Newsletters	Email
Print	Contact Editor
RSS Feed	Share

	Join TDS on Facebook
	Follow TDS on Twitter

10 Creative Ways to Give From the Heart

by Nancy Twigg

Meaningful gift giving doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most precious gifts are the ones that cost very little, but mean a great deal because of the time and effort the giver took in giving the gift. Below you will find a list of gift ideas that are low-cost but high value. Rather than a large chunk of change, these gift ideas require you to invest your creativity and time with only a little of your hard-earned cash.

Make a scrapbook of the history of your relationship with the recipient. Fill it with pictures, mementos and memories from the past. Include your own heartfelt note thanking the recipient for the value and warmth she adds to your life.
Put your artistic abilities to work and create a piece of art in honor of the recipient. Write a personalized song, do a painting or sketch, or write a poem.
Use your computer to make a family cookbook with a variety of recipes contributed by different family members. Or make a cookbook of all of your own special recipes to share with the recipient.
If you have artistic flair, purchase blank note cards with envelopes. Decorate the cards with your own drawings to make personalized note cards for your loved one.
If you can knit or crochet, make the honoree a new scarf, hat, afghan or pair of mittens. If you sew, create a new apron, fleece throw or keepsake pillow.
Make an "I Love You because..." or "You're Special because..." jar. On individual slips of paper, write something you love and appreciate about the honoree. Place the slips of paper in a decorative jar. You can also make an "I Love You" book by writing each thought on a different page of a blank journal.
Use a desktop publishing program or your calligraphy skills to create a wall-hanging featuring a inspirational quote or Bible verse that is particularly meaningful. If you are handy with a needle and embroidery floss, do the same thing using your needlework skills. Display the finished product in an inexpensive, yet attractive frame.
For the chocolate lover on your list, fill a gift basket with several varieties of homemade chocolate cookies, candy, and brownies. If the recipient loves sweets but is concerned about weight gain, use recipes for goodies that are low in fat and calories.
Make a keepsake video containing something that would be special to the recipient: her children singing songs, friends telling why they love her, or you recounting funny stories of times you've shared together.
Do a week or month's worth of cooking for the recipient. Fill her freezer with homemade meals that she can easily heat and serve rather than having to cook.

Excerpt from Nancy's book, Celebrate Simply: Your Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions .

Subscribe to TDS Newsletters

To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.

Your money saving idea could win you $100!

Each month one TDS reader will win $100 just for telling us your favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you!
Click here to share your idea.

Recent winners are:
- Michelle from NC
- Matt from CO
- Joan from CT
- Joanne in New York

Money problems?
The Dollar Stretcher can help:

Afraid to lose your job?

Struggling with credit card debt?

Help for your mortgage?

Can't pay your debts?

Need some extra income?

Fighting bad credit?

What you need to know about bankruptcy?

Become money smart?

Trouble repaying student loans?

Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
Voice 941-761-7805
Fax 941-761-8301

"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.

10 Creative Ways to Give From the Heart

by Nancy Twigg

Get free parenting tips in your inbox each week!

Subscribe to TDS Newsletters

Your money saving idea could win you $100!