Gift Ideas

The Christmas season is right around the corner and if you have a lot of people on your list or just a busy schedule with limited time - you might want to get started soon.

Once Halloween is over I really start to put a list of ideas together.  My husband's entire family live in different states and provinces, so in order to get everything there on time I really need to get organized.

 

When I start my list I take the time to think about who I'm buying for.  My parents for instance  rarely buy the things they need for their home such as dishes, roasting pans, bedding and towels.  Last year, my husband and I bought them a new duvet cover and some bed sheets - they had said so many times in the past that they really wanted new bedding but would never get it themselves, so I knew that gift was something they would really love and appreciate plus they use it everyday.

One thing that I love to take advantage of over the Holiday season is the 'free shipping'!  Many stores offer free shipping if you buy online and that can save you a lot of money.

Chapters.ca is one of my favourite sites for this because they sell a variety of items for kids - books, toys and more cool gadgets too.  They will ship and they have a great feature on their site where they break down the toys and books by age group so for anyone unfamiliar with 'what the kids are into.  I also love Mrs. Tiggywinkles for really fun ideas!

I also think about what is happening in the lives of those I love and try to find a gift that would fit for what is happening. A new home purchase? A new career? Just married? New parents?  Gift certificates can go a long way .... a clothing store, a nice restaurant, a home decor store are all great options especially for a picky person.


Other great ideas - for friends you don't see often: arrange a dinner out and enjoy each others' company; for new parents offer to babysit and give them a break; for neighbours how about a plant or bake something and for teachers think beyond the mug - gift certificates for coffee or books, movie tickets are great options !

For close friends or extended family, how about some board games for a fun family night and it gives them something to do over the Christmas break.

Get the kids involved in making ornaments which are great add-ons to gifts for grandparents and close friends.