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With two families to shop for (real life
and those on Raymond), Sweeten has become a pro gift-giver
with great ideas that will encourage kids of all ages to get
into this holiday tradition without having to dip into their
piggy banks.
"Each year, I love coming up with new, fun ideas for easy
presents that make my friends and family feel special," says
Sweeten. "It adds to the excitement of the season, and you
don't need to spend a lot of money to make it memorable."
Madylin offers the following creative holiday gift-giving tips
on a kid's budget:
* MAKE IT HOMEMADE AND FROM THE HEART:
Design a family album of mementos and photos from trips,
parties and other special times together. Kids can make it
unique to their family by adding fun captions to the photos
and using markers and paper in their parent's favorite colors.
It's a great opportunity to create something with siblings
that can be given to parents as a special reminder of time
spent together as a family.
* BUY A GIFT THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE:
Find a fun and healthy gift that can appeal to the whole
family like Crest SpinBrush, which makes a great stocking
stuffer and costs less than $6. They are available in adult
models, like Crest SpinBrush Pro, and cool kid's designs that
make brushing fun -- and you can choose models that meet the
taste and personality of everyone on your list, like fire
truck, princess and astronaut. TOP
* FILL A COOKIE JAR WITH
A YEAR'S FULL OF LOVING MESSAGES:
Create a jar of 365 reasons why you love your special someone,
so that each day they can open one up and receive a
heart-filled message from you. Write the messages on
decorative paper, fold them in half and put them in a big
cookie jar. This is a great gift for friends or relatives who
live far away and who kids may not see very often.
* GIVE GIFTS WITH A THEME:
Create a themed gift based around the special interests of
family and friends. For example, if someone on your list loves
cooking, fill a large, pottery mixing bowl full of their
favorite spices, pasta, recipe ideas, seasonal cookie cutters
and special cooking utensils. This idea doesn't cost a lot,
but looks substantial and thoughtful. TOP
* CREATE PERSONALIZED MUSIC:
Burn a CD or make a tape for friends or siblings with all of
their favorite songs. Choose tunes that they love by a new
singer or from a movie and create a personalized CD on a
stereo or computer. Customize the case cover with a photo or
decorate it with fun designs. It's a surefire way to give them
something that they will enjoy and use.
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