When the first pumpkin arrives in the farmer�s market, I start thinking about the impending holidays. Holiday shopping in autumn? Absolutely! The more time you have to think carefully about your gift list, the more likely you are to spend less. Here is a list of inexpensive gift ideas to consider this holiday season:


� Make a photo calendar. Either purchase one or create one with your personal computer. Select photos of yourself, your family, even your pets! If culling through your photo collection seems to be too much work, use stamps, children�s art, or stickers to fill the pages.

� For similar aged cousins, compile your children�s favorite songs onto an audio tape. Consider speaking on the tape yourself for an added personal touch. Who knows? You might want to know what your voice sounded like twenty years from now!

� Make a videotape of the year�s footage and send it to faraway relatives.

� If you own a CD burner and digital camera, make a CD of pictures that you have taken with your digital camera throughout the year. People can pick and choose their favorites, and it saves you time from getting the pictures printed.

� Purchase one ream of colorful paper and make personalized stationery for everyone in your family.

� Make a photo album and accompanying audio tape with a narration about the photos.

� Write a children�s story.

� For the person who has everything, consider donating a sum to your favorite charity in the person�s name.

� Create a coupon book for your partner or close friend which can be good for one date, a movie night, a video, babysitting, or whatever.

� Purchase an inexpensive kite and write a note saying �The first flight must be flown with yours truly.�

With a little forethought, gift giving can be fun! As my mama says, it truly is the thought that counts.
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Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuff, is a freelance writer and busy mother of two. She holds a BA in political science from Smith College and an MA in International Relations, German and English Literature from the University of Constance, Germany. Visit her web site for more of her writing at: http://mypages.iparenting.com/webs/diaryofamother/diaryofamother.html

mailto: chohlbaum@smith.alumnae.net  

� Christine Louise Hohlbaum, All Rights Reserved.