Dollar Tree Giving

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts for my side of the family, my brothers, sister and I decided several years ago to just buy presents for the children. This has worked out well for us, both practically and financially – although the number of children does keep increasing year by year. 🙂

However, I still want my daughters to experience the pleasure of shopping for someone else and to spend at least a few moments thinking of an item that a family member might like to receive. So each year, during the week before Christmas, I take them to the dollar store and allow the girls together to choose one gift for each person in my family.

My brothers usually end up with candy of some sort, while the women get items like kitchen towels or candles. In the past, our daughters have selected things like utility gloves or a small tool for my dad. Once we get home from the store, the three of us sit down with wrapping paper and bows to wrap and label each present.

It’s always fun when we gather at my parents for our Christmas celebration and everyone opens their gifts to see what “surprise” the girls selected for them this year. It’s a relatively inexpensive tradition that helps impart to our children the joy of giving…..and that works for me!

Visit Works for Me Wednesday for other helpful ideas and Frugal Friday for a host of money-saving tips.