Wouldn't it be a great idea to compile a list of free or inexpensive gifts that we can share with loved ones this Christmas?  I have been thinking of some things that I will be doing this year.  Some are things I have done before and if anyone has any ideas to share please feel free to put them in your comment and I will add them to the body of this post.

One thing I have enjoyed doing is giving framed photos to family members.  Having recaptured my passion for photography I seem to have an endless supply of photos.  Some are of my travels near and far while others are of my children (and children in-law for sure) and grandchildren.  I search and try to find special photos that they will enjoy and that will have meaning for them.  It has now gotten to the point where I am getting lists of photos they would like to have.

Another thing that I will do this year is make a date with my special people.  Some of my grandchildren have taken a real interest in photography.  I look forward to setting aside dates with each one that will be a Picture Taking Day.  Each one will get to select the place they would like to go and the two of us will take our cameras and have a good old time shooting to our hearts content.  I'm sure we will find time to have a meal or two so it will not be completely without cost but a small price to pay for a day of memories and perhaps some Great Shots.  (I'm really excited about this one.)

Photography was something my dad really enjoyed and it pleases me to see my grandchildren discovering it also.

Is there anything that you will be doing that will not require $$$s?  Please share with us and I will add them to the list.

• Framed photos that have special meaning*
  
  
• A Picture Taking Day (I'm excited about this one!)
  
  
• A compilation of favorite recipes
  
  
• A CD you record of some of their favorite songs (see comment below)
  
  
• Re-gift a book that you know someone else would really enjoy
  
  
• The same can be done with a DVD or a CD
  
  
• An album of photos you have taken of a loved one 

Be comfortable telling the person this is a book or a DVD you have enjoyed and that you thought they would like it also.

This idea is not just for this season nor for this particular year because the economy is slower.  This is something that we have been doing in our family and will continue to. 

This is helpful for those that do not have a great deal of money to spend and also for those that would prefer to have addtional monies to donate to others.

We often say it is the thought that counts.  Let's make that real.

My list is short so please add to it.

• Sandy Aichner
  
  

  • Home made dish
  • Home made blanket or stocking
  • Scrapbook
    
    

• Karen Rice
  
  

  • Basket of assorted baked goods with recipes
    
  • Certificate to shovel snow for an elderly or incapacitate neighbor or just do it
    
  • Tub of ice melt in an attractive container and a nice scoop
    
  • A special gift in the name of some you care about (see Karen's comment for link)
    
    

• Erica Ramus
  
  

  • Prepare home cooked meals and invite others to share
    
    

• Jen Bowman 
  
  

  •  Personalized calendar with important dates entered (check Jan's comment below)
    
    

• Karen Rice (another one)
  
  

  • Gift cards (these vary in price...not free)
    
    

• Debi Ernst
  
  

  • Home made cookies
    
    

• Joyce Marsh
  
  

  • Re-gift (this is a wonderful idea...there are often things that we do not use and others would be so happy having
    
    

• Carole Provenzale
  
  

  • Framed an old album of a favorite CD
    
    

• Joan Whitebook
  
  

  • Snapfish offers inexpensive photo collages and calendars using your pictures
    
    

• Georgina Hunter
  
  

  • hot fudge sauce (for ice cream)
  • home made pickles or preserves
  • home made baskets ( I have made from coconut palm fronds) filled with goodies
  • hand painted signs
  • tote bags
    
    

• Audrey June-Forshey
  
  

  • Tickets for concerts or other special events in D.C. as family activities (not inexpensive generally)
  • Home made fudge and toffee given in dollar store tins
    
    

• Karen Villa Schweinfurth

  • Scapbook style cookbook for daugher-in-law with Karen's son's favorite recipes
    
    

• Renee Burroughs

  •  Baby quilts made with vintage chenille bedspreads (see Renee's comment below)
    
    

• Chad Baird

  • Framed handprints and footprints of your children...especially treasured by grandparents
    

• Audrey June-Forshey (another one)  

  • Make an attractive bag, fill with ingredients for scones, prepare breakfast for hosts at a stay over.

*Certainly this picture and the frame are very special.  Our granddaughter went to the dollar store and selected this frame for her school picture.  We love her thoughtfulness. 

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• If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®.

  Kate lives at Lake Anna, knows Lake Anna, loves Lake Anna, and specializes in Lake Anna area real estate. 

  Call Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web sites  and blog at http://lakeannaandbeyond.com/ or http://lakeannacountry.com/

  Copyright © 2008 By Kathleen "Kate" Elim, All Rights Reserved. *Looking a Short-Sale in the Eye?  Don't Blink!*.

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