Gifts Galore!
Holiday parties, Hanukkah, and Christmas. What do these celebrations have in common? They all involve gifts!
But what do you do when you don’t have any money for gifts? Or what if you do have money to buy presents but don’t know what to give?
Can you relate? Then it’s time to read my article on gifts!
TOPIC 1: What to do when you don’t have any money for presents.
Yep, it’s pretty easy to relate to this topic. Here are some tips on homemade presents to give that you won’t see in your friend’s wastebasket next time you visit:
Make a duct tape wallet! See this link for help: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Duct-Tape-Wallet
Draw up some homemade coupons good for a chore or anything you know your relative loves. These’ll be great as long as you don’t follow my example and add expired expiration dates….
Make a little puzzle! Find a picture of you and your relative and glue to cardstock. Then just cut it into a puzzle.
On a sheet of paper, write an acrostic poem out of your gift-receiver’s name and then frame it. Your friend can hang it in his room.
Put a packet of hot cocoa mix, a small bag of marshmallows, and a candy cane in a clean mug. Decorate with a pretty bow and a to-from card.
Fill a mini-stocking or a small gift bag with little candies.
Make some of their favorite food or treat.
Make your own radio show! Write a script and come up with a list of funny characters to interview (you can make up different voices to use for all of the characters). Record it and give it to your friend or relative.
TOPIC 2: When you have money, but don’t know what to buy.
Need some ideas? Take a look at the chart to find out what teens and relatives love for gifts.
IF YOU HAVE $10 OR UNDER: DESCRIPTION
*Nail polish…………………………… A lot of girls love to do their nails!
*A book……………………………….. Perhaps one your friend wants to read, or one on a subject he or she loves.
*Flavored Chap Stick…………………Lips get cracked a lot easier in winter weather
*Earrings……………………………... A single pair is cheap and meaningful.
*A goldfish……………………………. Really, consider this! Goldfish are usually under $10!
*A $10 gift card to a favorite store….. If you can’t think of anything your friend would like, him or her pick it out by him or herself!
IF YOU HAVE $10-$20: DESCRIPTION
*LED shower heads….………………... These make shower water look likes it’s changing colors! You can also find single colored shower heads if your friend has a certain color she loves.
*Jigsaw puzzles………………………... A perfect present the whole family can enjoy for days!
*Perfume or cologne………………….. Great, as long as you’re sure your relative won’t take it the wrong way.
*Board games……………………………. Everyone loves board games!
*A handbag…………………………….....These are very useful, especially for school purposes.
*Hat and gloves………………………….. Not a lot of people think to get this, but everyone needs one.
IF YOU HAVE $30+ DESCRIPTION
*A sweater or jacket……………………... Just make sure you know your friend’s size.
*A cell phone or Ipod case………………. Your gift-receiver will love this!
*A beanbag chair…………………………. It complements a room nicely.
This ends my article on gifts. I hope by now you are ready to face the gift-giving season with confidence. And remember, as said the missionary Amy Carmichael, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”
BONUS IDEAS from American Girl®
Caroline Doll
Price: $105
Caroline Abbott™ is a daring, self-reliant girl who learns to steer a steady course amid the challenges of war while growing up in Sackets Harbor, New York, on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812. The Caroline doll is 18” tall with light aquamarine eyes and long blond hair. She arrives wearing an empire-waist dress trimmed with ruffles and a woven floral sash, lacy pantalettes, ribbed-knit stockings, pink shoes, with a Meet Caroline paperback book written by Kathleen Ernst.
Meet Caroline Book
Price: $12.95 HC, $6.95 PB
Caroline’s story of growing up during the War of 1812 comes to life in a dramatic, action-packed series of six books written by award-winning author Kathleen Ernst. The first title in the series is Meet Caroline, followed by Caroline’s Secret Message, A Surprise for Caroline, Caroline Takes a Chance, Caroline’s Battle, and Changes for Caroline.
Caroline’s Travel Outfit
Price: $28
Caroline wears this coral dress when she journeys across Lake Ontario. It features a gathered bodice, ribbon trim, and dainty floral print. True to her era, the matching red boots lace up on the insides.
Caroline’s Skiff
Price: $175
Papa built this beautiful wooden skiff at the family’s shipyard—Caroline loves to go sailing with him on Lake Ontario. True to her era, it features two seats plus a mast with a canvas sail that can swing left or right to catch a breeze. Or, she can take the mast down and row with two wooden oars. Papa even named the skiff after her, and painted “Miss Caroline” on the side. W: 28” x H: 22½” x D: 8½” Doll and skiff should not be placed in water.
My American Girl® Doll
Price: $105
Create the doll that’s just right for you. With your My American Girl doll, you can choose her look, interests, and even her personality. Includes:
• An 18” doll dressed in the True Spirit Outfit: a pink tee with tone-on-tone print, a flared skirt with a double-ribbon belt, pink underwear, and tall boots
• A charm-keeper necklace to hold her collectable charms (get a charm with every My American Girl outfit.)
• Codes that give you full access to online play at InnerstarU.com—a fun, enriching, safe online world created just for girls and their My American Girl dolls
Snowboard Outfit for Dolls
Price: $34
She’ll be ready for winter fun with this snowboard jacket! It’s fully lined and features a multicolored pinwheel print, a hood, and an asymmetrical front closure. Matching snow pants have a pocket and floral graphic on the right leg. Add knit socks and green mittens to keep her cozy! Includes a “Kind” square charm. Doll should not be placed in snow.
Snowboard & Gear for Dolls
Price: $38
My American Girl® dolls can “hit the slopes” with this sporty set! It features a graphic snowboard with bright blue bindings to keep the two-tone boots securely in place. Keep her safe with a pair of pink snow goggles and matching helmet. Doll should not be placed in snow.
Winter Chalet
Price: $ 150
This beautiful chalet is the perfect place for your doll to warm up after hitting the slopes. It’s made to look like a rustic log cabin, with an arched roof, faux-wood floors, window shutters that open, and a fireplace that really lights. An illustrated “winter fun” poster hangs on the wall, and you can add a pretend holly wreath for a festive touch. There’s even a red trestle bench with curvy legs to pull close to the hearth with a mug of faux cocoa! Adult assembly required.
Soft –as-Snow Outfit and Snowy Earmuffs
Price: $44
My American Girl dolls won't be afraid of catching a winter chill in this shimmering, glimmering outfit. She'll be ready to play outside, no matter what the weather holds
Anny Hiestand, Teen Blogger