Slices of life, both written and photographed.

Monday, May 4, 2015

The Giving of Gifts...



Giving gifts to others for special occasions usually brings happiness to the recipient as well as to the giver.

However, there comes a time in one's life to start tightening the purse strings.

With a huge family plus extended family members, the rounds of anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, birthdays, weddings and on and on, all requiring gifts, never end.

It's very difficult to keep up on limited incomes.

While I refuse to give up gift giving, it has become necessary to become more creative in order to spend less money.


Two birthdays showed up recently on the calendar.  So, instead of spending the usual $25 per gift, I had to scale down a little bit. 

The result was still nice gifts to give but less money spent.

I bought two very pretty white teapots at T.J. Maxx.

One was quite plain but lovely and the other had a pattern on it. Both were white and had lids, in case the recipients wanted to revert them for use as regular tea pots.


After buying them, I stopped at the supermarkets and bought a pretty bouquet of white and red flowers.


Once home, I placed spongy material in the bottom of each pot, cut the flowers way down and inserted them into the flower holders.

I always buy lovely cards at two for $1.00 to accompany gifts. 


So, where there's a will, there's a way to spend less money but still give gifts from the heart.

WHAT DO YOU USUALLY GIVE AS BIRTHDAY GIFTS?

13 comments:

Stephanie said...

Dearest Susan, what beautiful tea pots and flowers! You are so sweet and thoughtful, my friend. Hugs!

Terri Tiffany said...

I would be thrilled to get something like this! I love this idea! I might try it myself if I need a gift. Very nice Please give us more ideas as you come up with them.

Kamyria said...

What a couple of beautiful gifts! I would love to receive something like that. I think I'm going to use this for some upcoming occasions. Thank you Susan! :)

Unknown said...

Hello from Spain: I like giving away accessories like scarves, toiletries and clothing. I really like these teapots with flowers. Fabulous gifts. You are very creative. We keep in touch

Nellie said...

What a lovely idea! All my gift-giving is to family, mainly to the grandchildren. I try to cover "something to read, something to wear, and something for playing." I plan on this all year long, buying things along.

Bookie said...

Oh, Susan, these are gorgeous. I wish I had been on your list so I could have received one of these. Love those white tea pots! I got a white pot at TJ once for $6 and it has become my every morning tea pot. You did great here.

Lady Linda said...

Absolutely lovely and just sooooo perfect. I love your thrifty idea. Thanks for sharing.
Hugs...

Chatty Crone said...

I am with Lady Linda - lovely and perfect. I think you do a great job in that department. You are so sweet.

diane.stetson said...

My family lives very far away so I send a card and a gift card to one of their favorite places! I love tea and have many many tea pots...maybe
I'll try putting plants or flowers in them just to decorate around the house..thanks for the idea!

Merlesworld said...

Usually money now, if I find something that I think someone will like and it's not their birthday I will buy it for them but when their birthday comes I can never find anything for them.
Merle

Anonymous said...

Gifts aren't about the amount of money spent---they're about the heart of the giver. And your gifts beautifully reflect a giving, generous heart. I love this idea!

Love,
Patti

Red Rose Alley said...

What a pretty white tea pot with flowers. This would make a terrific gift....very clever idea.

~Sheri

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I crochet. Even the smallest handmade gift is usually appreciated. :) It's the thought and the time that counts. Hugs, Tammy

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