December 1st...the year seems to be slipping away.  Only 30 more days and it will be 2012!  Do you believe it?  Time to start planning for Christmas if you haven't already done so.  The holidays can be very stressful.  They can also become extremely expensive.  It's always nice to give to neighbors, teachers, co-workers, etc. but with the economy, it's not easy.  Below are a few inexpensive gift ideas.  They are fun to put together and are all under $15.00.  Hope you will find this helpful.

Inexpensive Gift ideas

Ornaments!  Purchase clear glass or pearly white glass ornaments at your local craft shop for under $1.50 each.    You can use stencils and paint and write the year, the family name or if you’re really good with art, draw something on it.  It’s a cute gift idea for under $4.00.

Plants!  You can purchase a nice Poinsettia  or a Holly plant at your local home improvement or hardware store for under $6.00 cover it with Holiday cellophane wrapping paper, add a nice holiday bow and for under $10.00 you have a great gift.

Eatable!  Who doesn’t like to receive eatable goods?  Everyone entertains during the holidays.  Make it easy for someone and give the gift of yummy treats!  Purchase plastic goody bags at a party supply store (usually 10 for $1.99), fill each bag (approx. 1 ½ cup each) with different nuts (example: one with cashews, one with roasted nuts, one with almonds) tie with raffia ribbon.  Delicious gift for under $5.00

Purchase a pack of small wood cutting boards (usually 3 in a pack for approx. $6.99), a small block of your favorite cheese (pepper jack, havarti, gouda) and a pack of holiday spread knives (usually a pack of 4 is approx. $5.99).  Put the cheese block (in original wrapper) on the cutting board and wrap.  Tie with the spread knife.   You can put 3 or 4 of these together for less than $13.00 each.

Purchase a nice glass bottle (approx. $6.99) fill with good extra virgin olive oil and put one or two sprigs of your favorite herb (example: Rosemary, Basil, Thyme) and top with a cork bottle pourer or spout.  Tie with a nice holiday ribbon.  Great gift for under $12.00

Remember, try to enjoy the holidays.  It’s not so much about the gift but about sharing time with family and friends!  Be back soon with great drink recipes!