Inexpensive...Homemade...Heartfelt

This is the year to re-think our gift list. Instead of "sugarplums dancing in our heads" we have "economic news swirling in our heads." So, if the money is tighter this Christmas, what resources do we use to shop for the people on our lists? How about our time and knowledge? Don't even leave the house... start checking off that gift list right from home....

What do you have around the house?

• Do you have a green thumb? Share some favorite houseplant with friends. Be sure to do a little research on the plants you plan to share. If the plant is known to propagate well - cut, divide, plant in potting soil in clean container (one-gallon food storage bags work well), put in bright, indirect light and keep warm and humid. Transplant to little containers and give away!  Put a little ribbon around the container, attach a card and you have checked off another name from your list.

• Do you have all the ingredients in your cupboard for a favorite recipe? How about a green bean casserole? Just gather the cans of soup, green beans and fried onions rings together and place in a fun bag or box. Add the recipe on a creative card or maybe even a scroll, tie up with a ribbon - and presto - someone has a meal. This can be done with any recipe - like chili, lasagna, garlic smashed potatoes, corn chowder, etc. Just make sure if there are ingredients that need to be frozen or refrigerator, this gift needs to be stored correctly until given away. (Make sure the receiver of this fun gift is going straight home.)

• Take a cue from other cultures and be generous to a fault. My husband and I were fortunate to stay in the home of a newly married young Russian couple. We didn't speak Russian, and they didn't speak English, so communicating was limited. I picked up an interesting small vase from their shelf and with lots of hand gestures tried to let them know that I really liked its design. The day we left, the couple handed me this same vase and told me that it was for my home in America. I was overwhelmed, realizing this vase was probably a wedding gift. If you have a guest that admires something displayed in your house - could you give it up? What a wonderful way to make a friend feel loved - for them to open a present and discover that special vase or angel ornament they admired.

Another great idea is a unique gift basket.

Find some used (but in good condition) baskets or larger attractive containers in your storage areas and start to fill it with fun things!

• For example, someone that likes to snack may like a basket that contains, cheese, crackers, homemade dip, a bottle of wine or maybe a some cans of soda.

• For the popcorn connoisseur, a bag of popcorn and popcorn seasonings placed in a large plastic popcorn bowl is fun!

• How about baking ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, etc.) for the bread baker in a decorative loaf pan or just in a zippered storage bag and tied with a ribbon.

• For an avid reader - fill a box with one of your favorite books (maybe you've just completed one), some individual packets of hot cocoa mix, or tea bags and something to snack on.

• For the TV football addict you could grab a jar of salsa, a bag of tortilla chips, a couple of cans of their favorite beverage (beer or soda) and place in a basket. A couple of sticks of jerky or some string cheese could be a little extra. Top off the basket with some memento from their favorite NFL or college team. They are now set for New Year's!

When you start looking around the house... you can find a treasure chest of gifts. Put on your best brain hat, start searching the house while thinking of the people on your list! You will find gifts! And trust me, you will be more excited about giving them!