The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned this week of the number of people getting into debt by buying expensive gifts for Christmas that they will spend months paying off. Instead he encouraged people to buy or make cheaper, meaningful gifts that will show people that you care, but not make you dread January's bank balance.
Going overboard with Christmas isn't all about succumbing to the temptations of our consumerist society (though of course it can be). Sometimes it's hard if you just really love giving people presents, so here are a few ideas to help you get creative with your Christmas present list:
- Spend time not money. It's a fraught time of year. Just think about all the time you spend planning, panicking and buying presents, and so instead, why not agree with a friend to sit down and give each other an hour or so of time and a cup of tea.
- Write a letter (or a poem, or short-story if you're so inclined). Words mean so much, and in an age of hurried emails and knee-jerk social media interactions, letters written with pen and paper have a beguiling appeal.
- Make homemade decorations. Pinecones and dried orange slices come in handy, and both can be dried in the oven, so you needn't have thought about this weeks in advance. You can make wreaths, tree ornaments, table centre-pieces, and garlands, and while you're making your own, make some for friends too and share the love.
- Do a bit of upcycling. Whether it's a pallet you turn into a designer coffee table or an old pair of jeans you make into an apron, there are bound to be things you already have or can commandeer and make into great gifts.
- Bake personalised gingerbread men. Gingerbread is relatively quick to make and the personal touch makes these an inspired, low-cost gift with a bit of fun thrown in for good measure. I received a gingerbread person who looked alarmingly like me last year, which was a lovely surprise although I did feel rather bad as I nibbled away at her head.
- Knit yourself into a frenzy.Scarves, gloves, cushions, blankets, snoods... It's set to be a chilly winter, so if you can knit, make the most of it.
- Buy seeds to plant in spring. Not an expensive gift and if you opt for vegetables, they can be the gift that keeps on giving. Potatoes can be planted in February, and carrots, leeks and herbs in March, so that's a good place to start. And for the keen gardener you could always personalise some terracotta plant pots ready for spring blooms.
- Revisit childhood sweets. Peppermint creams and coconut ice squares are quick and easy to make, win vintage style points, and still taste yummy.
- Make a calendar. You can order one online, or make one yourself, and they usually go down well with nostalgic mothers (or nostalgic friends for that matter). Useful for giving helpful nudges about birthdays too.
- Sew a cushion. It's about the simplest thing you can sew – two squares put together, and if you can dig around for scraps of fabric without buying any, that's a bonus. Old sheets, pillow cases and table clothes can often be recycled to make patchwork. If not, how about opting for some tartan to get in the festive mood?
