Give a Year of Gifts

Because we have many family birthdays throughout the year, I have tried to always purchase ahead to defray the cost of several birthdays that fall in one month. This year I decided to give three of our family members "a year of gifts". After each holiday, I purchased items for 50-75 off, such as Valentines towels for 75 off, fall placemats, hand lotion, and put them away. I also collected useful but inexpensive items such as paper notebooks, candles, and ornaments as I saw them for sale.

I wrapped each item in tissue paper, labeled them with a month and gave them to the recipient to begin the year of opening one gift per month (an item that would be used in that month). Overall, the gifts were appreciated and actually cost less than we usually spend!

By Sally from Edwardsville, IL