10+ Ideas for Affordable Christmas Gifts During Lebanon Economic Crisis
It's December, one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, seasons of the year. It is a time of serenity, spirituality, and cuddling up to our loved ones! Thinking of Christmas; family, hot cocoa, Bûche de Noël , carols, and gifts come in mind.
Now family gatherings and hot cocoa can be assumingly easy, but gifts can be so unbearing we often lose our joy of the season on the way of counting pennies and thinking of what to get for each family member and friends.
Here are some easy Christmas gifts that would not only save major expenses but will also guarantee a jolly Christmas like no other.
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Before getting into this, I have a feeling that you would smirk at some of the ideas and think: Easier said than done! Believe me, when I tell you, it's not.
This list is based on experience in daily work with 30+ kids in shelters, along with years of working with children in different areas of their lives. One thing children need more than gifts and materialism? Love, care, and playfulness.
#1 Making a Secret Santa at home
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This is the yearly game we play during Christmas in my household. Knowing that the youngest family member is my 10 years old sister, we put out a budget that we can all pitch in for 10$. We toss our names in a lot and make each family member choose one name.
Each family member writes a number of things they want (that cost 10$ or less) on a piece of paper and then we put the list in an envelope under the Christmas tree for everyone to check, alone.
We all need a book that we have been wanting for months, or this Copenhagen NYX lipstick, or the MCU series, or funny socks instead of the torn ones we have. This is a great way to ask for them!
You will be surprised at how fun and funny this process is. Up until Christmas Day, we all enjoy the humorous mystery of the unknown Santa, and the exciting rush of getting something we would not have bought off from our own money. My favorite part of this? This Secret Santa idea was from my 10 years old sister.
#2 Making stuffed animals
https://www.youtube.com/embed/tt8Nc1cbAPc
Stuffed animals are absolutely everybody's favorite, whether we are 5 years old or 50 years old, and what's more enjoyable than making our own stuffed animal? Absolutely nothing!
A few things needed: Youtube videos tutorials, clothes we never use or wear anymore, and some stuffing from the tailor. Even if our stuffed animal looks ugly (and most of the time it will, sadly, turn out ugly), it really won't matter!
It's a gift you made by your hands, and everyone will have a good laugh at it for the rest of their lives. And personalized gifts like this one are never thrown away!
#3 Making gifts together
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Do our kids want Ken to their Barbies? or Earpods to their iPhones? Sure. Do you know what our kids might majorly also need? Some connecting time with us.
Our lives are so busy we often forget to engage with our younger ones, but the seasons might be an opportunity to do so! One can never go wrong when making gifts with others, be it children or adults.
#4 The Gift of Empathy
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Growing up, there is nothing I hated more than adults telling me to finish off my bemye plate because some people "don't even have food to eat."
I mean, for heaven's sake! I know that some people are in need, but why should I finish off my food (that I don't even like) even though I'm beyond full?
This is when the number one rule in Journalism becomes relevant in all fields: Show, Don't Tell. Kids often don't respond positively to when we tell them to "feel" for others, which is why we can show them.
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Volunteering with local NGOs and soup kitchens (the likes of FoodBlessed) is a great way to help them see the world the way it is. It is easier than fighting with them, more fun (soup kitchens are extremely fun!), and for sure a life teaching lesson.
#5 Go focal stores for your gifts
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