Not so Ordinary Christmas Gift Ideas

Here are some ideas of ways to save money, support your local artists, and simplify.

Save Money: 
1.  Shop at your local thrift store.  Today at NESAP (our thrift store in Hampstead) I found two antique glass ornaments, for $1.00.  Each year I get Michael and the kids a special ornament, and these will be perfect for Michael.  We also found snow boots and mud boots for the boys, which they needed.  They were $6.00 each, but if I had bought them new I would have paid a lot more.  For Elena, I found a beautiful white sweater cardigan from Old Navy, for $4.00.  She also bought a little candle in a tin for $0.25, which she will give to someone for Christmas.  She loves to find presents.  Jedrek found some hunting camouflage that he wanted, but then thought of his brother and decided Slade needed it more than him.  I also found two shirts for Slade, which he needs and will be happy to have at Christmas.  One I found at Goodwill.  Last week, we went to a Community Aid Store where I found a doll for Elena.  She had been looking at a doll catalog where the dolls were a lot of money.  We found a beautiful china doll for $2.50. 
This is a way to reuse items and save money.

2.  Think of a friend, who may be happy to have some of your children's old toys or books.  My friend, Karen called me and asked if my daughter would like some of her daughter's extra Pet Shop toys.  I know she will love them, so Karen put them in a bag and gave them to me to wrap for Christmas.  How thoughtful!  Maybe you have some toys or books that would work for one of your friends.  It doesn't hurt to ask.  In this economy, they will probably be blessed!  I know I was!

Support your Local Artists and Businesses:
3.  Buy a gift at a local market, local shop, or craft fair.  In Westminster, MD, Carroll Arts Center has a great gallery of art that you can buy.  We went today and were impressed with the variety, craftmanship, and prices.  Why not support local artists instead of buying cheap stuff from Walmart?  It matters who we support.  One book The Walmart Effect is an interesting book, that changed the way I look at Walmart.  I no longer shop there.  I think there are better options.  I would rather spend a little more for quality and something special, while supporting the local economy. 
4.  You may even know a local artist or craftsman you could buy a gift from.  For example:  I saw yesterday on facebook that my friend Amber made scarves and is selling them on Etsy.

Simplify:
5.  Make a list and buy less.  Sometimes, I see something in the store and buy it, when I wasn't even looking for it.  Then, I think of something else, and buy that.  When I plan and make a list, I actually buy less and the gift I buy is more thoughtful. 

6.  Make your own homemade gift.

I hope you find special gifts for those you love this Christmas.  I hope you are able to seek after Jesus, read His word, and are blessed this Christmas.