christmas gifts when your broke?

Question

well my husband and i are broke this year for christmas due to unforseen bills this year..we would like to get some things for our family but as desperate as it seems we only have about 15 bucks to spend per person as we have alot of people to buy for..any ideas on somewhat decent gifts for 15 bucks..thank for your help

Answer 1

You could brew your own wine or beer pretty cheaply, and it'd make a swell gift. Especially with some nice labels on it (albeit ones you made on your computer, not spent a load on).

You could probably get the equipment to do it off FreeCycle, if you have a local one:

http://www.freecycle.org/

People regularly offer up the basic homebrew/wine equipment on mine.

You might also be able to find some new-in-the-box, suitable-for-'gifting' stuff on it, too. At very least, it might take care of the wrapping paper and that sort of what-not; I just gave away a decent-sized stack of Xmas cards, so...

Re. all the suggestions for cookies: good enough idea, though I'm inclined to think that baked goods are in such large supply at Xmas that they get a little boring. Mind, an awful lot of stores seem to be flogging prettily packaged, not-very-perishable "gourmet" foodstuffs. Perhaps something like hot chocolate mix you made and placed in nice containers?

A "make your own (etc) mix" page:

http://members.tripod.com/~Tweezle/makemix.html

Every now and then I hit up a bulk food store and make my own muesli, and here and there I've thrown a bit at friends, and they've claimed to've enjoyed it quite a bit. The really good kind is expensive to buy but relatively cheap to make, too.

If you went running out to a plant store now and got some fresh herbs, you could divvy them up, re-pot little bits of each in nice planters, and hope they'd be nice and lush by 25 December; I'd love a windowsill box of assorted herbs somebody had already done the fussing with for me.

Answer 2

When you are broke you really shouldn't buy for others and they should be understanding. You can bake cookies, breads and holidays stuff and buy baskets at the Dollar Store and give each one a basket, that way you will not spend $15 a person which I think is a lot when you are broke.

Answer 3

Relax, we have all been in this position. First for Mom & Dad make coupons. Like for Mom one free night from cooking, or one free vacuum session. For Dad how about one free garage cleaning or free car wash. These can be good for any little chore that you normally don't do or you get paid for. You are just doing it out of the goodness of your heart. Second have your Mom/Dad go and buy a few $1.00 lottery tickets. Then make a few homemade cards and put a lottery ticket inside. This makes everyones day. Good luck. Something will come to mind.

Answer 4

you could always make gifts for the adults. baskets of cookies, homemade bread, jam, and homemade candy always are welcome at holiday times, especially if you make a point of personalizing each gift. So, if you know your sis really dies for anything chocolate, make her a complete chocolate basket. And yes, you can even make triple chocolate bread, using cocoa mixed in with the flour, chocolate milk instead of white, and chocolate chips. Little kids like cars and trucks, and matchbox type vehicles are always popular. Teens appreciate the latest cd by one of their favourite bands. whole families can benefit from a good dvd and bucket of popcorn. If you are crafty, you could always make personalized ornaments, or lap throws. and then, there is always the old stand-by of chocolate, inexpensive, yet tasty. Or just give a card to the adults, and focus the kids because they are what the gift giving thing is really all about\. The adults WILL understand,

Answer 5

Make some coupons for favors you know each family member would like, for example, shoveling snow/mowing lawn for an older parent or grandparent, house cleaning for a busy mom, washing car for a busy dad, taking care of pets when someone's away, cooking a meal or baking a dessert for a busy family or the cooking-impaired. For kids, a sleepover at your place where you will rent a movie and make popcorn (or another favorite treat), or a trip to a matinee movie in the theater.

Answer 6

We were really so broke one Christmas--had to wrack our brains for ideas and we got the most positive response. We had to really think about every person. My sister in law had a new baby and I baked her my special quiche and offered a night of babysitting. We ordered books through a book club that gives you 6 for $1 and so on. We had such a nice response because we really had to think about the individual. That was a lovely Christmas

Answer 7

Why not make some cookies and fudge for them instead? Recycle some old gifts. Make simple decorated baskets full of homemade crafts or bring an ornament. Check the dollar store, antique shops and bargain basement sales for special deals. If you are good at sewing or art, do a special item for them.

Answer 8

I make strawberry jam. Easy to get recipe off food network site.
Then I put a sticker with a saying on it. Usually Linus'
"The meaning of Christmas". Fun and most people love that it is homemade.
Merry Christmas!

Answer 9

Gift cards seem a nice idea. One might like a card at a music store one a books store one maybe at a Wal-Mart, one at a hardware store, etc. All will have the same amount so there will be no ill feelings and by choosing different stores they seem personal.

Answer 10

YEa right off the bat, you can make cookies but fruit and make a basket of fruit, candys, cookies, maybe make pies or something people like. Besides it's cheaper and they will remmeber it more knowing that you made it. ALso just go to the dollar store for the baskets and wrap. Or if you can knit or sew make them something or but cheap photo albums and decorate them. I once made pies and cakes for everyone and they went wild ove them. SO just think of something to make and do it.