It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Are you done with your Christmas Shopping yet? 

I finally finished last night!  

I did a little happy dance and a celebratory jig. 

Right there in the store.

Not really...but in my head I did.

As I was humming carols to my car, I realized that although my gift quest was over there were still gifts to acquire.

There are gifts to people that I always give to...neighbors, the mail carrier, the gardener...

Ahhh!  Christmas is about showing others how you appreciate them...not being sent to the poor house! 

I came across this idea from my 1st grade buddies at my school.  I sure would like to take credit for this fabulous idea, but I can't.  Teachers are the some of the most frugal creative people I know.  

That's said with the utmost awe and admiration.   

Isn't it ca-ute???
Wait...you don't know what it is.
Just sit back and be amazed!

You just open it up and there are 4 little sleeves to put "little" gifts into.  

My mind is racing with ideas of what to fill this wonderful little gift!  

You could fill the sleeves with little "love coupons" for the receiver...such as..."I will wash the car for you"..."I will do the dishes for you"...you get the idea.  
You could also fill the sleeves with little scriptures or prayers for the receiver.  
You could put little notes in the sleeves about what you admire or like about the receiver.
You could put little candies in the sleeves.
You could put gift cards in the sleeves.  

The ideas are limitless.  It could be as inexpensive as you like or as costly as you want!

Here is a little tutorial on how to create this little idea:

1.  First you will need lunch bags. You will need 4 of them.  Easy huh?

2.  Next lay out the bags like shown with the open end on the outside.  Glue the ends together with hot glue.  Easy smeasy!

3.  The next step is the most fun part! You get to decorate.  Decorating can be as elaborate as you want.  On this one,  I used an old birthday card
for the center and some scrapbook paper supplies.  

4.  Decorate all sides of the sleeves,front and back.  You can use scrapbook paper, wrapping paper
or old cards.  For my Christmas one, I used scrapbook paper and clip art images I got off of the
internet.  Cost to me so far...zilch..zip...big fat ZERO!  

5.  Fold it together and add a little button to the front. Add  a ribbon to the back to tie the booklet together.  

Isn't it cute? 

I have made two already.  A Christmas and a birthday version. 

I think that the idea would lend itself beautifully to a little scrapbook.  Every sleeve could have a photo on it and the inside of the sleeve could have the journaling.  

I also think this could be a great way to give gift cards to a grad.  Each sleeve could have a gift card in it to various fast food places and stores to ready a dorm room.

Oh my mind is racing! 

Have a Merry Christmas!