Saturday, November 19, 2011

Shop At Home Ideas For Gifts

When I was a kid I was always on time. When it was time for a spelling test, never fear, I had studied and was ready.  My chores were done in the morning.  It was just who I was.  In fact, I often did things ahead of time. But somewhere between college and real life I have found I truly procrastinate.  So now, once again Christmas is almost here and I have not shopped for the people I love the most.  And the people I like most days but I should show appreciation to (like my boss, the mail man who puts up with our barking dog, and my neighbor who always has a friendly hello).  So what do I do?
After much research I have found that I can still get my shopping done, and get good deals as well, all without leaving home.  Here are some of my finds.  Next year I hope to do a better job but just in case I don’t I am relieved to know I can get it done-and even in time.
A gift basket is a great last minute gift Idea.  People love baskets. They can be filled with all sorts of stuff.  I was amazed at a site called Planet Gift Baskets.  They have thought of everything and anything. They even have a perfect basket full of dark chocolate for my hard to buy for father n law.
I also found you can get great last minute gifts at Overstock. What I like about them is that they ship almost immediately.  And they have everything.  Even baby stuff for my new grand niece who lives in Idaho.
Another favorite site is Amazon. I know, it sounds generic but I was able to really compare prices and I found my son a guitar. The price was a special and it was cheaper than the black Friday sale (the one I mean to go to but procrastinated and planned poorly). 
You really can find some great last minute gifts that will make you the most popular relative around. And don’t worry, there are stills sales and you can get in on the bargains. Just take your time and get going. Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do now. HA.  Have a blessed Christmas while at it.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Christmas Friendship Tea

Fast Christmas gifts
 
Christmas is in a few days and sometimes you need some last minute fast Christmas gifts. Just when you think you have something for everyone on your list, you member a few more people you need something for. Last minute fast Christmas gifts can be expensive. Be careful to not just buy something because you need a present.

A few years ago, my husband was still in college and we had very little money for the holidays. I worked full time and by the time I came home in the evening I was tired and certainly not in the mood to spend hours doing Christmas crafts. I needed a fast Christmas gift idea. My mother suggested this and I have used it over the years. Try your own variation, It is fun and fast and most important very inexpensive. But it lets your friends and family knows they are important to you and says Merry Christmas in a creative way.
CHRISTMAS FRIENDSHIP TEA
1 jars (18 oz.) Tang or any other orange drink
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup red cinnamon candy (red hots work well)
1/3 cup instant tea mix
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. To serve, stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of mix into 1 cup hot water, stirring until the candies dissolve.
Buy small jars at the dollar store and put the tea mixture in w it a Christmas bow and add the following poem.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY AT HALF PAST THREE BREW YOURSELF A CUP OF TEA I'LL THINK OF YOU, YOU'LL THINK OF ME SITTING BESIDE THE CHRISTMAS TREE
 
Fast Christmas gifts can be some of the best. Money is not the important issue; it is the thought that says you cared enough to remember your friend at this special season. So be creative and come up with your own tea mixture and  smile because Christmas day will have a special meaning as you drink your tea  and think of all your friends and family who you gave this simple gift to. Merry Christmas and enjoy.