Frugal Crafts & Gifts
(featured column by various authors)

A Priceless Gift
by Amanda Formaro

There is always a lot of talk about how we can save money over the holidays. And how can we get the kids involved more?  More...

This particular gift idea is so easy and says "I love you" so well, that you won't want to miss out on it! Make several of these wonderful keepsakes and give them to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who needs a smile.

The best inexpensive Christmas gift I ever received was from my son when he was in Kindergarten.

The class took empty boxes (hair color, toothpaste, etc.), wrapped them in wrapping paper, then tied them up with a ribbon.

Attached to the box was this note:

I took an ordinary box
As empty as can be
I filled it with a special gift
And wrapped it carefully.

But please don't ever open it
Just leave the ribbon tied
And hold it tightly near your heart
Because my love for you's inside!

If you prefer to use bows over ribbon, simply adjust the poem to read:

I took an ordinary box
As empty as can be
I filled it with a special gift
And wrapped it carefully.

But please don't ever open it
Just leave the bow applied
And hold it tightly near your heart
Because my love for you's inside!

Using bows, of course, is easier than the ribbon for little ones. To dress up the poem, use pinking shears to cut out the poem you have written or printed out, then glue that to another piece of poster board or construction paper of another color (for a border effect).

I loved this gift and will keep it FOREVER.

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Copyright © 2002 by Amanda Formaro