A personal touch can really make a Christmas Gift

When *Now:Pensions got in touch talking about making savings at a time when we usually go all out it only served to act as the cement in my husband's argument this year....

Every year I go all out at Christmas. We can't afford it yet I find myself year after year being ridiculous about it. For me it has always been about giving and prettily wrapped presents. This year has to be different. We simply cannot afford to keep going on like this. 

If any of this is sounding familiar, get yourself a brew and read on.

Every year here we have a biannual event. The breaking into the piggy bank. The second one (for Christmas) is usually a motivated effort from the Summer onwards. Any stray 50p's or £1 coins? Get them in there! Don't even pause to think. When it's in it's gone. Forget about it. Even better? You get a tenner for your birthday? Pop that in there too. Do it before thinking. Come November / December you'll find you've actually saved yourself a pretty penny or two ;)

So with that being said that's exactly how I gathered the funds for the Big Night In goody pack I put together for the recent giveaway. I had allocated a certain spenditure similar to what I've allowed family and friends this year and then got creative with spending that allowance. I personally prefer getting lots of little things for Christmas. I think asking for BIG things is a bit cheeky. Santa can only do so much remember!

I thought I'd take you through how I made up the coolest goody box christmas present, perfect for your best mates!

First up you'll need an empty shoebox and your wee bits and pieces you've purchased. My tip here would be set a limit, say £10 or £15 max and then spend JUST that. I opted for chocolate, facemasks, eyelashes, nail polishes and a wee smelly candle for the giveaway prize.

Grab some wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbon, scissors, cellotape and a bow (the pound shop can be your friend here for lots of bulk buy christmas wrapping)

And then wrap up your box! Always wrap the box and the lid seperately.

When you've done that just add a couple of sheets of tissue paper as a bed for your presents.

Then just add all your bits and pieces. Because this is a giveaway prize I'm just popping the prizes into the box as they are however you can (and I do) wrap the gifts individually for more unwrapping fun.

Take your festive lid and have a wee nosy (and marvel) at how your gift will look. Make any last minute adjustments (little tip here if you're posting make sure everything is packed super tight)

(I'd LOVE to get this btw!) 

Then wrap a pretty ribbon around the box, tie and add a bow.

This particular Christmas goody box is headed straight to Betty Bee and I hope she likes it!

I feel gifts like this one are far more personal and it's a chance to include lots of little presents perfectly tailored to your chum. And YOU set the budget. Don't spend what you haven't got folks.  I know I won't be.

Really should start thinking about saving properly, I am nearly 30.....  :S

Anyway, what do you think? Would you like a gift like this for Christmas?

Sera

xo