Gift Ideas on a Budget

GREAT CHEAP, CHEAP baby items at The Flower Factory and they are taking public applications now! Good luck!

Groceries and goodies. I remember once when my husband was laid off, I wasn't working and we had a one-year old, some friends of ours went grocery shopping and filled a box with jello, cake mix, frosting, sugar and flour (may be too heavy if you are shipping), eggs, bagels, cereal, cheeses, sausage, hamburger helper, jellies and all kinds of other staples and goodies. It was the BEST Christmas gift I have ever gotten! Maybe send them a gift card to their local grocery store since you have to ship it to them. Then you can add the extra money that you would've spent on shipping to the $40 that you've set aside for them. God bless you for thinking of them and helping them out.

Hi A.! I have a beautiful gift idea for a baby girl... a baby bracelet! I have made several for my 14 month old daughter, and I just made eight for a friend of mine to give as gifts to her friends and family with babies. I'd be more than happy to make one for you. It's about $20, and I could easily mail it to you. Unfortunately, it wouldn't get there before Christmas, but it's an idea! Merry Christmas!!

i'd say things like diapers, diaper rash cream, maybe just a gift card to a grocery store, maybe a food basket with non-perishables.

The Dollar Store is a great place to find stuff; fill it with necessities, canned goods, bag of dry beans, bar soap etc and make some homemade cookies to go in too.

It is amazing what one can find at a dollar store! You could actually put together a nice gift basket (basket or fun bucket included) for $25, then have enough left for shipping. Good luck - and Merry Christmas!

MAKE ornaments or send "kits" if they have kids (with instructions, of course) that they can do WITH the kids. Homemade soup mixes, homemade hot chocolate mixes, etc. A "cookbook" of your favorite recipes, scrapbooking or photo album materials, or some yummy spiced pecans, etc. Don't be afraid to go to the Goodwill or Dollar Store. You might find some puzzles the family can do or simple games, etc. Most people LOVE It when there is a bit of yourself in the gift!

if you don't want to send cash then a gift card to a local grocery store or store like Target would be useful--it will cost money to ship the basket and you don't know for sure what items they need most. It is great that they have friends like you!

Hi A.,

I'm not sure what city & state you're in, so I can't recommend specific stores, but...I'd look for a children's resale/consignment shop such as Children's Orchard (a national chain) or the independent equivalent for your area. These are great resources for getting onsies & other essential items at a big discount. (Or if your friends have a store like that close to them, consider getting them a gift card so they can shop for themselves.)

Good luck!

I would do several small gift cards or one big one (easy to ship and they can buy what they need). A place like Meijer that has everything including gas is a great place to get a gift card. We just did this for a local family who is in need.

You know, I was going to suggest that you go to Target on-line (www.target.com). They still have a couple of days of free standard shipping and you could spend the entire $40 on gifts. Then I thought about it and since I have been in the same situation, I would say, send them the cash. I know it may sound tacky, but when my hubby was laid off, we knew best what we needed and how to spend money carefully... or you could call them and find out what they need and then buy stuff on-line and have it shipped to them. I hope it all works out for them and they will find new jobs soon.

If you have a dollar store or dollar tree or deals...that would be the best best. You can get basics such as paper towels, toilet paper, soap, laundry det, toothbrushes, etc.. all for $1. You could send them 40 items!

First suggestion I have is do you have a Dollar Tree in your area? If so please go there for certain items because believe me they have some great deals! Secondly they will probably be able to obtain food stamps and be able to use the Food Pantries at the churches in their area so please consider the items you can't obtain with food stamps! Some of the really important things they will need are: Toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, baby lotion, shampoo, deodorant, fabric softner sheets, sanitary napkins, garbage bags, saran wrap type products, vitamins, tyleneol, diapers. I am trying to keep the weight down so things like dish soap, laundry detergent, while needed are heavy.
Good luck and may the Creator bring you great blessings in the coming year!

Diapers, wipes,dish soap,laundry soap,sponges,hand soap,paper towels,toilet paper,gift cards,gas cards,etc. You can always add a cute dish towel or two,a little baby toy,or new wash cloths for the shower to make the gift more fun without spending much money on the non-essentials. Choose a theme and go for it!Merry Christmas!