Gift Giving Resolution

For a couple of years now we've been hearing about the need to stimulate our economy, get out and spend. We're also being told that we need to think about our carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. In the spirit of these two initiatives, I have made a resolution about the gifts I will be giving this holiday season. For gifts this year I will be doing several different things based on what is appropriate for the recipient. I'm not going to just get them something if they won't appreciate it. Here's what I'm going to do!

Make things myself! I am making my dad a holiday sweatshirt that says HO, HO, HO on it. I made him one about 15 years ago that is all ratty and he still insists on wearing it. A new one is definitely needed! I am making my aunt a brag book, a small scrapbook that she can carry in her purse and show off pictures at bingo or her Wednesday coffee klache. The only album she has is of her wedding, so this will include current pictures and some from long ago. Something similar to this from Strawberry Stampers. Last year I made everyone Christmas-mix CDs of fun songs like Santa Must be Polish, Rudolph, Need a Little Christmas, etc.

Buy Handmade! There are so many great things made by local artisans and sold at local craft stores and holiday fairs. This is where I will get many of my gifts for girlfriends who like jewelry and appreciate things that are handmade. Buy American! My nephews are difficult to buy for now that they are almost 14. They only want electronics or expensive music equipment. Forget giving them books or games! For their birthday I got them cool t-shirts from Threadless.com, and that's what I'm going to do for Christmas, too. Threadless is neat because they have artists submit design ideas and then viewers vote on them. If a design is chosen it then becomes part of the inventory. The boys like the funny ones that make you think, like this one called I Used to Fit. The quality of the shirts and sweatshirts is excellent, and they are not something you see every day. I also like using the web site; you can tell what size you are looking for and then it only shows you things available in that size. I hate when I love something and then find out it's not available!

Donate to a Charity! Sadly, most people in my family would not appreciate this. However, I saw a fun pink plaid fleece pullover at the Breast Cancer site, and it is in purple at the Animal Rescue Site. I'll be getting this for my niece. Not all of the merchandise is pink or purple, nor does it necessarily have ribbons all over it. Buying from these charitable sites is a way to make a difference, also.
Go Green! On Etsy a shopper can search for eco-friendly products, or those that are recycled/upcycled. Both the Breast Cancer site and the Animal Rescue Site sell eco-friendly products as well as items made by cottage industries in developing nations.
Buy Books! My Friend Amy pointed out recently that the publishing industry is struggling and people should consider books as gifts this holiday season. A great coffee table book that someone would not buy for herself is a great idea! I am getting my mom a bunch of paperbacks. She reads even more than I do, but she either gets used paperbacks at a swap or checks out books from the library. She never gets new paperbacks, so this will be a treat for her.

Go see what other holiday ideas, crafts, recipes, and stories people are sharing around the blog world.

Angie at The American Homemaker has a wonderful story about the generosity of others towards her family at Christmas time. She is also sponsoring a Holiday Show & Share every Tuesday until December 23.

Melissa from The Inspired Room is hosting Holiday Linky Love on Fridays until Christmas.

Think about joining in on one of these next week!