BellaOnline Forums Family Christian Living Ideas for Thoughtful Christmas gifts

With the economy at a low in many parts of the country and many people out of work --
What are your ideas for thoughtful Christmas gifts?

I'm doing this kind of half and half thing where I buy something inexpensive and bake, cook or make something to add to the gift i.e.

Vatican calendar for my mom plus thera band and copy of healing meditation cd that I downloaded for a client. She will appreciate all that big time.

Brother and sister in law get sci fi movie, itunes card and copy of a smoothie recipe ebook I have (they are into the smoothies right now but need more recipes).

Sister and her boyfriend get a funny book (used) plus gift card to total wine because they are young and go to lots of BYOB parties.

Only the kids are getting really big gifts this year. I think people appreciate things more when you give them things they are really into vs. spending lots of money on just any gift : )

e-publishing gifts can be so unique and different as Christmas Presents - my self-publishing sie offers photo books,personal poetry collections or even customized family calendars for relatives;

One of the gifts I'm giving my grandchildren is a picture of something fun or important in their life. I found frames with the word Cousins on them and printed pictures of the cousins having fun. My youngest grandson (8) is getting a picture of himself with his brother (18) at graduation. They are close and now the older brother is away at college.

When I give the grandkids winter scarves, I'll include a note that I want them to think of the scarf as a hug from grandma. - Hokey, I know but they have to put up with that at Christmas.

My parents are gone now, but I have grown children and their spouses and grandchildren. I don't work so money is now always a huge issue. Luckily, I sew I'm making everyone a pair of pajama bottoms and tucking in a T-Shirt for a top, plus I found fleece when it was on sale, so I'm making everyone a snuggie.

I always make a TON of cookies, candies, and hot cocoa mix for the kids ... that's the highlight I think ... what goodies did Mom/Gran make this year

I bet your family looks forward to your gifts. The pajamas are a great idea. I used to sew but probably have lost my talent for it now and no sewing machine so I have to resort to other gifts.
You just gave me an idea for cocoa mix and their own personal mug.

Yes, or writers could self-publish a little book of poems and photos about their grandkids. I wrote about my experiences of this on my site: