I had already decided not to buy any Christmas presents at all, because I felt that everybody in my family already have enough stuff. But today I got a nice idea: Calendar 2010.
The semester at my university finished two days ago so I had piles of half used sheets. I chose the ones that are blank on the other side. Then I got out my old pencil case full of coloured pencils and started drawing.
Finally I managed to make four really nice, unique 2010 Calendars for my brother, sister, parents and my boyfriend. I’m still planning to add some old photos to them, and voila! Useful, 100% recycled and recyclable Christmas presents for practically free (since I’m a student I’m a bit short of money this time of the year).
This post was submitted by Kaisa.
Fantastic idea! Will try something similar.. Thanks for the great suggestion.
Comment by Dawn — January 4, 2010 @ 11:19 am
Yes. Check out a book along the lines of Unplug The Christmas Tree
We stopped giving presents. We do a small gift exchange or the gift of foods – ones we’ve made, wine we’ve made, or fancy stuff like a pesto or other treat.
How many of us really need things? Do we need more junk to choke the closets with? Simplify your life – gift / give / donate what you’re not using. Focus on making people happy. Learn some crafts, canning, food storage or play with cooking new foods. Do things with your neighbours – live more locally and give the one gift that you truly have to give – your time.
Comment by Eric — January 22, 2010 @ 1:40 pm
This is a lovely Idea! When you donate this callendar to all the family members, you can also write down family events or other nice events on it. Maybe even ideas to live ‘no impact’ and a bit frugal (as I love too). You gave me the golden tip here for the year of 2011!! I just bought some beautiful old postcards at the seconhand market for only 50 cents and 1 euro (about one dollar), that I could use for this…
Hmm, my brain is working it out allready..
By the way, I used to repack my children’s toys when they where under four, they had no idea and loved the unpacking haha!
Comment by mama lieveheersbeestje. — August 21, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
I’m so glad there are people out there with the same gift giving opinion as me. Last Christmas I gave everyone canned goods which I had canned myself. This year I am kniting beverage koozies which I have already started making since I plan on this project taking awhile. Its practical and it is also personalized so it shows how much I care. Another plus is I get to use up all my left over skeins of yarn.
Comment by Calley — September 2, 2010 @ 8:59 pm