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It’s the Thought That Counts

IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS "The greatest joy is in giving," says writer Ashley Ormon. We love to give others presents on special occasions and holidays, but sometimes it can do considerable damage to our pocketbooks. It doesn't have to be that way. A few creative choices can make gift-giving enjoyable and affordable. Here are a few examples of gifts that will brighten the lives of your loved ones without breaking your bank. GIFT-GIVING ♥ STATISTICS Number of visits to retail websites by UK residents on Boxing Day 2012: 113 MILLION4 Amount for which the world's most expensive holiday greeting card Most popular holiday gift: TABLET COMPUTERS? Total UK Retail Sales in 2012: was sold at auction: £311 BILLION' £20,0007 Population of the United Kingdom: 63.7 MILLION £20 Number of UK Amount spent during the holidays in 2012: £29 BILLION? Number of holiday trees purchased annually: 8 MILLION3 shoppers who hit the streets on Boxing Day: 9.8 MILLION5 THRIFTY ♥ GIFTS There are countless gifts that don't cost a pretty penny, and if you have an idea of what your loved ones might actually use, you can get them something that will remind them of you every time they pick it up. For starters, consider these gifts: FIND A DECORATIVE GIVE A STAINLESS REUSABLE STEEL WATER BOTTLE SHOPPING TOTE LOOK FOR A SET OF REUSABLE FOOD CONTAINERS GET A KIT TO PERSONALISE THEIR COFFEE MUG GET THE LATEST TRENDY BOARD GAME BUY THEM AN ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT SUBSCRIPTION SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR A NOVELTY BOTTLE OPENER GET A SET OF REUSABLE SILICONE CUPCAKE LINERS FOR BAKING DIY V GIFTS Sometimes the gifts that really show you put some thought into them are those you make yourself. If you have money, it's easy to go out and buy something, but taking the time to learn how to make something for your loved ones can be much more meaningful... and much cheaper. PUNK MIX MAKE A MIXTAPE. With digital technology nearly everywhere today, few people use cassette tapes anymore, but the MAKE CANDLES IN TEACUPS. word “mixtape" still applies to a All you need to do is find a bunch collection of songs one person puts of old teacups at a thrift store, together for another person. It could melt some wax in a pan, pour it be love songs or the classic rock hits into the cups and stick a wick in. you know your best friend loves, but a mixtape is a timelessly cool gift. LEARN TO MAKE SOAP. Soaps are basically shortening and lye. Mix the two in water with some olive oil, and let it sit overnight in a mould. You can personalise it by adding essential oils of your choice. MAKE A SET OF PERSONALISED STATIONERY. PAINT A PICTURE AND GET A You can make an ink stamp out of almost FRAME SECONDHAND. anything: a wood block, a piece of rubber, Try your hand at making a painting. Watercolors are cheap, and you even a potato. You can also order custom stamps for less than £10. Make a stamp of might even discover a hidden your loved one's name or an image of artistic talent. When you're finished something they would enjoy. Pick up some with your masterpiece, head to the local secondhand store, and pick envelopes and paper and put your stamp in the corner of each piece to create a out a used frame that will fit. personalised set. FREE V GIFTS There are a number of gifts that you can give your loved ones without spending any quid. Try one of these examples: TAKE THEM TO A GIVE THEMA FREE PERFORMANCE MAKEOVER IN YOUR CITY GIVE THEMA CRAFT HANDMADE HOUSE CLEANING ENVELOPES FROM OLD MAGAZINES CREATE A COUPON FOR A BACKRUB TURN OLD CLOTHES INTO A QUILT OR BAG SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR FREEBIES BAKE HOMEMADE TREATS REFERENCES 1. British Retail Consortium. (2012). Retail stats and facts: Sector stats and facts. Retrieved from http://www.brc.org.uk/brc_stats_and_facts.asp 2. The Money Advice Service. (2012, November 5). UK to spend £29bn on Christmas 2012. Retrieved from https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/static/uk-to-spend-29bn-on-christmas-20123 3. Wikipedia. (2007). Christmas tree production. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_tree_production 4. Experian. (2012). Online retailing: Top stats of Christmas 2012. Retrieved from http://www.experian.co.uk/business-services/business-services.html 5. Metro. (2012, December 21). Shoppers to splash out record £4.5 billion in last-minute Christmas spending spree. Retrieved from http://metro.co.uk/2012/12/21/shoppers-to-splash-out-record-4-5billion-in-last-minute-christmas-spending-spree-3326731/ 6. Office for National Statistics. (n.d.). Total population. Retrieved from http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/taxonomy/index.html?nscl=Population 7. Guinness World Records. (n.d.). Officially amazing records. Retrieved from http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1000/most-expensive-greeting-card-sold-at-auction/ POUNDS to POCKET

It’s the Thought That Counts

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If you’re thinking the holidays have to cost you a packet, think again. Budget-friendly presents that come from the heart can be just as meaningful as the expensive ones — if not more so. Check ou...

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