Comments on: Twelve Great Gifts Under $10 I’d Love To See Under My Tree http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:34:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Michele http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-825110 Michele Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:04:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-825110 I make gifts for my friends instead of buying them something and the two most requested are sugar scrub or salt scrub and homemade breadcrumbs. For sugar scrub I take two cups of sugar and 1 cup of dried rose petals from my garden (I save & dry them all summer) and put it into a food processor. With the blade running, I add almond oil until it's smooth. I add a drop or two of rose oil essence and put it into a pretty canning jar and tie a beautiful garage sale or thrift store real silver spoon with an intricate design to it. Salt scrub is the same, but I use table salt, not kosher, it is too chunky to use as a scrub! I also sometimes make the sugar scrub with brown sugar and add a little vanilla extract for a lovely smell. For breadcrumbs, I save bread ends in the freezer and put them into a food processor with frozen basil and parsley from my garden, fresh grated parmesan, a couple of peeled garlic cloves and a little salt and pepper. I grind them up and put them into a pretty canning jar. They should be refrigerated and I add a tag with a couple of recipe suggestions. I always get lots of compliments. I make gifts for my friends instead of buying them something and the two most requested are sugar scrub or salt scrub and homemade breadcrumbs. For sugar scrub I take two cups of sugar and 1 cup of dried rose petals from my garden (I save & dry them all summer) and put it into a food processor. With the blade running, I add almond oil until it’s smooth. I add a drop or two of rose oil essence and put it into a pretty canning jar and tie a beautiful garage sale or thrift store real silver spoon with an intricate design to it. Salt scrub is the same, but I use table salt, not kosher, it is too chunky to use as a scrub! I also sometimes make the sugar scrub with brown sugar and add a little vanilla extract for a lovely smell. For breadcrumbs, I save bread ends in the freezer and put them into a food processor with frozen basil and parsley from my garden, fresh grated parmesan, a couple of peeled garlic cloves and a little salt and pepper. I grind them up and put them into a pretty canning jar. They should be refrigerated and I add a tag with a couple of recipe suggestions. I always get lots of compliments.

]]> By: Sharon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-446960 Sharon Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:24:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-446960 I like to get old Craftsman hand tools from estate sales. They are much better than current tools, and dirt cheap this way. I like to get old Craftsman hand tools from estate sales. They are much better than current tools, and dirt cheap this way.

]]> By: Marie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-446701 Marie Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:03:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-446701 Be careful with the coupon idea. I did that for friends one year who said they appreciated it when they got them, but who actually felt cheated out of a gift. Not everyone understands these things... (FYI: That year, I really could not afford gifts, but my friends were in the habit of exchanging.) BTW, my coupons were for things like babysitting, car wash, housecleaning, etc. I tried to make them significant chores. Be careful with the coupon idea. I did that for friends one year who said they appreciated it when they got them, but who actually felt cheated out of a gift. Not everyone understands these things… (FYI: That year, I really could not afford gifts, but my friends were in the habit of exchanging.)

BTW, my coupons were for things like babysitting, car wash, housecleaning, etc. I tried to make them significant chores.

]]> By: partgypsy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-446318 partgypsy Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:54:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-446318 All great ideas. I think I would like everything on that list (except maybe the straight razor). I ended up making old fashioned gingerbread cookies and giving those along with bags of pistachios for gifts for children's teachers, coworkers. Though I felt strange not getting more personalized gifts everyone actually seemed real happy to get them. And I had a lot of fun making and decorating them. All great ideas. I think I would like everything on that list (except maybe the straight razor).
I ended up making old fashioned gingerbread cookies and giving those along with bags of pistachios for gifts for children’s teachers, coworkers. Though I felt strange not getting more personalized gifts everyone actually seemed real happy to get them. And I had a lot of fun making and decorating them.

]]> By: Melaniesd http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-324768 Melaniesd Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:33:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-324768 One of my favourite gifts was a variety of nice teas. My best friend knows I enjoy them and I cherish the tea chest it came in. I also recieved a wonderful homemade "bits and bites". I am blessed to have 3 grandparents still alive. My grandfather loves my homemade pies so that is what I give him for gifts. He really enjoys that and looks forward to the pies. One of my favourite gifts was a variety of nice teas. My best friend knows I enjoy them and I cherish the tea chest it came in.
I also recieved a wonderful homemade “bits and bites”.
I am blessed to have 3 grandparents still alive. My grandfather loves my homemade pies so that is what I give him for gifts. He really enjoys that and looks forward to the pies.

]]> By: Kelly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-314739 Kelly Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:44:10 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-314739 Reqwired Bookmarks would be an amazing addition to that paperbook. They are $8.00 and handmade in Colorado. Reqwired Bookmarks would be an amazing addition to that paperbook. They are $8.00 and handmade in Colorado.

]]> By: A in NC http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-174340 A in NC Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:35:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-174340 Just reviewing these comments more than a month after xmas and have some thoughts. "consumables" rock for gifts. Add to it: -movie tickets -pretty stamps -Netflix subscription or Netflix online gift certificate (netflix is the best website ever!) -big frozen pan of homemade lasagne Just reviewing these comments more than a month after xmas and have some thoughts.
“consumables” rock for gifts. Add to it:
-movie tickets
-pretty stamps
-Netflix subscription or Netflix online gift certificate (netflix is the best website ever!)
-big frozen pan of homemade lasagne

]]> By: Melanie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-132500 Melanie Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:33:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-132500 Another one for under $10: go to a movie rental store that sells older/no longer used DVDs and VHS movies for $3-5 each. Buy one of the movies the recipient would enjoy. Throw in some microwave popcorn and a few boxes of their favorite candy. This can cost as little as $5, and is PERFECT for younger kids who want to watch the same movie over and over and over, and who don't care if it's used. Another one for under $10: go to a movie rental store that sells older/no longer used DVDs and VHS movies for $3-5 each. Buy one of the movies the recipient would enjoy. Throw in some microwave popcorn and a few boxes of their favorite candy. This can cost as little as $5, and is PERFECT for younger kids who want to watch the same movie over and over and over, and who don’t care if it’s used.

]]> By: Shek http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-128857 Shek Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:57:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-128857 My roommate lost his hard drive data on his laptop. Most of the work data was saved but he lost all his puppy's pictures. Well, I have all those pictures on my computer and will put it all on a cd for him. I have a spare 11X17 frame lying around and will print the best picture for the frame. My roommate lost his hard drive data on his laptop. Most of the work data was saved but he lost all his puppy’s pictures. Well, I have all those pictures on my computer and will put it all on a cd for him. I have a spare 11X17 frame lying around and will print the best picture for the frame.

]]> By: tnaz http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-127264 tnaz Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:41:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-127264 Years ago, I bought a techie relative a domain of his own name (JoeRelative.com). I bought him a 3-year deal for about $30, but you can get one year for as little as $10. Years ago, I bought a techie relative a domain of his own name (JoeRelative.com). I bought him a 3-year deal for about $30, but you can get one year for as little as $10.

]]> By: Dasher http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-127255 Dasher Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:25:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-127255 Unusual spices are really fun gifts for people who like to cook. A tiny amount of a valuable spice is the perfect price. One of my favorite recent gifts was a makeup holder in a bright color so it wouldn't get lost in the bottom of my purse. Another favorite is a mixing bowl I use at least once a week -- I always think of that friend every time I use it. Unusual spices are really fun gifts for people who like to cook. A tiny amount of a valuable spice is the perfect price.

One of my favorite recent gifts was a makeup holder in a bright color so it wouldn’t get lost in the bottom of my purse. Another favorite is a mixing bowl I use at least once a week — I always think of that friend every time I use it.

]]> By: dm http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-126764 dm Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:11:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-126764 A great list, thank you! I so agree with the coupon/voucher idea - last year we made a pact to spend very little on each so I made some vouchers* for my partner for small treats that could be redeemed at any time. A foot rub, washing up for the day, but mostly things that I couldn't post here for a family audience ;-) He was absolutely delighted with it and we had great fun negotiating the redemption of those vouchers for the first few months of 2007! A great list, thank you!

I so agree with the coupon/voucher idea – last year we made a pact to spend very little on each so I made some vouchers* for my partner for small treats that could be redeemed at any time. A foot rub, washing up for the day, but mostly things that I couldn’t post here for a family audience ;-) He was absolutely delighted with it and we had great fun negotiating the redemption of those vouchers for the first few months of 2007!

]]> By: f1ower http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-126640 f1ower Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:49:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-126640 If you are going to get a present for a kid or young person, think about what they do. I played with Barbie dolls until I was 15, but my brothers (or their gf/wife) got me bath stuff since when I was about 8. I always wondered if they thought I needed to bathe more (and since I bathe every day, that would be a little much). I would have been sooooo thrilled if they had gotten me a $5 barbie, instead. And if you know a knitter/crocheter, even if you think they have a lot of yarn (or too much yarn, or enough yarn to make a planet cozy - like a tea cozy, but for the earth :) ), give them a gift certificate for a yarn store. I promise, there is nothing better than having someone realize that $10 for yarn/needles/accessories is what a knitter/crocheter really will be thankful for. (Think about it...they might make you socks...) If you are going to get a present for a kid or young person, think about what they do. I played with Barbie dolls until I was 15, but my brothers (or their gf/wife) got me bath stuff since when I was about 8. I always wondered if they thought I needed to bathe more (and since I bathe every day, that would be a little much). I would have been sooooo thrilled if they had gotten me a $5 barbie, instead.
And if you know a knitter/crocheter, even if you think they have a lot of yarn (or too much yarn, or enough yarn to make a planet cozy – like a tea cozy, but for the earth :) ), give them a gift certificate for a yarn store. I promise, there is nothing better than having someone realize that $10 for yarn/needles/accessories is what a knitter/crocheter really will be thankful for. (Think about it…they might make you socks…)

]]> By: dwalker http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-126590 dwalker Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:03:51 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-126590 Great list! I would put the paperback book at the top of my list. I'm a hopeless booklover and would cherish any book given to me but it seems I never get books. I guess everyone thinks I buy the books I want, but I would be overjoyed with the gift of several paperbacks. The addition of the note describing the choice would just be the icing on the cake. Great list! I would put the paperback book at the top of my list. I’m a hopeless booklover and would cherish any book given to me but it seems I never get books. I guess everyone thinks I buy the books I want, but I would be overjoyed with the gift of several paperbacks. The addition of the note describing the choice would just be the icing on the cake.

]]> By: vh http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-126458 vh Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:09:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-126458 Consumables are especially ideal for us old buzzards. When you reach a certain age, you already have everything you want, and heaven help ya, you do NOT want another piece of junk to find a place to store or to feel guilty about giving to the Salvation Army. Food. Homemade jams & jellies. Delicious no-cook-it snacks. Booze. I'm with Oswegan: "A growler of high quality micro brew." A little Wild Turkey would be nice, too. Consumables are especially ideal for us old buzzards. When you reach a certain age, you already have everything you want, and heaven help ya, you do NOT want another piece of junk to find a place to store or to feel guilty about giving to the Salvation Army. Food. Homemade jams & jellies. Delicious no-cook-it snacks. Booze.

I’m with Oswegan: “A growler of high quality micro brew.” A little Wild Turkey would be nice, too.

]]> By: Baker http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-126107 Baker Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:02:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-126107 If you are looking for a good quality screwdriver get a Klein. They are in the electrical aisle at home depot not by the hand tools. They last for years under daily abuse in commercial construction so for normally household use you probably will never have to replace it. If you are looking for a good quality screwdriver get a Klein. They are in the electrical aisle at home depot not by the hand tools. They last for years under daily abuse in commercial construction so for normally household use you probably will never have to replace it.

]]> By: Carrie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-126085 Carrie Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:03:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-126085 A wonderful list!! I drew my brother-in-law's name for the gift exchange this year and he's a tough one to shop for. These gifts are fantastic ideas and will work for years to come! A wonderful list!! I drew my brother-in-law’s name for the gift exchange this year and he’s a tough one to shop for. These gifts are fantastic ideas and will work for years to come!

]]> By: Deb C http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-125974 Deb C Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:43:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-125974 I have to agree with Pepper that the best Christmas presents I have ever given are certificates for a complete dinner, from salad to dessert. These go to working Moms and Dads who truly appreciate a wonderful, warm meal that they do not have to make themselves. When I make the certificate I list a few choices for dinner (i.e., spaghetti and meatballs, roast chicken, lasagna, etc). They make their choice and let me know the day and time. Since I am a stay-at-home Mom I simply make double of what I'm making for them. I make sure to shop at sales so I have the extra ingredients on hand. There is no waste and it doesn't cost me a fortune. I have to agree with Pepper that the best Christmas presents I have ever given are certificates for a complete dinner, from salad to dessert. These go to working Moms and Dads who truly appreciate a wonderful, warm meal that they do not have to make themselves. When I make the certificate I list a few choices for dinner (i.e., spaghetti and meatballs, roast chicken, lasagna, etc). They make their choice and let me know the day and time. Since I am a stay-at-home Mom I simply make double of what I’m making for them. I make sure to shop at sales so I have the extra ingredients on hand. There is no waste and it doesn’t cost me a fortune.

]]> By: Schizohedron http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-125944 Schizohedron Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:50:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-125944 Lots of goodies on this list, but the last one's fantastic. A handwritten letter would make me absolutely plotz. I mourn the sunset of this form of communication. Lots of goodies on this list, but the last one’s fantastic. A handwritten letter would make me absolutely plotz. I mourn the sunset of this form of communication.

]]> By: kim http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/comment-page-1/#comment-125940 kim Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:48:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/12/04/twelve-great-gifts-under-10-id-love-to-see-under-my-tree/#comment-125940 Every year I write a short story (or two or three), along with a poem or song or heartfelt blog-style article and create a small booklet. I print it in color with scanned hand drawn illustrations or appropriate clip art, so that it is book style when I fold the sheets of paper in half, I use a high quality cover sheet (usually some beautiful paper that looks handmade from the Xpedex store) and hold it all together with elastic cord. It's simple, lovely and the people I give these to in lieu of Christmas letters or cards or throw away gifts keep them. If you aren't a writer, you could do a pictoral history of your year with charming pictures of the kids, the pets, the household projects, etc. along with captions that briefly tell the story. Grandparents, and dear friends who don't live nearby would particularly enjoy this type of gift. Another gift I give is herbal tea mixes from my own garden. In a pretty jar (you can chop the dried herbs in your coffee grinder, food processor or blender) together with a box of empty tea bags (available at more and more stores) or a tea ball, along with instructions for how to make it and a brief handwritten note...viola! A wonderful personalized gift from the heart. Cheap in $, but costly in time and thoughtfulness. Every year I write a short story (or two or three), along with a poem or song or heartfelt blog-style article and create a small booklet. I print it in color with scanned hand drawn illustrations or appropriate clip art, so that it is book style when I fold the sheets of paper in half, I use a high quality cover sheet (usually some beautiful paper that looks handmade from the Xpedex store) and hold it all together with elastic cord. It’s simple, lovely and the people I give these to in lieu of Christmas letters or cards or throw away gifts keep them.

If you aren’t a writer, you could do a pictoral history of your year with charming pictures of the kids, the pets, the household projects, etc. along with captions that briefly tell the story. Grandparents, and dear friends who don’t live nearby would particularly enjoy this type of gift.

Another gift I give is herbal tea mixes from my own garden. In a pretty jar (you can chop the dried herbs in your coffee grinder, food processor or blender) together with a box of empty tea bags (available at more and more stores) or a tea ball, along with instructions for how to make it and a brief handwritten note…viola! A wonderful personalized gift from the heart. Cheap in $, but costly in time and thoughtfulness.

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