Dear Maggie Montclair,
Christmas is almost here, and I have put off my shopping because I just don't know what to buy. When my grandchildren were young it was easy. Now, I am at a loss. Last year I gave money, but that seems so impersonal. Do you have any suggestions?
Out of Ideas in Santaville
Dear Out of Ideas,
I'm going to let Gertie answer your question. She has so many friends with good ideas. M
P.S. Gertie here. I have checked with several friends and come up with the following ideas.
1. My dentist's mother-in-law's sister's neighbor had the same problem last year. She solved it accidently while going through some old pictures. She found an old photo of one of her granddaughters, at age three, sharing a cookie with her. She put names and dates on the back, framed it and wapped it as a stocking stuffer. She found and framed a picture of her with each of her grandchildren and gave them the pictures along with a check. Her grandchildren liked the pictures, but she knows that thirty years from now they
will mean much more to them.
2. Another friend's uncle's second wife's oldest daughter asked everyone their favorite restaurant. She then went to the dollar store and bought each recipient ten $1 items which she wrapped and put in a stocking that she had crocheted. The main present, a gift card to their favorite restaurant, was stuffed into the toe of the stocking. She said they all had a fun time opening all the small gifts and were happy to receive the restaurant cards.
3. A very clever and talented friend has learned how to fold money into shirts, blouses, animals, etc. You can use whatever bills bring you to the amount you want for your gift. Just use the internet and look up 'folding money.' I must admit that not everyone can do this. It takes someone with patience and the ability to follow abstract directions. I hope you have better luck than I had!
Send me your ideas and I'll pass them on.
