Gift Giving on a Budget This Coming Holiday Season: 2 Gift Ideas For You to Use

Spend less, give more this hoiday season

Let's face it, this year more than ever, many of us are suffering the effects of this economic crisis. Jobs have been lost, credit cards cancelled and with the holidays just around the bend, many people are already feeling the stress. I have always been an arts-and-crafts type of gal so I thought I would share a few low-cost, beautiful gifts that you can make at home to give to your loved ones this holiday. Most of these are under $15.00 to make (some maybe as high as $20.00, but you can create multiple gifts with them)

Below are 2 of my favorite gift giving ideas: MIni-Spa in a Basket and Spa-Quality Soaps. I will be happy to post more if you like these gift idea suggestions!

MINI-SPA IN A BASKET

1. Find a thrift store in your area and select a nice wicker basket in good shape (average cost $2.00)

2. Go to your local Walmart or craft store and purchase the following items

A. Small glass jar with stopper

B. Bottle of Bath Salts

C. Nice Loofah sponge or washcloth

D. A package of tea lights

E. A nice small scented candle (or you can make your own! It's easy and inexpensive)

F. A small pack of incense or scented oil

G. A nice bar of soap or bath oil

 H. Raffia or something similar to Easter grass to line the bottom of your basket

All of these items will cost you roughly 10 to 15 dollars max.

 Assembling Your Basket : Place the bath salts into the glass jar and remove all items from their packages. Place these items attractively in the basket and if you have access to a garden add some flower petals around it. I like to top it off with a big bow or use the basket shrink wrap to give it a very professional boutique-quality look

For under 20.00, you will have a beautiful gift (or 2 or 3 depending on how much of each item you purchase) to give to someone you love .

HOME MADE SOAPS 

This is another wonderful gift and the beauty is, if you buy the block of soap in bulk you can create multiple gifts for many people. I personally purchase a soap block known as Goat's Milk Soap Base. You can purchase this online here, at WholeSaleSuppliesPlus.com-- a direct link to this particular soap.

Creating your soaps is as easy as

1. Melt Soap Block per manufacture instructions
2. Add your own unique ingrediants while it is liquid
   1. For smooth skin use ground Oatmeal
   2. For acne-prone skin use Ground Lemon Powder
   3. For pockmarked or scarred skin Rose Hip Powder works very nice
3. You can purchase molds very inexpensively in virtually all shapes and sizes; let the liquid harden overnight, and remove it from the molds
4. Wrap your soaps in Press-N-Seal kitchen wrap (it works beautifully looks just as nice as the more expensive wraps and is much cheaper)
5. Add a bow or rafia ribbon and you now have a one of a kind gift that your recepient will love!

There you have it, 2 great gift suggestions that will be greatly appreciated and will help save you money during these difficult times. If you would like to see more creative gift suggestions please let me know I have plenty more I can post.

I would recommend Rebecca Richardson to friends and associates as an expert in Affordable Gifts

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