Let's Get Unconventional!

 Hello to all.  Thank you for being here today.  Hope you are all doing well.  

It is in the mid 40's this morning and the house is 68*.  We should be getting to the low 70's today and all week and it looks to be a dry and sunny week.  You won't hear me complain about that!!!

The daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter, and the year is getting closer to be over!  It is so hard to believe that we are on the downward end of October.  Just yesterday (it seems) we were saying how can it be September already?!!!

This morning when outside with the feeding frenzy of cats - the sunrise was so pretty.  The sky was the prettiest shade of blue and there were just whisps and poofs of pink everywhere.  God sure does beautiful work.

I got a notice yesterday for my December luncheon of old friends - Dec. 14.  Then I realized that is less than 2 months away!  So, I really got to thinking and well, the bad news is it is about 10 weeks until Christmas - around 64 days!

Now what a cute idea for a cheese platter!!!  Cheese and pepperoni shaped to look like Santa.  You could do something similar with assorted cracker or even sliced veggies.  Get creative.

You all know that I am not a real traditional gift giver.  I like doing things a little different.  I try to make things a bit more personal and creative.

I mean seriously, anyone can go and buy just any assortment of "stuff".  For the most part kiddos are into computers and gaming and well, I will not contribute.  Besides that, I am not spending the money that all that takes!  It is way too expensive.  

Most adults have everything they need already.  So just buying to be buying seems silly.

I know we all know people who do not appreciate the homemade gifts, and think that is cheap.  I personally love something different or homemade - because a lot of time, love and THAT person is in it.

I love getting (and giving) food items.  Different things, people may not do for themselves.  I mean we all have to eat!

So let's look a little outside the box today - IT IS TIME TO GET BUSY!!!!

• Used book stores are a great place to shop.  Find a subject they would like.  Many used books look new and then the old classics are just beautiful books.
• Puzzles - I know many of you love puzzles - lots of people do.  A gift that is used over time.  Also think puzzle and word books
• Don't overlook the Aldi aisle of shame!  They have tons of cute ideas (especially fun things for youngsters) for little money
• Sample size health & beauty products in a cute little basket or tote with a bath scrubby
• CVS - deals - you can get a lot of inexpensive things on those daily deals at CVS with their card and their coupons
• Warm socks (we all love warm feet) - maybe some hot chocolate mixes and a mug to go with it.  Or for the right person some mulling spices, and a bottle of wine
• A pretty Christmas ornament - can be used year after year.  Homemade or a pretty you buy.  If you buy one - get a paint pen and write the year on it or a sentiment
• At yard sales or thrift stores - buy pretty single plates for gifting home baked goods or candies. They can keep the plate or pass on to someone else
• A cold/flu/cough kit - lozenges, herbal tea bags, small bottle of honey, tissues, Pepto, soup mix, etc.
• Garden and flower seeds - you can find at garden centers now - marked down.  They will be good next spring - garden gloves, a trowel, bulb planter, etc.  Get some paperwhite bulbs and a small planter to give - fun inside project.  Amarylis bulbs.
• Kiddos - a little basket with a cute toothbrush, toothpaste, bubble bath, cute soaps, and fun sponge or scrubbies, etc.
• Think vintage - it is the new thing again.  Many people are getting back into vintage everything - usually find at thrift stores.  Older kitchens utensils, salt & pepper shakers, fabrics (for the sewer), hankies, bowls & baking items, cookbooks, etc.

Fire starters are easy to make from pinecones - great for a fireplace or for folks that camp. Dip in wax (or colored wax) and place in a basket

Another use for pinecones.  They are FREE and can be turned into all kinds of pretties.  I think these are wonderful!  So cute and cheerful!

Candles - scented or votives or melts are always a good gift.  Everyone knows I love scented candles, and I always get a few to enjoy during the winter months - I think of the giver each time I use them.

Fire extinguishers are a great gift - you can now buy super easy to use ones and they are disposable after use.  I have been gifted several and have them in various areas of the home.  Also a fire blanket - that can be thrown over a fire to extinguish.

Anything that provides safety is good.

This is a great idea for people who live alone - an extra feeling of security.  I have 2 - one for front and one for back door.

It just slides under the handle and helps keep the door from being opened.  Easy to use.

Gift cards are now available for everywhere - If you know someone having difficulties - this is a great gift - they can use for anything.  Think about stores that have food and other goods - they can get what they need.  Coffee lovers - a GC to their favorite coffee spot.  You can buy Visa cards that can be used for anything.  Amazon cards.  The list goes on and on - and they can get exactly what they want or need.

I will give more ideas in the coming weeks, but this gives folks ideas on ways to get started and buy ahead.  We all need to get motivated - even if we just gift to neighbors and friends or maybe an office gift or the teacher.

What unconventional gift would you like?

What unconventional gifts do you give?

Tis the season to get busy!!!!!!!

Have a fantastic day!!!!!!!!!!