In my home.. we try to keep the commercial out of our holidays.. besides, I am usually on a very tight budget as it is.. This way.. I can give out gifts.. without feeling down cause I can't afford to go Christmas shopping.. alot of peeps get in sooo much debt.. and half the gifts anyway are baskets.. which cost very little to make to begin with..
Other ideas for baskets..
Coffee or Tea drinkers.. Select some fancy teas or coffees.. even throw in what you make from the recipes.. buy a coffee mug.. Unless you throw pottery.. (hehe) and throw in a few tea bisquits..
For someone who loves working puzzle books.. You can buy up several of them from the grocery store.. buy up a package of pens.. and even a dictionary for crosswords..
For the handy man..
get a bucket from (ice cream or peanut butter) and fill it with electrical tape, screws, or anything else he or she goes through..
For your little Artists.. paint brushes, coloring pencils, paper just to name a few..
Any type of hobby a friend or family member has you can build a basket for.. peeps pay way more then needed just for the convenience.. but, time it takes to put the baskets together is minimal.. slipping extra items in at the grocery store takes little time.. and putting the baskets together is minimal..
giving gifts from the heart is what matters most.. not what you spent!..
One year.. after my brother and father ended up touring the back roads and getting stuck.. we had to call out search and rescue on them.. I built up a survival kit for my fathers truck.. I pitched in a blanket I had in our hall closet.. I put in a flashlight, with some batteries, I put together a small first aid kit, as well as drinking water, peanut butter, granola bars, and several other things.. can't think of them at the moment.. I bought a plastic box from Walmart for like 5 dollars.. Paid out very little for this gift.. and it was my way of saying I cared.. I live in Wyoming.. and people often die in their cars if they aren't prepared in the winter.. I will get the link and add it in as to lists of recommended goods..