Due to a severely malfunctioning supply system, the media is currently warning parents and grandparents to purchase Christmas presents now because there is a possibility that there will be severe delays in shipping or stock supplies will run out.
What we currently are looking at are trucks that are backed up, no truckers to drive those trucks, container ships are backed up in port, manufacturers are not producing computer chips or parts that are needed for toys, raw materials are not being gathered due to work shortages, and workers aren’t allowed to work because of restrictions.
Many big box stores shelves are barren or running low, so I’ll do my best to give you some alternatives that I’ve used.
Online Cheap/Free Alternatives
- Craigslist.org – A website where numerous individuals sell used items (including toys) that you can rewrap or put into a gift bag.
- Freecycle.org – A website where individuals offer free items (sometimes toys) that you can rewrap or put into a gift bag.
- Facebook Marketplace – A section within facebook that allows for individuals to sell used/new items (including toys) that you can rewrap or put into a gift bag.
- NextDoor.com – A website used to keep up with neighbors and share community information but they do have a section for sales of items.
- Ebay.com – Both new and used items can be found for the right buyer, even free shipping is offered in some auctions.
- Etsy.com – A website where individuals sell items they make by hand or other used items.
Suggestions for Cheap Christmas Presents
- Store Clearance – Stop into the stores nearby and check end caps for items that have been marked down to clearance prices.
- Visit your goodwill or other local thrift stores.
- Keep presents from well meaning relatives in storage bins and regift them at the end of the year. This works well for very small children as they rarely remember receiving anything due to the excitement surrounding birthdays and holidays.
For some perspective…
During the Great Depression, most Christmas gifts were things that could be made due to so many families being poverty stricken. People had to be creative with their gifts and make the most of what they had available to them. I’ve listed some items that I’m fairly certain will be making a come back over the next few years.
- Jars of Canned Foods (applesauce, jelly, vegetables, etc)
- Knitted Scarf
- Knitted Hat
- Homemade Soap
- Hand-Me-Down Clothes
- Homemade Chunk of Cheese
- Potted Plants
- Heirloom Seeds
- Handmade Furniture
- Apple or Orange
- Handmade Mittens
- Handmade Dolls
- Airplane or Car made from recycled tin
- Dime Candy
- Flour Sack Dress
- A banana
- Nuts
- Loaf of Yeast Bread
- Loaf of Sweet Bread (Zucchini, Carrot & Raisin, Apple, etc)
- Homemade Butter
- Handmade Clothing
- Knitted Booties
Suburban & Rural Homesteading Today 