A little advice for an inexpensive Christmas
Cheap gifts don’t have to be bad gifts. But finding where to find a meaningful and inexpensive gift may be difficult. Here’s a few ideas of general gifts under $20 that are useful, easy and won’t break the bank. • It doesn’t need a game controller, and it’s much cheaper. Buy a board game like Sorry, Monopoly, Rummikub, Sequence, Imagineiff or Pictionary for under $20. This gift works for siblings, parents or even a roommate because, let’s be honest, it’s nice to have money, even if it’s fake and from the Monopoly game. • Starbucks Gift Card. Or any gift card. These come in random amounts that can work great with your tiny checkbook. Seven-dollar gift card from the Hub? That’s about three Marv’n Joes. I’d take it. • Shopping for a girl doesn’t require buying an expensive necklace or bracelet. Instead, head to Claire’s, located in Cache Valley Mall. Their earring selection covers three-fourths of the store, and there are even earrings for sensitive ears. Jewelry does not have to be expensive. If you’re a guy and you don’t want to be seen in Claire’s, make your little sister go with you as a cover. • Dollar Store. Not only do they have random gifts (like Santa candy dishes, Christmas patterned socks, hula skirts and Tupperware) but the wrapping paper, cards, ribbons, tags and bows sold there are much cheaper than usual. Forget buying a $5 gift bag and $3 card at Walmart. • Buy two movie passes to a local theatre. Total: $13. This way, you can let the person pick their own movie at their own convenience. Plus, a free movie is a break from real life. You’ve just given them a well-deserved break. • Ross Dress for Less in Logan has ties for about $12. Ties are a needed commodity in this demanding fashion world of business meetings, church services and being an Olive Garden waiter. Check the selection a few times during the month. Some ties are pretty average, but once in a while a classic zinger comes along that looks pretty sharp. Don’t give up. • Give a copy of your favorite Christmas CD to someone. CDs cost about $14 on average, and if the CD you pick out is a few years old, the price may have gone down anyway. • For the more creative type, buy a small journal from Borders and make a collage on the front with pictures, quotes or things that remind you of that person. Use Mod Podge to paint over the top of the collage, which seals the collage together and creates a protective coat over the art work. Mod Podge can be bought at Roberts Craft for less than $3. For the even cheaper person, buy a $2 journal from Wal-Mart to decorate. A collage can also be put around an inexpensive frame. • Buy your favorite paperback book and write a note in the front that explains why you thought this book will be meaningful to the person you give it to. Write how much you have enjoyed the book. Top it off with their favorite candy or a $5 gift card for a coffee or hot chocolate. • Mittens, hat and scarf. People seem to easily misplace seasonal clothing items, especially when they are smaller than a T-shirt and may still be in a mislabeled box in the attic. Best thing about this gift is that it’s useful. Logan gets cold. If you don’t know this, you have a problem.