[Magic_Mikki]

This year DH and I are thinking about doing a mass gift for our families in order to cut back on spending. Last night we were trying to come up with ideas, but really can't think of any! Maybe we're not thinking hard enough. I had the idea of getting family pictures done with Alex, Devon, DH and I and framing them and giving them to our immediate family. But would my brother really want a framed picture of my family? LoL! And not to mention, we'd never be able to pick out a frame that would match our mothers' decor, and that they liked too! So this idea is probably out.

Does anyone have ideas? We would like something rather inexpensive for our parents, my two brothers, and DH's sister. Extra points if it can also be given to close family friends! (DH's parents are friends with their neighbors, who are like DH's second parents!)

Thanks in advance! I know it's way before Christmas but we wanted to get a head start!

[KR258]

We do gift cards to their favorite resturants (one for each family that's enough to cover for dessert too if we can) because we live far away and can't really afford to send gifts.

[MommaColleen]

Sorry, no help from me. We do the family portrait every year since both our families are large. It goes to all the siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents and parents.

We buy the frames all through out the year so it doesn't hurt our wallet so much and try to find one that is perfect for each person (or family) receiving it.

We try to make it a neutral background, not just a Holiday theme so they can keep it displayed year round.

They actually look forward to it every year as it is a snapshot in time of our family and they enjoy watching our kids grow up year to year (a good chunk of our family lives farther away and we don't get to see them that often).

If you don't want to do the picture thing why not a mini scrapbook for each person with memories from the past 12 months.

[jkvkdailey]

Michelle, my husband and I were just talking about this on Sunday! Each of my sisters have 5 kids, and my brother moved back to Oregon with his son so there is distance there. We can't afford to buy a gift for each child (much as we'd like to), so we are hoping to find a game that would be fitting for the family. My one sister's kids range in age from 6 months to 12 yrs, so that may be tough - we're thinking of doing a game for the 6, 10, 11 and 12 yr olds to share, and maybe an outfit for the baby. My other sister's kids are 8, 4, 4, 2 and 6 months, so same thing (age-appropriate game and a small toy or outfit for the baby).

Mom and dad need more than I can give them, so I try to give them something memorable. Pictures work well in this instance. I try to do a unique frame for dad's office, with current pics of the kids. This year we have great shots from dad's 60th birthday party so they will be easy.

I also thought of gift cards, but not sure if I want to put a denomination on our gifts - I'm a big clearance shopper and don't mind giving out gifts that don't cost much (especially if I save 50% or more)

If you figure out what you're going to do, please share with us! I'm hoping your ideas are better than mine.

Kim

[Buffybye]

I recently found a fab company at a fair in Harrogate, but they are online as well.
They sell gorgeous Christmas baubles which are personalised with your message and then wrapped in lovely boxes and sent direct to where they need to go to.
I used them when my friend had a new baby and sent this little gingham chicken on a ribbon, it cost me about £7.00 and my friend absolutely loved it and still has it hanging in her baby's room.
The company is called Everlasting Wishes (everlastingwishes.com)

[fostermommy]

Several times, our family has made photo calendars (I think we did it through Kinko's). Those weren't too expensive, and the family really enjoyed seeing different photos of the kids each month.
Another option seems a bit strange - but was really appreciated by all..................our family gave each family member a handmade card, informing them that this year, we would be serving Christmas dinner to homeless folks at the local shelter - in their name. We made handmade ornaments for their tree. We encouraged te rest of the family to also make a charitable gift of time and/or treasure in our name instead of buying gifts for us. This really helped everyone in tight financial times, and the families had fun opening cards to learn about the different ways people chose to "give." Some bought food for the food pantry, others donated their time at a nursing home - singing songs and playing board games with some residents.

[Magic_Mikki]

Originally Posted by fostermommy

our family gave each family member a handmade card, informing them that this year, we would be serving Christmas dinner to homeless folks at the local shelter - in their name. We made handmade ornaments for their tree.

LOVE LOVE LOVE these ideas!!

We don't do gift cards either, because- like Kim said- I don't like to put a money value on our gifts. Not to mention, whatever amount we spend on a gift card, the person could purchase the item/meal themselves, you know what I mean?

Anyway, thanks for the ideas, everyone! If anyone else has more to add, feel free! The more, the better!

[Labhaoise]

How about making gingerbread cookies, and wrapping them nicely, along with other "Christmas snacks"? You could also do the bauble thing too... we have them here and they're really cute

[Momof2kids]

two ideas....lillian vernon has calendars really cheap and uses blank spots for you to drop pictures in of the family. Also, we layered dry ingredients for cookies in a jar, wrapped them up and sent to family for a dessert on us type thing. The family could enjoy the snack fresh and they only had to add the wet ingredients. Also, include the receipe card too.

[KR258]

Originally Posted by Magic_Mikki

We don't do gift cards either, because- like Kim said- I don't like to put a money value on our gifts. Not to mention, whatever amount we spend on a gift card, the person could purchase the item/meal themselves, you know what I mean?

We do them cause we're poor and my family is honestly thankful they get anything from us. We don't have a christmas budget cause christmas doesn't fit in the budget lol