| The more holiday cheer we can spread, the | | | | relatively inexpensive) wine.4. A journal and a nice |
| better, especially in our own neighborhoods.Here | | | | pen. It's nice to have a special place to record |
| are some ideas for simple, sweet, inexpensive | | | | their favorite personal thoughts of family |
| gifts that are just right.1. Holiday Cookies. Carve | | | | memories.5. Homemade crafts. If you're a |
| out a day to spend with your favorite ladies, and | | | | scrapbooker, make a mini holiday album. If you |
| bake away. Pool your recipes and divvy up the | | | | love to sew, fashion some new placemats or |
| goodies into gift bags or decorative plastic gift | | | | potholders. And if you are not craft inclined, shop |
| trays at the end of the day.2. Have a stack of | | | | for neighborhood gifts at your local holiday craft |
| classic chocolates on hand. My kids' school has a | | | | fair. These are great for finding inexpensive |
| fundraiser in September so we can buy just such | | | | holiday gifts that are often just sentimental |
| incidental gifts, along with gift wrap. If you don't | | | | enough.6. Favorite fixin's. Combine the dry |
| have such a fundraiser in your neighborhood, you | | | | ingredients of your favorite sugar cookie recipe in |
| might think about starting one. handles ours.) If | | | | a plastic bag and slide it into an inexpensive |
| you are just looking for some yummy chocolates | | | | Christmas stocking. Print the baking ingredients on |
| to stock up on, Ferrero Rocher is a big favorite, | | | | a festive tag, and use a pretty ribbon to tie it to |
| and these chocolates can be purchased | | | | the stocking, along with a holiday cookie cutter.7. |
| inexpensively in beautiful holiday arrangements at | | | | Fresh flowers. A simple bouquet of flowers, |
| most discount stores. It's nice to have a stack of | | | | artfully arranged, is always welcome, especially |
| extra gifts like these in the cabinet during the | | | | when it arrives with a heartfelt note. Potted plants |
| holidays, when you never know when you'll need | | | | are wonderful, too.8. Wreaths or poinsettias. |
| an extra gift.3. A bottle of your favorite (and | | | | There's always room for more holiday greenery.9. |