And Just Like That, It’s Christmas Time!



Here at The Adventure Letters we know that Christmas is not about the presents - As they say in WhoVille, Christmas doesn’t come from a store. The gift of family and friends around us, and celebrating the birth of Christ is what brings us joy during this holiday season. But there is also joy in being able to give a gift as a demonstration of our love and we at The Adventure Letters also know that finding the right present at a price we can afford can be a challenge. So this week’s blog is going to try to help you solve that problem! I have compiled a short list of affordable gift ideas that are either free or inexpensive and will inspire the imagination of the recipient! I hope I can help you find just the right something for just the right someone ♥️

1. 
   FREE  - Over the last few years a practice has emerged in the area of gift-giving that i think is simply wonderful - giving an experience instead of an item. I love this for so many reasons - great memory making, less of both clutter and materialism in the home, more together time, and it is a suitable gift for any budget! There are so many options for this that you could easily spend a small fortune or nothing at all. In the “nothing at all” category, plan an outing like a hike or a picnic. You do all of the foot work of choosing a great location, making sure you have all the supplies, setting aside sufficient time, transportation to and from the chosen spot, and activities to do while there. QUality time with someone you love can be a fantastic gift!
2. INEXPENSIVE - Make food! Now, this is not strictly free but can be made with ingredients you have on hand so it is cost-effective. For the last couple of years I have given some dear family friends of ours a subscription to what I call the “Treat of the Month” club. I gift-wrapped a pie I had made and then, for the whole next year, once a month, whenever I would make a dessert for my family I would make extra and give it to these friends! It was a great way to show them I cared for them all year long, not just at Christmas, and it was pretty easy on a limited budget!
3. FREE - The personalized coupon book may not be a new idea but it is a good one. This one can be free or have an attached cost but that is up to you. Design something festive and be sure to include at least 10 - 12 coupons. Depending on who the gift is for, you can add almost anything… if it is for a kid you can have things like “I'll do your chore”, or “extra piece of desert” or “good for one ice cream outing”. If it is for a grown up, again the doing of their chore is good! The right to hold the remote, or a back-rub might be a good option.
4. INEXPENSIVE - Now that we have touched on the idea of a subscription, The Adventure Letters subscription letter is a fun and educational gift that your child can enjoy for months! Twice every month they will get mail with their name on it and fun things inside! If you are looking for a gift that lasts longer than the time it takes to tear off the wrapping paper, and one that encourages learning and imagination then The Adventure Letters is just the thing! Check out our subscription options in the “Shop” tab!
5. FREE - The hand-made gift is a cherished tradition in many homes - it is even something that can be done by someone who is not “crafty” if you think outside the box - fill a cute notebook with favorite recipes; fill a decorated box with photos and mementos of life together; make/design a picture frame and add the perfect photo! If you want to try something next level you can go on YouTube, find art videos for beginners, and make that special person on your list some wall art! Everyone loves a gift that you put thought and effort into.

If you have any other good gift suggestions, please feel free to share them! All of us could use a little inspiration this time of year 🎄