While you are making your Christmas list this holiday season, you may think to yourself “How am I going to afford to get anybody anything?” I know this thought has scrolled repetitively through my mind several times these last couple of weeks.

Being between part time jobs, and having a lengthy list of financial obligations, I have found myself with a thin wallet and stressing about what to give my closest friends and family. After investing some time into brainstorming, I have concluded on a list of 10 things that can be given this Christmas that will cost next to nothing.

Coupons for Your Service

This may seem kind of cheesy, but your parents and boyfriend will love this. All you need are strips of paper, a sharpie, and some creative ideas. Write up coupons that are redeemable at any time that say things like “Good for One Car Wash,” or “15 Minute Back Massage.” Be creative and thoughtful.

Make a CD

Make a CD with your best friend’s favorite songs on them, or with a bunch of delightful Christmas songs. If you have a way to record your voice onto your computer, add a personal spin to it by adding tracks that you narrate by retelling great memories you have shared.

Bake Some Goodies

Nobody will complain if you give them cookies. They are simple and easy to make. Place them carefully into a decorative box with some colored tissue paper and plastic wrap to give them a little something extra. Check out Food Network for an effortless holiday cookie recipe.

DIY Jewelry and Headbands

Flashy headbands and long necklaces with big trinkets are both hot fashion items right now. They are extremely easy to make, and you can take things that you have laying around your house to make them. Raid your mom’s old jewelry box, ask first of course, and see if she has any broaches and chain necklaces she may not want any more. Attaching the broach to the necklace can makes for an adorable accessory. Check out this video to see how to make an embellished headband.

Pass Along Old Books

I love to read books that have already been read. I feel it adds to the story, especially if someone has underlined certain phrases and quotes. Allow your eyes to peel across your bookshelf. If you see a book that might interest someone you should give it to them. Even make a bookmark to put in it.

Make a Photo Ornament

While you are decorating your Christmas tree, locate one of those ball ornaments that are clear. Print off a picture of you and parents, you and grandparents, of you and whoever is the gift recipitant. Make sure it is a little smaller than a wallet sized picture, lightly fold it in half and stick it in the ornament. Write on the back with a silver marker “Happy Holidays 2009.”

Breakfast in Bed

Making breakfast in bed for your mom, dad, or your special someone is a kind gift to share. Check out this banana pecan pancake recipe from food network. Arrange the pancakes on a plate with a side of scrambled eggs and a piece of fruit. Top it off with a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee and don’t forget to smear on the holiday cheer.

Go Light Seeing

The twinkling lights shining like colorful stars outline rooftops and shrubs. Some neighborhoods have there light plans layed out in blueprints that stay locked safely away all year long. Get a group of your friends together, make a big thermos of hot cocoa with marshmallows, turn up “Jingle Bell Rock” and hit the streets. Light seeing is a fun memory waiting to be made.

Write a Poem or Song

This may require a bit more effort than the others. Writing something for someone you care about is an excellent way give an open-hearted, sentimental gift that will be deeply appreciated and remembered for many Christmases to come. When you begin to write, sincerely consider that person reflecting on observations you have made in regards to their character and mannerisms. Find what it is that sparks your interest in them and elaborate from there. No matter stupid you may think it sounds, they will certainly disagree. Print the words out on pretty paper, frame it, and present it.

Volunteer at the Homeless Shelter

“It’s better to give than to receive.” The truth in this familiar phrase never ceases to astound those who live by it. By volunteering at a homeless, shelter you not only give to those who have no place to call home, you also give an amazing benefaction to whoever you take with you. The greatest give to give to someone is love, and being able to love others with someone you love is an enchanting moment that everyone should most definitely experience once at the very least in a lifetime.

Fatima Meadows is a student of Appalachian State University. She loves the fragrance of the holidays, and wishes she could bottle it up and sprits it on the not-so-cheery days found sporadically throughout the rest of the year.

Photo from here.

• Filed Under:  
• Lifestyle, Family, Events, Shopping

• Tags:
• Do It Yourself

View Original Post at chickspeak.com

Humor: The Six Most Common Personality Types on Facebook

Callista Gingrich’s Suits: Mood Rings Revealing the Soul of Her Husband’s Campaign

Advice for the New Royal Bride, H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco

Does Fashion Deserve To Be In a Museum?

Emma Stone on Dropping Out of High School, Adjusting to Fame, and Her Hardest Hollywood Moment Yet

Sarah Palin Invokes World’s Least Creative Excuse to Explain Tour Suspension

Q&A;: Marianne Faithfull Doesn’t Like to Talk About the Rolling Stones

Gaga, Japan's Lady in Shining Armor?

Does Best Buy Own the Word “Geek”?

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”