Do you sometimes feel obligated to take a gift to everyone you know at Christmas time? Not only family and friends, but your neighbors, the kids’ coaches, teachers, music teachers … you name it?
I’ll admit that there have been times where I’ve felt obligated to give. After all, isn’t this the season for giving?
Give Year Round
We should never feel pressured, so why not take the stress away by offering something that can be actually given later on in the year?
Kid’s Perspective
Think of the perspective of your child giving the gift. What would be something fun and easy that they could create? Or that the whole family could be a part of?
Create a Coupon
Are you already feeling rushed this season, and out of ideas and money? An idea of creating a coupon is simple and easy.
• Supplies: One good idea, paper, an envelope (and stickers or pens to decorate the envelope).
• Five minutes of your time to brainstorm, to put your idea down on paper creating a coupon.
• Have your child do the work – to make it her own. Then wrap it up and give it away!
Coupon Ideas
• One dinner after the first of the year (your child helps in the kitchen, and helps deliver)
• Stay after school and help the teacher – coupon for 5 times?
• 20 minutes of their time – for miscellaneous jobs or chores
• Mow a lawn
• 3 car washes
• Rake leaves
• One night free babysitting
• Pick up mail and water during vacation time
• 5 home baked desserts – TBA on arrival
• Dessert of the month!
• Invitation to a dinner in your home
One of my good friends told me she wants a ONE-HOUR COUPON from me to give her tips on using her MacBook. Funny, because I’m the last person to give a computer lesson! But Santa just may bring this to her …
Follow Through
The beauty of coupons is that they are so easy to think up, and to create! The downside is, you have to make sure and follow through with what you are giving. So don’t forget to mark it on your calendar, and help your child learn the importance of following through. They can also be used for any occasion!
Taking the stress off of “today” might even give the recipient something to look forward to after the rush of the holidays.
Lastly, I think it is so important to teach our kids that not only monetary gifts are valuable, but that the gift of time can also be more precious than a present. Last Sunday my boys went and helped a couple with yard work for a couple of hours (the gentleman recovering from surgery), while Abby helped in the kitchen baking pies. What warms my heart is that they wanted to do this.
What do you think about coupon-giving, to keep the holidays simple when you’re thinking of those “special” gifts?
Don’t forget to enter the Hip Hostess Apron GIVEAWAY and Kraft Foods Basket GIVEAWAY. Both winners announced tomorrow!
On a decorating note, have you thought about using a fur throw as a tree skirt? Check out The Nester today … this girl just cracks me up. And then pop over to The Nester’s sister’s post (Emily), The Gift of the Funk for a bit of inspiration. There’s just something about Emily’s words – so relatable. You’ll know what I mean.
Rebecca shares 3 Christmas Tree decorating ideas under $50! I’m about ready to put up my YARD SALE fake tree here soon. I’m all for frugal, yet classy, decorating!
Great ideas at The Motherload today as Amy shares Budget Friendly Gifts for Guys. So helpful!
Another great idea, Sandy! Love it…
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Lovely idea!
Makes it all so personal!
XXOOXX
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I think this is an awesome for gifts, especially when you don’t know what to give someone!
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So funny… I just posted very similarly along these lines!!! Cracks me up.
I love homemade gifts, and a coupon is certainly the easiest, fastest, and a lot of fun!
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I’ve done this for Christmas and Valentine’s. A gourmet dinner once a month, flavored teas, coffee, creamers, etc., baby sitting, happy hour and on & on. Most folks are totally into it and love the idea when they receive them.
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Sandy,
Thanks for the great ideas.
Last Christmas we gave family friends a meal a month gift. It has been a blessing to both of us. Some months we’ve dined together and other months we have taken a meal to them. This has helped on especially busy days for our friends.
We plan to do this for more friends this year.
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I just wanted to say, I love your blog…very nice
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Love the idea of coupon giving!! It’s really something my girls could come up with lots of neat and creative ideas for those around us.
Thanks for spurring a thought.
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Thanks for popping over Sandy!
Delighted to find your blog too!
Just added your button to my sidebar!
XXOOXX
Happy Happy Holiday Season!
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Great idea. I have always thought about doing these but never have…but this year they really go with my “theme” of keeping things simple and easy!
Holly
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Your idea is what the meaning of Christmas is all about. I think truly, actually giving of yourself is a much better gift than anything in a box. Love this idea, think I have a few people on my list who would too!
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It must be “Christmas Coupon” thinking day. I was just talking about this very idea this morning to my children.
Gibee’s post is along the same similar lines.
Now your post here.
What can I say?! Great minds think alike!!
Thanks for the ideas given here. Always helps one to think outside of the box.
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What a wonderful idea!!!
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What a great idea! I have thought about making coupons, but you put this is a new light! Thanks!
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