As the countdown to Christmas begins, we want to make sure we remember what Christmas is all about. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of the Jesus while coming together with your friends/family and bonding with one another. Christmas has also been the tradition of giving, receiving or exchanging gifts with love ones or someone in need, as a token of our love and affection. Many years ago, people didn’t have money to spend on expensive gifts; they were simple and often homemade. So, I’ve decided to put together a list of 10 things you can give that’s $20 and under.

1. GIFT CARDS – It can be from a retail store, a restaurant, gas, grocery, movies or even a card with money on it. I can’t say enough that giving a gift card is one of my best options. Two reasons why: (1). You save gas from traveling from store to store and time from shopping in crowds and long lines. (2). You give a person the opportunity to buy what they want, instead of giving them a gift they don’t need.

2. CHARGERS – Cell phones, iPod and camera chargers are a necessity. How many times has your phone or camera gone dead on you when you really needed it? Even if someone has one already, you can never have too many of these just in case one gets lost. You can buy a charger for the home or for the car for under $15.

3. iTUNES – This is great for anyone to buy music, videos, TV shows or a movie to download to your computer, laptop, iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Apple TV.

4. CD’s, DVD MOVIES OR A RADIO – These are all great gifts for entertainment and can be purchased for under $20.00

5. DISPOSABLE CAMERAS AND ACCESSORIES – These are also a “Must Haves”. You always want to have a camera on hand to capture unforgettable moments with family and friends. When you don’t have any memory left on your camera or your battery goes dead, Disposable cameras are great replacements. You can purchase most of these for under $10.00. Camera accessories include SD cards, digital batteries, camera batteries and bags, memory stick, and camera Usb charger.

6. CLOTHING ACCESSORIES – There are many accessories you can give to complete someone’s outfit such as a purse, shoes, jacket hat, scarf, gloves, socks, belts, ties, eye wear, earmuffs, jewelry, watch and even a umbrella. All of these items are “must haves” and depending on the style, most of these items can be purchased for under $20.00. SLEEPWEAR- Pajamas, gowns, robes, thermal tops & bottoms, socks & bedroom slippers. These are all gifts the can be use all seasons.

7. PERFUME OR COLOGNE SETS – These are great gifts for a family or friend throughout the year. Some fragrances may vary in prices but take advantage of the ones that are on sale.

8. SNUGGIES – The blanket with sleeves that keeps you warm! This is perfect for your whole family including your dog. It is available in several colors and patterns and in most retail stores, it’s only $14.99. Also soft throws are available in also colors too.

THESE LAST TWO GIFTS I RECOMMEND ARE “PRICELESS!”

9. DONATE YOUR TIME TO A CHARITY OR FOR SOMEONE IN NEED – Often, during Christmas, we are so involved with getting and receiving gifts that we forget about giving ourselves to those in need. It can be a family, friend or a stranger that needs our help or just someone to talk to. This contribution costs nothing and still can bring joy to someone. So the next time you see someone on the street that needs help, you can always offer something other than money like a bottle of water, clothes or some food. I’m sure they would appreciate it! You can also donate money to organizations that support your cause like Young Black Starz.org (www.youngblackstarz.org) , BrittiCares International (www.britticares.org) , Keep a Child Alive, Kids With a Cause, Kids who Care, Starlight Foundation, Make a Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, ST. Judes Childrens Hospital, Ronald Mc Donald House (www. rmhc.org), Red Cross, Salvation Army, Veterans Fund, Operation Smile, Susan G. Komen’s Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org) Shriners International Hospital (www.shrinershq.org/Shrine/) and your church of choice!!

10. BAKE OR MAKE SOMETHING HOMEMADE – When you don’t have any extra money to spend on gifts, giving food is the next best thing. Everyone loves a home cooked meals or eating their favorite dish or dessert. Baking bread, pies, cakes and cookies are my favorites. When you personally make someone something for someone, they know it was done with love and from the heart. Also you can make jewelry including necklaces, bracelets and key chains or sew clothing or knit a blanket, scarf, hat or mittens. Also don’t forget you can make stuff animals too!

During this holiday season, Please remember the Bible scripture:

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

“These Bible Versus are ones to remember always:

Giving sets us free, while hoarding entraps us (James 5:2).
Giving changes the lives of others (John 3:16).
Giving brings blessing back to us (Luke 6:38)
Giving allows us to store up treasures in Heaven rather than here on the earth (Matthew 19:21).

Giving really is fun – we all need to be in on it.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Many Continued Blessings and Happiness for Everyone!!!

With Love,
BREA RENEE

Tags: Brea Renee