| In this economy, one of the hardest things to do is to | | | | around the candle, and take a look at what you've |
| spend money on things that are not required in | | | | done: this is a nice gift that anyone would enjoy getting, |
| day-to-day living. Despite the fact that the economy is | | | | and you've spent less than $10, tax and all. |
| bad, life goes on: people have birthdays, people get | | | | Another great idea for, perhaps, a bridal shower or a |
| married, there are hollidays and traditions and reasons | | | | house warming party is this: try getting a picture frame |
| to celebrate. | | | | from, again, Wal-Mart, ranging in price from $2-$5 on |
| Most of these events call for some form of gift-giving, | | | | the inexpensive side, and wrapping it in wrapping paper, |
| which can put someone who is financially struggling in | | | | which is also inexpensive at Wal-Mart. You could even |
| a tough position. We've all been there- it's the cable bill | | | | buy a nice bow or ribbon to tie around the wrapped |
| or a gift, so we call in sick or make up an excuse not | | | | gift, and you would still be under $10. If you wanted to |
| to attend these functions. This causes us to miss out | | | | personalize the gift, you could put a picture |
| on opportunities to socialize and enjoy one-another's | | | | representing a good memory inside of the frame. |
| company. | | | | If you are careful, you can even combine these two |
| As an alternative, try putting away ten dollars - yes, | | | | ideas and still stay under the $10 range: You could get |
| only ten dollars! - and the next time you are invited to | | | | a $3 picture frame and a $2 candle, and you could |
| one of these events, put your money into action. | | | | spend about $1.50 on a slightly larger gift bag and $1 on |
| Most people enjoy getting a gift, no matter what the | | | | gift tissue, and you have a nice gift. Picture frames and |
| cause, simply because it is simply that: a gift. So it is | | | | candles go great together. |
| not at all unacceptable to get the birthday girl a nice | | | | Another cute gift for a bride-to-be that is inexpensive |
| candle from Wal-Mart. These candles range | | | | ($1-$6) and humorous could be socks- for "cold feet." |
| anywhere from $1-$5, on the inexpensive side, and | | | | Also a great gift idea: lotions! There are several stores |
| smell wonderful. Simply pick up the candle and swing | | | | that carry wonderful smelling lotions for under $10. In |
| on over to the gift-wrapping section. Pick up a nice gift | | | | some places, the lotions are approximately $2-$3 for a |
| bag for only $1 and some gift tissue for only $1 and | | | | purse sized container, and in that case you could even |
| take all to the register. | | | | get a matching perfume, also in purse size, and put |
| If you have a couple dollars to spare, go to the candy | | | | them in the fore mentioned gift bag. |
| isle and grab a bag of Hershey's chocolate kisses or | | | | These are only a few ideas- watch for deals and |
| Life Savers mints- some sort of candy that is | | | | sales and always remember: your gift is a gift, not a |
| individually wrapped. When you get home, put the | | | | requirement. We should never allow money to be the |
| tissue into the gift bag, and set the candle inside of the | | | | cause of a declining social life! |
| tissue. Pour the candy in a "sprinkling" manner all | | | | |