Christmas is coming faster than Santa can eat his cookies at midnight. Before you know it, you’ll be waking up to the most magical morning of the year. If you’re already wondering how to make that day extra special for your family, we’ve got you covered.
Did you know that people in the U.S. spend about $620 on holiday gifts each year? That’s more money than you’d make from all the chores in the neighborhood! Money Smart kids should know that often people go into debt around the holidays buying gifts – in fact almost 50% of people will have more debt after Christmas than before. That can suck the joy right out of the happiest season of the year. You’ll see a lot of options at stores for “buy now, pay later” programs which can add interest to an already expensive purchase. Remember that paid interest is extra money you have to pay when you borrow money to buy things now that you don’t pay for until later.
But here’s a secret – most parents (actually most people) love heartfelt homemade gifts more than anything you can buy. And you might even be able to turn homemade masterpieces into a business. Believe it or not, the global crafting industry is estimated to be worth about 36 BILLION dollars. That’s a lot of origami.
Below are 5 ideas for gifts which will warm the hearts of anyone on Christmas morning, and won’t break your budget.
- Write a Letter: A letter may sound simple, but trust me, it’s like parent kryptonite. Take some time to write a thoughtful letter to your parents about why they’re special to you. Mention your favorite memories with them and let them know how much you appreciate all the hard work they do. Nothing warms their hearts more than hearing your words of love and appreciation.
- Create a Coupon Book: Make a book of kindness coupons that your family can “cash in” whenever they like. Ideas like “I’ll do the dishes,” “You pick the movie,” or “An extra big hug” are fun ways to offer something they’ll love. Just be prepared when your sibling cashes in that big hug coupon after a messy adventure outside!
- Family Picasso: Grab some crayons, markers, or paints and get creative! Draw your family as superheroes or create a comic strip of your funniest family moment. You can even make art using leaves, twigs, or anything you find outside. Your family will love it so much, it might end up on the fridge forever. Who knows, maybe you’ll become a famous artist one day and your family will be happy that they kept your first masterpiece.
- Photo Frame Crafting: Make a special photo frame out of craft supplies from around the house, like popsicle sticks, buttons, or dried pasta. Add a family photo or a picture with your siblings, and you’ve got a meaningful, homemade gift that captures your best memories. This thoughtful frame could become a new family favorite.
- Your Very Own Storybook: Did you know that J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, started writing stories when she was a kid just like you? Who knows, your Christmas story gift might be the beginning of your path to becoming the next great author! Write a story starring your family – it could be about a fun adventure you’ve had together or a magical tale where your family members are the heroes. Add your own illustrations, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind storybook that your family will treasure.
Remember, the best gifts come from the heart, not the store. Your family will treasure these thoughtful gifts much more than anything you could buy, and the memories will last a lifetime. So instead of worrying about spending your hard-earned chore money, focus on making this Christmas special with gifts that show how much you care.
Happy gifting, and may your Christmas morning be filled with more love than a sleighful of reindeer can carry!