Life is Grand!!!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Getting Ready For Christmas

I would love to once again have my Cmas shopping done early. I am already thinking about what I should get/make for all the grandparents (we have 12 that we need to buy for). Because my hubby and I buy for almost 40 people every year, we really have to watch how much we spend. Plus, with a new bike and a new baby coming, we really don't have a lot of extra money. So, I have been trying to think of neat little inexpensive gifts that I can buy or make for all the grandparents.

I know that we will be getting our annual family portrait done (we get the $12 Cmas package at Walmart), so I've thought about making a decorative frame for some of the family members. I could also make some of the grandparents an afghan...but yarn can be expensive and it could take too much time-and I'm not going to have much time to work on a blanket after a little one comes.

I could do a photo collage or a small scrap book, but that could be pricey and time consuming as well. I could also make them all some jam or jelly, but they really don't need all that extra sugar. So, I feel a little stuck right now. Do you have any neat little craft ideas I could use? What do you usually buy your grandparents? Have you even started your Cmas shopping yet? :-)

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Blogger Unknown said...

You know me, I am full of ideas! LOL! To save money, we usually have my sister take our Christmas picture. Then I upload it to Wal-Mart.com and get pictures at a fraction of the cost. Even with Wal-Mart's portrait prices. Plus, I like having our picture taken at home, it seems more personal.

Here are some things I have done in the past for gifts, fleece blankets (though fleece can get pricey, you have to watch for sales. JoAnn fabrics has some awesome sales!) quilted table runners, oh and I made these little bird feeders once, very inexpensive to do (and easy!) http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_wildlife_birds/article/0,1785,HGTV_3652_4698885,00.html
here are the directions on how to make one. I ended up finding cups and saucers at the dollar store and garage sales. My total cost ended up being around $3 each. Only thing, I used wooden dowels to attach my saucers to. Then I painted the dowels to match the cups.

Good luck!

September 20, 2006 10:39 AM

 
Blogger Jana said...

I'll probably start my Christmas shopping sometime in November. I hate it. Absolutely despise it.

September 20, 2006 10:53 AM

 
Blogger Oh great One said...

Christmas can be a little tight around here too. There are just too many people I don't want to leave out. We started drawing names each year with both my husbands family and with mine. It helps.

I think making Christmas tree ornaments would be wonderful. YOu could make them unique. Each year they would remember who gave it to them.

By the way I gave you kudos on my blog swing by to see!

September 20, 2006 11:46 AM

 
Blogger Lisa said...

UGH! Did you just say Christmas Shopping? Is it that time of year already? Like you, I would love to have all my shopping done early. And I love to shop, but never at Christmas! I will probably wait until the last minute as usual! I think the ornament idea is great! Everyone can always use a new ornament, and if its made by you, and has a pic of the family on it, that would be really adorable!

September 20, 2006 3:03 PM

 
Blogger Jennboree said...

Ornaments are always a great idea. Or to decorate frames, you could paint them or do mosaics (Amanda Sue is pro at that if you need tips!)

Photos are always a fave. That's what we plan to do this year. Keep an eye on the $1 Spot at Target for cheapie photo albums. Their Christmas stuff should be emerging there soon. Probably before Halloween even happens!

OH! Or cookies. Decorated by your little guy and then wrapped cute.

September 20, 2006 8:18 PM

 
Blogger Viamarie said...

A very good idea especially for you who will be having a baby soon. The baby will surely occupy much of your time by then.

Cheers to another day!

September 20, 2006 8:20 PM

 
Blogger FRIDAY'S CHILD said...

That would be nice to do Christmas Shopping this early. Unfortunately bonuses and 13th month pay are given way too late here and that does it.
My TT13 is up already.

September 20, 2006 9:35 PM

 
Blogger Becky said...

The year my Ex and I were engaged, we were pretty broke, so we had copies of our engagement picture made and framed as our gift to people. Most people understood our position and seemed to like having something "personal" anyway:)

September 20, 2006 10:09 PM

 
Blogger Leslie said...

"Company's Coming" has a great recipe book called, "Gifts from the kitchen" and another called, "Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen" They are wonderful, with lots of practical, inexpensive, fun and useful gift ides! I used it a lot last year.

September 20, 2006 11:39 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Right now I'm in no shape to even think about cmas. I've never been done early. I wish you luck.

September 21, 2006 10:10 AM

 
Blogger Jean-Luc Picard said...

The only Christmas shopping I've done is a few useful things on the internet.

September 21, 2006 2:58 PM

 
Blogger Trinity13 said...

I like the album idea PJ...I'll have to look into it.

I knew you would have some excellent ideas DW! I like the look of that feeder...very cool! I'll add it to my idea list, thanks!

I don't like it either Jana, but I hate it even more when it gets put to the last minute.

We draw names as well OGO, that's why we only have about 40 to shop for! :-) And I love the ornament idea...very cool. I'm sure the grandparents would love that!

I hate shopping around Cmas time as well Blue Moon...it's just so much more stressful!

I love Target, so I'll def keep my eye out Jennboree! Thanks!

Thanks for stoppin Viamarie!

Since my hubby doesn't get a Cmas bonus, I do my shopping all year round FC.

I usually do that every year Becky...the family loves it!

Thanks for the tip Leslie...it's much appreciated!!!

Thanks Day!

Sounds great Capt...good luck!

September 26, 2006 10:34 AM

 

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