Are you stressed over the pressure to buy just the right gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list? Consider simplifying your shopping with these ten easy gift ideas.
1.
Give a gift of time.
Print a certificate redeemable for a chore your friend hates-for example, one hour of housecleaning, two hours of personal shopping, or delivering a homemade meal.
2.
Give a gift to your friend's favorite charity.
Gifts given in honor of someone are a great way to recognize a friend or family member.
Wrap an inexpensive, funny to go with the recognition card.
3.
Give a favorite photo.
You can enlarge a picture from a recent family vacation, a family reunion, or any special occasion.
Put it in a nice frame or a magnetic refrigerator frame.
4.
Give a gift of food with the recipe.
Perhaps your friend has always bragged about your homemade pumpkin bread, strawberry jam, or cheese ball.
Give this gift early so your friend can share it at the holidays.
5.
Give a classic CD or book.
Look for something just a little different than what the person would normally buy, or consider a Christmas CD that will be enjoyed immediately.
6.
Give a gift which helps stay in touch.
It is often hard to find appropriate gifts for the elderly, but Aunt Martha probably doesn't need any more socks or slippers.
Give a box of generic greeting cards, two books of first class stamps, and return address labels.
This saves a trip to the post office and the card shop.
7.
Give tickets to a concert or special event.
Even regular movie tickets will encourage the person to do something fun after the hectic holiday season.
8.
Give a manicure, massage, or pedicure appointment.
It's great to have a self indulgence gift to look forward to in January.
9.
Give a weekend getaway.
If you really want to splurge, purchase a weekend for two at a cozy mountain cabin.
10.
Give restaurant gift certificates.
This is a great treat for the post-holiday, left over blues.
As a final thought towards enjoying the holidays with a little less stress.
resolve to shop throughout the year while on vacation, at craft fairs, or even at the mall.
When you see something that reminds you of a friend or family member, buy it then! Keep a list of the gifts you have purchased and stash them in an easy-to-remember place.