I’m still trying to grasp the fact that Christmas is just over two weeks away!  This year has gone by incredibly fast.  I still haven’t figured out if it’s because we added baby number two to the mix at the beginning of the year, our move to Colorado in April, or the start of my blog that  made the year fly by.  Regardless we have many things and people to be thankful for this Christmas.  We will be giving a lot, but won’t be spending a ton for each gift. 

Over the past few years I have discovered that the simplest gifts have been the most meaningful.  You don’t have to spend a lot on Christmas gifts.  Growing up my family never had a lot, and more often than not my mom spent more than we could truly afford.  She wanted to give her children something special to remember.  Looking back now I wish she wouldn’t have because the best gifts she gave me were the memories.

One of my favorite gifts from my mom is a simple recipe book.  A few years ago my two brothers and I had all left the nest and weren’t coming back again so she put together recipe books for each of us.  I love that each one is different because she knows each of our favorite recipes.  This is the ‘cookbook’ I find myself using the most-especially when I bake.  She simply bought a spiral bound book of index cards(probably around $3), wrote a recipe on each card, and then made a cover and laminated it with contact paper.  It was simple, but meaningful!

Every year you could find my brothers, my mom, and myself in the kitchen baking cookies and other goodies.  The first year my husband and I were married we started baking Christmas goodies together to give to neighbors and friends.  We even sent a tin to his best friend who was single at the time(he LOVED it!).  Typically we bring plates of goodies over to our neighbors a few days before Christmas.  It’s just a nice way to say thank you and it doesn’t cost much!  Last year our elderly, widowed neighbor was delighted!

Another inexpensive, but tasty gift is a mug with a dry mix of hot cocoa.  You can find mugs for a dollar or less and mix up a bunch of hot cocoa.  Put it in a baggie or cellophane, tie it with some ribbon, and add a cute label.  Perfect to keep on hand for someone you may  have over looked on your list or if your child comes home and says he needs a gift for someone.  You’re set!

Two years ago I put together some gift jars for a few friends and my mom.  I don’t think my mom ever used hers because she loved the way it looked in her kitchen!  There are tons of varieties including cookie mix jars.  Basically you layer the dry indredients into a glass jar, put the lid on and cover with burlap or fabric, tie on a bow with the instructions and you’re set! 

You could also keep some $5, $10, or $15 gift cards on hand to places like Starbucks, Panera, or Barnes & Noble.  They make great gifts also!

As long as you think about each person likes and find a simple gift, you are doing great.  You don’t have to spend a lot!  If you have a friend with little ones, make some coupons for her such as “Free Babysitting,” “Dinner’s On Me,” or “Girls Night Out.”  You could also do this for your husband as a stocking stuffer. Of course his coupons would be redeemed for completely different things and he’ll love it!

Be creative and have fun!

If you still have some shopping to do these coupons might be helpful:

Toy Deals Under $24 with Free Shipping

Bath & Body-Free Item(up to $13) with $10 purchase

$10 off your purchase at JCPenney-wait and get free shipping next Thursday.

Email me with any great deals you find!

danielle at milehighmamas dot com

Twitter ID: @denvermetromoms