present these as a Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary/Etc gift.

What you need to do is (get this) keep track of the times/calendar dates/etc you give to your coupons.

That's step one. Step two (and trust me, this will make many women sigh in admiration if it's actually DONE) is nothing more than approaching your wife/gf within a day or two of the coupon in question and simply stating "I gave you this gift...now is your time, loved one, to redeem it".
Yeah, it's kinda weird (for those who aren't used to it), but trust me.....when a woman realizes that you not only REMEMBERED but BROUGHT UP the coupon given on Christmas (or whatever holiday)....well let's just say that jewelry brings not that many tears and thanks.
However, if you forget (even if she does the same), you might face the fate of being labelled an "unemotional ****
Just a little tip from your ol' Uncle Corvy

 

[catofhope]

I'm a husband, so please excuse my jumping in.

Hence the reason I'm jumping in

There is a potential problem with that.
Many women, simply overwhelmed that their husband/bf would give something so thoughtful, would never dream of actually "cashing in" those coupons. I'm not exaggerating or making stuff up. Take it from your ol' uncle Corvy, many (not all) women would just think that the thought is enough. And in the end, the husband/boyfriend gets off "scot-free" (so to speak).
Hey guys? BZZZZZZZZZZZZT! Wrong.
If you want to make the coupons (great idea Another example- "Dishes for a seven day period, redeemable before or after Superbowl sunday" (that is if you are a football fanatic. After all, do you want to spoil your gift by getting peeved that she has you do dishes ON superbowl sunday?)
Me, personally, I'd take dishes on SS, but then again, I'm not a sports fanatic......
HOWEVER- If you are a football fanatic and are completely willing (WITHOUT resentment) to do dishes DURING Superbowl.........well, heck your gf/wife will love you all the more for it
Another idea regarding coupons- Something along the lines of "Will prepare a fully romantic dinner". Just include an expiration date. No, seriously. See below*.


Like cat said, NOTICE what is important to her. C'mon guys, it's close to Christmans.......sit up and pay attention.
It's not that hard
If you want further examples, I can supply many years of experience

Yes ladies, share!
And I think guys should share as well. We should share our good experiences and our BAD experiences.
Just a piece of advice from ol' Uncle Corvy

HAHAHA .... MOST guys aren't used to buying for a female, no matter how long they are married.
Simply put, men and women think differently, no matter how long they are together with the opposit gender


*SPECIFIC TIMES- okay guys, this isn't your excuse to get out of your coupons (should you decide to present these as a Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary/Etc gift.

What you need to do is (get this) keep track of the times/calendar dates/etc you give to your coupons.

That's step one. Step two (and trust me, this will make many women sigh in admiration if it's actually DONE) is nothing more than approaching your wife/gf within a day or two of the coupon in question and simply stating "I gave you this gift...now is your time, loved one, to redeem it".
Yeah, it's kinda weird (for those who aren't used to it), but trust me.....when a woman realizes that you not only REMEMBERED but BROUGHT UP the coupon given on Christmas (or whatever holiday)....well let's just say that jewelry brings not that many tears and thanks.
However, if you forget (even if she does the same), you might face the fate of being labelled an "unemotional ****
Just a little tip from your ol' Uncle Corvy

Thanks for jumping in with all the good advice.
My honey likes me helping him think of ideas.
Once started methinks he will do just great.

He got me my first flowers on day he proposed.
And they were purple (on purpose) since that is my favorite color.
He is a lot more romantic then he ever thought he would be.