The $10 Christmas gift challenge

Christmas is the time of year associated with love, joy and goodwill. It wouldn't be Christmas without gifts. As families grow, so do the number of gifts. Every year it becomes more and more difficult to balance our Christmas budgets.

You may ask: Is there a solution to this never-ending budgeting problem? Well, the answer is yes. Create your own family tradition.

As our family grew, it became more and more difficult for some members of our family to buy gifts. And, because everyone wants to give gifts we came up with a plan. We decided that gifts should not exceed $10. The first year we all believed that it was impossible to buy decent gifts for that price, but over the years it has become a fun challenge to buy the most original gift that one can find. We all take this activity rather seriously. That is why last year we decided to introduce a special award for the most original gift. On the evening of our Christmas party after all the gifts have been opened we vote for the most original gift. We have also made a framed certificate that is awarded to the winner.

Introducing the $10 challenge to your family will need a family meeting at which you decide what the maximum value of all gifts should be.

In our household, when November arrives, the search for gifts starts. This is accompanied with much secretive laughter and giggles amongst family members sharing their ideas. Last year my daughter gave her father a beautifully made bird feeder that she bought at our local nursery. My husband hung the feeder outside near our pool and everyday, especially during the summer, we enjoy the sound of birds eating seed. My daughter is a budding artist and she made a beautiful screen print for my gift that I have framed. It is hanging in my lounge.

Planning for your $10 gifts:

• At the beginning of November make a list of names of those that you intend buying a gift for.
• Write down some ideas for gifts.
• The challenge now is to keep your eyes open for that "original" gift every time you go shopping.
• If you are creative, you might be able to create a gift for less than $10.
• Next year, start collecting gifts throughout the year.