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FESTIVE SEASON Why spend your cash on expensive gifts if you can make something more meaningful? FAIZA HASAN

 Jingling bells, merry carols and that unmistakable festivity!!! Yup, Christmas is finally here! And one thing that all of us look forward to is, of course, PRESENTS! But for those already anticipating a pocket burnout, here are some pocket-friendly gifting ideas.

First, see what you have at hand. Coloured papers, cloth, paints, ribbons … Next, look at what you can do with these. For instance, if you’re good at sketching, it would be a wonderful (not to mention, economical) idea to do a small portrait of the person you want to gift it to. If portraits aren’t your forte, how about a sketch of their sweet little puppy? Don’t forget that flowers are a universal theme; a bright floral watercolour will make somebody’s day.

The frame costs can be cut drastically too by making your own. Take two equal pieces of coloured card larger than your artwork (or photograph). Cut out the centre of the first, and voila you have a sort of “frame”. Sandwich your work between the two cards and personalise it using markers, paints, stickers ….

For those of you who prefer photographs, how about a Christmas scrapbook? Get some coloured papers spiral bound together and use pictures along with old wrapping paper and Christmas cards to make it funkier. If craft isn’t your thing, there’s always technology! Use digital photos with nostalgic background scores to create a short “memories disc”.

Another easy option: make your own cards with creative fonts, thoughtful and personalised messages and creative and colourful illustrations. A bright ribbon round the envelope; that card’s sure to be cherished for a long, long time! Other options include patchwork, embroidery or simple quick-mix bakes. It may sound old fashioned, but your mum won’t certainly think so.

A little planning and time management is all it takes for budgeted gifting. And in case you are completely broke and don’t seem to fit in any of these categories, here’s another idea: promise your parents that you’ll keep your room neat (at least for the next six months). They’ll be MORE than happy!

Faiza is a II year student at J.N.T.U College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad

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