Worship the King – Creative and Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Your Church Staff & Others – Tara Dew
The familiar Christmas carol rings out, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” I truly believe this with all my heart. I love Christmas! I love the décor, the carols, the festivities, the gatherings. I love it all!
In ministry, though, Christmas can also be described as “the craziest busy time of the year!” Right? It seems like the calendar gets fuller and fuller every year, from rehearsals and cantatas to staff parties and dinners. Even when Covid-19 cancels things, ministry doesn’t stop. It just looks different. We still find ourselves running from one thing to the next, sometimes tending to lose our focus on the true reason to celebrate: JESUS!
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As believers, we should be the loudest and biggest celebrators of Christmas than anyone else. God gave us an indescribable gift when He sent His Son, Jesus. He is our life. He is our peace. He is our joy!
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Because God has given us the best gift, we, in turn, bless others at Christmas. Over the years, I have found some creative and inexpensive gifts that I love to give. I hope this sparks some new ideas for you this holiday season.
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Homemade Goodies
Ready-to-make hot chocolate mix inside a mug. [su_spacer]
- Purchase some cute mugs.
- Mix up the “Hot cocoa” recipe (recipe attached):
1 8-qt box of instant powdered milk,
1 pound box of confectioner’s sugar,
2lb box chocolate drink mix,
6 oz jar of powdered coffee creamer. (Makes a lot!)
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Place enough for several servings in a bag with the instructions:
“Allow for three tablespoons of mix per one cup of water.”
Set inside the mug and tie with a pretty bow.
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Christmas Goodies on a Pretty Plate
Find a Christmas plate to place some homemade goodies on, then wrap in saran wrap and tie with a pretty bow.
Our favorite Christmas treat is called “Fool’s Toffee” (recipe attached).
It is a crowd-pleaser every time!
You can also make Christmas peppermint bark or another family favorite. I’ve never known anyone to not like Christmas cookies.
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Monogrammed Gifts
Hand towels that embroidered with their last name are so special! I often give waffle towels that with the symbol of our city and then the family’s last name as a special and personalized gift.
I also have found shops online that can embroider bags, hats, scarves, etc. They often run super sales, and you can stock up on great, personalized gifts that are pretty and practical!
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Themed Baskets
Date night in a box: This is one of my favorites to do! Pick out a special Christmas DVD, put some popcorn, glass bottled sodas, and a few special candy boxes for a “date night” at home!
[su_spacer]Spa basket- I love this one too, because who doesn’t love being pampered? Fill this spa themed basket with fragrant bath soaps, bubble fizzers, lotions, body sprays, a candle, and a hair wrap towel or loofa.
[su_spacer]Bible study Basket: For that staff wife or woman in your family or congregation who wants to grow in their walk with the Lord, you can place a devotional, new Bible, journal, pens, highlighters, etc. It is always a hit!
[su_spacer]Local gift items- Since we live in New Orleans, I have found that people love receiving local items from my city (coffee, pralines, Zapps potato chips, Tony’s seasoning, red beans, and rice). But I bet you live in a pretty fun city too! Maybe put some specialty items from your city in a basket to give away.
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Mission/Charity Donations
For the people who “have it all,” consider giving a donation
to someone who doesn’t. Our family picks out some special gifts
every year (through Send Relief or Compassion) in honor of loved
ones.
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We love sending money to buy a family in need some goats, pigs,
seeds, clean water, medical supplies, or bibles.
Just check out some of the awesome things that you can give to
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I hope that these ideas have sparked some creativity in your gift-giving this year! Whatever we give and whatever we do, may we make much of Christ. He is our King and the only one who is Worthy. Celebrating Him alongside you this Christmas season! ~ Tara
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Tara Dew is the wife of Dr. Jamie Dew, President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA. Recipe’s for Creative Gift Giving – 2020 CJ4H – Worship the King – Tara Dew 
They have been blessed with two sets of twins: Natalie and Nathan and Samuel and Samantha. Her primary ministry is to her family—homeschooling, training and discipling their four children. Tara holds a Doctorate in Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her dissertation was entitled Survive or Thrive: An Exploration of the Preparedness of Southern Baptist Pastors’ Wives. Training, equipping and supporting ministry wives has become one of her passions and she is honored to direct and teach in THRIVE, a Ministry Wives Certificate Program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
They have been blessed with two sets of twins: Natalie and Nathan and Samuel and Samantha. Her primary ministry is to her family—homeschooling, training and discipling their four children. Tara holds a Doctorate in Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her dissertation was entitled Survive or Thrive: An Exploration of the Preparedness of Southern Baptist Pastors’ Wives. Training, equipping and supporting ministry wives has become one of her passions and she is honored to direct and teach in THRIVE, a Ministry Wives Certificate Program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.FAVORITE THINGS: Teacher, Lover of Traveling, and DIY Gardener and Renovator