This time of year is financially tough on many people. Most kids love to be creative, so here are some ideas for you and the kids to get creative and protect your budget at the same time.

Hand Print Shirts – Purchase an inexpensive sweatshirt or T shirt and some fabric paint. Lay the shirt flat with some newspaper or cardboard between the front and back of the shirt to stop the paint from bleeding through. Put a small amount of paint on a paper plate and spread it out so the area is big enough for the kids to put their hand flat in the paint. Have the kid’s press their hand flat in the paint then press their hand on a paper towel to test the print and blot of any excess paint. Once the print comes out well on the paper towel, then they can start placing their hand on the shirt. You can have the kids place their hand on the shirt in a specific order, or create a design out of their hand print, it is up to you. These shirts make great gifts for dads, grandparents, or relatives that live far away.

Personalized Ornaments – Most of the discount stores sell plain, wooden or glass ornaments for a couple of dollars. Purchase a paint pen in a complimentary color. Now you have the makings of a personalized ornament. You can let the kids paint designs on the ornament, or just paint the recipient’s name and the year on it or glue on some glitter and this year’s school picture and you have an instant personalized ornament. One year I found apple ornaments, painted the teacher’s name and the year on it and I had several very inexpensive teacher gifts.

Food gifts – This time of year, the dollar stores are full of inexpensive holiday dishes and baskets. Purchase a few of these items and fill with baked goods for friends, teachers, mailman, and neighbors. Don’t worry if you are not a baker, you can purchase holiday treats at the local dollar store also. Let the kids sort out the goodies and fill the dishes. Wrap in plastic wrap and decorate with ribbon and a bow. I like to keep a few of these gifts around incase I need a last minute gift that I may have overlooked during the craziness of the holiday preparation.

Coupons – All you need for this one is paper and a pen. You can have the kids make a coupon book for dad, mom, or their siblings. They can make a whole coupon book for things like free car washes or help with yard or housework. The options are endless. The kids need to realize that this is a real gift, and they have to actually do the work, which may be the difficult part. I make coupons for my kid’s stockings that include a free room cleaning, no chore day, and at the end I always include a free hug coupon, we both win with that one!

Hopefully you have gotten some great gift ideas and remember it is the thought that counts not the money. Here’s wishing you all a healthy and happy holiday season!