So Christmas is in 3 days. Can you believe it? While most people are rushing around to find their last minute gifts, I'm done. I was at the mall yesterday to hang out with my friend around 1:00 pm. I would have thought that most people would be working since it was in the middle of the day but no. The mall was super crowded with mothers scrambling their young children from store to store, boyfriends and girlfriends trying to find that last minute special. Fortunately I finished my christmas shopping the other day and don't have anything to stress about. Well, at least about presents. Unfortunately, I'm worrying about my grandpa who is in the hospital and we don't know when he's coming home and my grandma is super sick =[ I'm just praying we can spend christmas together and forget about all of the negative things that are going on. We shall see. Ok, now that I'm a tad depressed, I'll tell you about all of my christmas deals. Like many people, I had a good amount to buy. I had to shop for 17 people. I didn't know what I would do. I started to worry because I'm a college student with no job. Thankfully I had some money saved but I still was unsure of how to make this work. 17 people? that's crazy! So inbetween my finals and presentations I searched websites for some deals. While most people think that the best deals are right after thanksgiving, their actually right before christmas both online and in stores. Usually I'm somewhat against shopping for gifts because I much prefer handmade things. However I mixed it up this year with some of each. In total I spent $160 on those 17 people. I think thats a pretty good bargain =] some of you may be thinking that I just got some stupid little things but that is where you'd be wrong. I bought sweaters, shirts, cashmere scarves, movies, etc. All of the basic loveable gifts that many people spend a fortune on. I can't tell you my secret because I don't really have one. Some may call me stingy but I just look for deals =] As for handmade gifts, I've made it all. Here's a few things I've made:
1. HOLIDAY CARD
I draw a holiday card every year for christmas. It's a simple way to tell all of your loved ones that you've thought about them. While I draw one card and mass produce it =] it stills shows thought and a sense of personality. My mom sends it to around 50 people every year and they couldn't be more greatful. It's an easy way to bring a smile to someones face without spending a fortune.
2. MOSAIC PICTURE FRAME:
This is my favorite gift to make and it is very simple to complete. All you need is a simple unfinished wood frame ($2), some old dinner plate that you can let out your anger on =] a tube of cheap acrylic paint ($2), Elmer's glue all, a pouch of grout ($4-$6), a personal photo that you can print from home, and a few hours to set aside. It takes about 3 hrs to complete but it is well worth it. It is very personal while looking professional =]
3. MOSAIC CANDLE HOLDER:
This is also a great gift. It is exactly like the frame but on a smaller scale and it takes less time which is always good for the crazy holiday season. Instead of the picture frame you would need a 1 1/2 inch flower pot with a base that costs under $2. If you want to be ambitious, you can always create a set with the picture frame and a matching candle holder =]
4. FRAMED WATERCOLOR PAINTING:
This is the easiet present that I make. Granted, many people think it takes hours but in fact it usually takes me about 20 - 40 mins. First, I think of a personal image that relates to the person I'm giving it too. This one is for my grandpa who paints birdhouses in his spare time. This painting took me 20 mins to complete with watercolor paint and I finished it off with a simple nice frame from the dollar store =]
We'll see how my cheap and personalized gifts go over with the family. I hope they'll love it =] Happy Holidays!
No comments:
Post a Comment