Holiday Tips and Tricks

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and usually that reminds people of turkey and stuffing and all that yummy goodness. But for all extreme shoppers out there, that means Black Friday is upon us. And Black Friday marks the alert in our heads saying, "We need to start shopping for presents, STAT!" Okay, maybe your brain doesn't work like that unless you're a surgeon or something. Holiday shopping can be really stressful on your wallet and for your imagination, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few ideas to keep the holidays special, inexpensive, and most of all: FUN.

1. DIY is never out of style.
Making things yourself puts more value into a gift than just buying something. Trying knitting a scarf for your best friend. Or create an organized recipe box with decorated index cards for your mom. Or even make a mix cd with a decorated cd case for your little brother. Or even if presents aren't your thing, hand decorated individualized greeting cards always makes people smile.

2. Regifting is A-OK as long as...
Oh I know what you're going to say. "Regifting is so thoughtless. You're not really thinking about the other person." Well, that is true, but if you feel like you have a gift lying around your house that is perfect for someone else and not you, I say: WHY IN THE WORLD NOT? Just don't be dumping your trash on someone else, that's just not fair or nice. And you want to be on the nice list right? (Also, make sure you don't regift to the person who gave it to you!)

3. Best way to please any person is through their stomach.
If baking or cooking is your thing, well, tasty treats can be your gift to people. Plus, these disappear quickly so the receiver doesn't have to worry about finding a place for them, except maybe their tummy.

4. Reusable wrapping.
If you get the newspaper, don't throw it out! You can use that for recycled wrapping paper. You can paint it any which way and decorate it however you like. Or if you find an article that you know someone will find amusing/interesting, it will catch their eye before they start unwrapping their present. A common part of the paper that people use is the comic section, especially for kids.

5. For the wrapping impaired.
For myself and many out there, I am wrapping-deficient. Cure? Gift bags!!! You can be green with this too. Every time you get a present in a gift bag, don't just throw it out, SAVE IT! As long as there isn't a label, it's still of good use. Check out GAIAMlife for more green wrapping ideas.