Gift Ideas that will not make you go bankrupt

Pessach/Easter is near. And if it is anything like where I live you HAVE to get presents. This year we decided to get our kids one present that they have to share. The only other person to receive a present from us is our nephew. Anyone else will just have to do without.

Honestly, I think it is a disgrace that we live in such a consumption-focused society that we HAVE to buy something. And you have so many occasions – next to birthdays, which I think are the only occasions that may call for more expensive presents, you have any religious holiday,  Valentine's Day, Mother's/Father's Day, anniversary… I am sure that you will find a lot of occasions where you just HAVE to give a present to someone.

I personally love to buy gifts for my children. But I usually buy it on deals. And I carefully choose the presents. Very often it is something as simple as a coloring in book or stickers that I get at a local "everything for 1 Shekel" (which is the equivalent of about 30 cents). They love it and no-one can honestly say that my kids are poor or have nothing to play with.

You've probably heard it before: you don't have to spend a lot of money to find that perfect gift for someone.  Just be sure to put some time and thought into it and your gift will be well received.

When I was a child my mom used to tell me that she rather receives a single rose that was carefully chosen then a large bouquet that was bought in haste and without thought. And this is the key, everyone appreciates our time and love more than anything.

So, before you go out and spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on presents (per occasion or per year), STOP!  Read through the list of inexpensive gift ideas, maybe there is something that you think could work for you or you come up with something else. I would love to hear any new ideas, so, please, do post them.

• There are hundreds of great gifts that can be purchased or made by hand for under $10, you just have to be a little bit imaginative
• Home baked bread, include recipe
• Homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar
• Home baked cookies
• Homemade cookie mix with instructions for baking
• Baking pans and supplies
• Muffin mixes with muffin pan
• Pepper mill and fresh peppercorns
• Pretty glass jar filled with candy  
• Gourmet coffees with a personal coffee cup
• Teacup with box of herbal tea
• Special coffee cup filled with candy
• Set of Turkish coffee cups with Turkish coffee
•  Set of dish towels and dish cloths
•   Serving bowl or platter
• Decorative napkins and napkin rings
• Basket filled with kitchen gadgets
•  Specialty cookbook
•  Handwritten copies of your favorite recipes
•  Craft supplies
• Child's artwork, framed
•  Collage of special photos
• Gel pens and pretty stationary
• Pretty box for keepsakes
• Makeup tote
• Makeup brush set
• Nail polish kit
• Special soaps and bath puff
• Puzzles
• Board games

These are things that are under $10 in Israel. The list may change according to your location. Again, remember, it is  really not about the amount of money you spend for a gift that matters the most, but that you cared enough to give something special.