S
*Scrapbooks
Finish up those scrapbooks that you started, or make up a small one for that special someone. Use up all that craft stuff you got stockpiled in the closet.

*Seeds
Now is the time to pick up seeds on clearance sale. Make up a basket with some new garden tools, garden gloves and Seeds for those special gardeners in your life.

*Scan
those pics for the photographer in your family. Gather up all the old family pics and put them on a CD. Make copies and give everyone in the family a copy. Christmas Day put them on the big screen and share all those old memories with everyone.

*Sewing
This is something I have already been doing for a few months now Sew up something for everyone. Make a purse, potholders, placemats, teddy bear, baby doll or a lap quilt even. I have picked up books from the library with directions and patterns for all kinds of neat little things to sew up.

*Socks
Pick up a package of cheap socks at the local discount store and add your own personal touch to them. Embroidery a flower, sew on a cute little patch that you can pick up in any sewing section. Paint with fabric paint a cute design or add a bow with some ribbon or lace.


T
*Train ride
All over the country there are different types of train rides available for a small price. Look on the web to find one near you. Some are free and some cost a small price. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with family.

*Time
Spend some quality time with a loved one or an elderly person in your community.

*Thank you notes
Write a thank you note to your kids teachers, the mailman, the lawn care guy, the babysitter. Add a $5 dollar gift card to the local coffee shop if you want or a batch of homemade cookies.

*Tea
Fix up a nice tea cup with your favorite tea bags and a handwritten note to your hairdresser, Mailman, preacher, School Teacher or Sunday school Teacher.

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F - Freezer or refrigerator pickles. I've seen a few easy looking recipes for these, look like they'd make nice gifts in a jar.

S - homemade soaps. I picked up a kit a few years ago and made a bunch of soaps for the girls in a gift exchange I am in. Very pretty and easy, fun to make too!

D - dog treats, homemade, for the dog lover in your life!

I am loving all the ideas in this thread!

I am going ahead an finishing this up. So everyone can get busy being creative.

U
* University
Check out your local university or college and see if they have an art gallery or planetarium that you can go see free or low cost exhibits.

V
*Vouchers (homemade)
A homemade voucher for a hug and kiss any time it is needed. A day out with mom or dad by themselves is a great way to make time for your kids.

*Visit (monthly)
Make up a calendar and give it to an elderly person in your life with a day each month or each week if you are able for the whole year that you will come to visit them or take them on errands, cook them dinner. The elderly usually don't want anything but company so this is a great way to spread the holiday out all year long.

*Vivid Memories
Gather a group of your friends or family and invite them over for a potluck dinner. Have them bring their digital memory cards, pop them into a computer, and share up to date moments with your loved ones. Or have everyone bring pics or video camera's and share past memories together. Make it a unforgetable tradition year after year, enjoy a hassel free holiday evening.

W
*Wax
Try you ability at making wax candles and give them as gifts. If you don't want the trouble of making the whole candle. Get some candles on sale and decorate them up with glitter, small sparkly stones, stickers, string.

*Washclothes
Buy some plain washclothes at the local dollar store and embordiary something simple on the corners. Buy a cheap towel to match and give a set.

X
*Xerox
Xerox copies of childrens artwork, make frames out of popsicle sticks, or paint and decorate old pic frames to put the artwork in and have the kids give them to grandparents.

*Xtra cash
I made each of the grandkids a piggy bank out of old formula containers. One is a pig, on is a dog, and one is a kitty. I plan on tossing some change in each one for the kids as a small gift.

*Xtra time
Spend some extra time with the family this year. Take the kids out to see the holiday lights. Visit a local church that offers a live Nativity scene and tell your kids the reason behind the holiday. Go caroling with a group of friends and their families.

Y
*Yarn
Use all those leftover yarn bits to crochet or knit up socks, alghans, potholders, dishcloths, or any other warm gift of that sort. Check out your local library for craft books. Our here has several books that have simple directions for small crochet and knitted items.

*Yarn Art
Take a piece of wood, sand and stain it. Put in small nails just in far enough to hold. Take piece of yarn and string from nail to nail to make an interesting picture to give. This is a great gift for a younger child to make for a parent or grandparent.

*Yard Art
Create interesting yard/garden art or garden chimes out of old metal pieces and silverware. You can make yard art out of old broken china plates or saucers and a some grout. Make a small mosaic table or even a mosaic picture to hang up.

*Yard Chores. Offer the gift of helping an elderly or disabled friend or relative in the yard.

Z
*Zuchinni
Bake up some fresh zuchinni bread out of last summers large supply of zuchinni to give to a neighbor. You can also make up Banana Bread, Pumpkin Bread.

*Zoo Membership
Purchase a annual zoo membership for your friend, sister or brothers young family. They will enjoy it all year long. The cost is usually pretty minimal.

*Zest- Encourage others to be creative. Be enthusiastic about finding ways to enjoy each other without spending money or spending a lot of money. Include othr families in your ideas. Have a Homemade Pizza night for your family and few other families. Rent a movie and pop some popcorn and invite over friends for an evening out without a large expense. Have a cookie making session with some young mothers. Hire a babysitter to keep the young ones entertained while the group of mothers makes up batches of cookies together for the holiday and enjoys the companionship without the stress of cooking and watching the little ones.


And Remember that the holidays isn't about what you spend or even what you get, it is how you feel and everyone around you feels during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Hope everyone has a SAFE & Wonderful Holiday season. Make it simple and don't stress over any of it. The best memories usually end up being the time spent together anyway.

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