CHRISTMAS COUPONS: Inexpensive Personalized Gifts

As the holiday season approaches and people are concerned about the economy, there is a way the holidays can be enjoyed with those we love without spending a lot of money. Making coupons for people can be very personal. You can choose to spend money or you can share the gift of time instead of money. If there is a cost involved, it can be spread throughout a longer time period instead of having to spend it all for one day in December. You can make a coupon for whatever you want. There are no restrictions on what you give like there are if you buy things from store shelves. You can make coupons for one time things or coupons for things every month for a year. You can be as creative as you like. Try some of these ideas or make up your own.

Adults:

• Parents, Grandparents and Friends
• Make dinner
• Take them out to eat – you can choose the place that fits in your budget
• Take them shopping
• Take them out to a movie
• Invite them over to spend an evening with you in your home and rent a movie and provide popcorn and a dessert.
• Offer to iron
• Mow their lawn
• Card game
• Coupon for a hug or kiss
• Trip to the library or doctor
• Book or cookies or bread or dinner once a month for a year
• Do household chores – dishes, vacuuming, cleaning, etc.
• Go on a walk together
• Breakfast in bed
• Wash the car
• Make a loaf of bread
• Watch their kids while they go out
• Cut their hair
• Paint their nails
• Make their favorite food for them
• Teach them a skill or talent

Kids:

• An evening with mom and dad
• Party with friends and watch a movie and provide dinner or dessert
• Bowling
• Use of the car including gas for a date
• A toy of their choice under a certain dollar limit
• Rent their favorite movie
• Take them to their favorite restaurant
• Play their favorite game
• A night off from household chores
• Paint their room
• Let them choose a pattern and material and sew what they want

Coupons are fun and easy to make. You can use any kind of paper, markers or crayons and even use stickers or pictures if you want them to be more elaborate. Coupons are an easy alternate way of giving a gift from the heart. You can decide whatever you want to give in your budget, and you can give services or spend time with people if money is tight. Don’t let money be a stumbling block this Christmas season. There are other ways to give to others besides a store bought present. Coupons allow you the freedom to give whatever you can in any budget.