Christmas Gifts Ideas.

I thought I might start a list of good gift ideas that I have come across and share them with you. Also good for me to write them down as my memory is that of a peanut. So here we go a couple of ideas.

1) A framed photograph of a place of significance. ex. the family farm, summer camp, a lake that you visit or your first home. You could either look for a professional photograph or even attempt some amateur photography yourself.

2)A magazine subscription. I have found the cheapest way to get a subscription is if you go and buy 1 or the magazines off the rack they usually have a deal on a card inside for readers to get a subscription at a cheaper price than you would get elsewhere. Then wrap up that magazine and write a note on it that you bought the subscription. Then you have something to give to that person on that day! Here is a place you can browse some options.

http://www.magsdirect.com/

3) Homeade Baking. This is an inexpensive but thoughtful gift. Sometimes I like to ask what some of their favorite Christmas Baking is and then make that but other times I make homemade Truffles and put them in pretty boxes. Either way you can make baking seem fancy by how you present it. I find beautiful boxes at the local Dollarama.

4)Local art or local food. Once I recieved a beautiful set of 2 cups, a sugar dish and a cream container from my aunt and I loved it. It was made by a local potter. It was unique, and it supported the local artists. They also sell local art at the Mendel Art Gallery on Spadina.

A store on 8th street sells locally made food and perserves. I think it's called Saskatchewan Made.

http://shop.saskmade.ca/index.php?cPath=52

5)A Shutterfly book. This is a photo book that you can make online. They are great keepsake for friends and family. Make a book of a trip or special time you had together as a family or friends. Or simply your favorite pictures from this year. There are books large and small. There are lots of different companies that do it. But you can made an online Scrapbook. It takes some time but you can do it when you have the time. With Kids this is great because when you have time differs all the time but this you can get to work on in the comfort of your own home. I have heard that even your local photo department does this as well. I have used Shutterfly before and I like it but it takes a while to ship because it's from the states. Just keep in mind that most places will tell you if it will be here by Christmas or not.

http://www.shutterfly.com/

6) Movie Tickets. At Costco they sell tickets to the galaxy or center cinema as a gift card. 2 adult passes, 2 drinks and a large popcorn. They are cheaper to buy at Costco then to buy at the movie theatre. I think they cost about 20-25 dollars at Costco. It costs about the price of 2 tickets so the food is essentially free. A nice gift for anyone. If it's a gift for a couple with children consider this as well. Then offer to babysit for them that night. As a parent this is a great gift because a night out with your spouse with a babysitter lined up is more valuable than you might expect.

7) An Industructable Nativity Set. Speaking of Children. It's always hard to know what toys they already have or what size clothes they need. I think children would love to get a Christmas decoration that they were allowed to play with. Fisher Price has a Little People Nativity Set. This is a great toy for the children to play with but also looks nice as a family Christmas decoration. A good way for one to teach the children about the meaning behind Christmas too.

http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=900000&e=storeproduct&pid=46068

8) A new Praise and Worship CD. One can never have too many of these. Either while on the computer, around the house or in the car, it's always nice to hear praises to the Lord. It's a great way to keep our minds focused on Him.

9) A new Purse. Women love to have a million purses. We are crazy creatures. Anyways this is a low stress choice because chances are that they already have the one they love but it's always nice to have another option for different seasons or outfits. Bently has lots of choices but so do clothing stores.

10) Ask for a list. Some people find this awquard but it really makes shopping alot easier on those around you.

Anyways I was hoping to make this list longer but alas duty calls. I hope that this has been helpful. Feel free to add more to my list in the comments. Have a Great Day in this freezing cold province. And if you are blessed with warmer weather don't take it for granted it's chilly here....:)