4 Amazingly Memorable Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank

We are getting down to the wire here, folks. Have you finished your shopping?

It can be so difficult to find the perfect gift. Then, sometimes, when you do, it’s way out of your price range.

Today, I’m sharing 4 amazingly memorable gifts that won’t break the bank.

1. The gift of memories
   Who doesn’t love a good trip down memory lane? Here are two gift ideas sure to make your loved ones smile:
   • A Box of Memories
     I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to top the gift I gave my husband for his 40th birthday. A couple weeks before the big day, I sent a letter to all of the important people in his life- from childhood up to the present. In the letter, I asked them to share a memory or two and send it back to us on the enclosed postcard. I banned him from getting the mail and I collected all of the memories into a pretty little box, wrapped it up, and loved every second of him opening it and reading the snippets of his life. I realize that The Big Day is almost here and the last thing you want to do is to send out more mail, but you could send an email and print the replies. I guarantee you that this is a gift your loved one will never forget!
   • Grandparent Journal
     Last Christmas, as part of a homeschool family history project, my children gave each of their beloved grandparents a hardcover journal. Tucked inside each journal was a gigantic list of questions. These journals have been going back and forth between my children and their grandparents all year long. The kids think of questions, the grandparents respond by writing their memories down in the journal, and the result is a family treasure!
2. The gift of time
   Why not give the gift of quality time? A friend once told me about a father who set up a standing Saturday morning date with his children. Together, they head to a local coffee shop, grab treats, and play board games. Can you imagine the memories you would be creating for the price of a cup of coffee and some muffins?
3. A good book with a heartfelt inscription
   My Uncle John gave me A Light in the Attic for Christmas in 1987. I still have this book and I read it often with my children. We always pause to read the inscription on its front cover.

   My favorite gift to give, hands down, is a hand-picked book with a thoughtful inscription. My husband and I give books with inscriptions to our children for every major event. I love that, years from now, they will have a library of memories from their parents.

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4. A well thought-out board game
   If you think about it, a well-thought-out board game costs less than taking your family to the movies and the best part is that you can play the same game for years and create many memories together! Some of my most beloved memories of time spent with my children include time spent hovered over a favorite game.

   Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: What amazingly memorable gift are you planning to give this holiday season? Share here!