Replacement Remote Needed for Santa's Best Prelit Tree?We purchased (I believe) a Santa's Best prelit tree last year. We lost the remote while moving into our new house. Where can we get a replacement remote? Can we purchase a replacement receiver and remote?
Cranberry Nut BreadThis delicious cranberry nut loaf is the perfect addition to any holiday party. It is a simple recipe to throw together and tastes extra delicious with a bit of butter. If you are looking for Christmas food gifts this just might be your go-to recipe.
Making a Skirt and Decorating It Like a Christmas Tree?Has anyone made a Christmas tree "skirt" as a joke for a holiday party? Instead of wearing the traditional Christmas sweater, I want to make a skirt out of tulle and then decorate it. I saw a picture somewhere, but can not find anything.
Need 50 Small Gift Ideas For 2 Secret Sisters?I am wanting to get a large gift bag with 25 small gifts in each-one for each day of December. The envelope or small package will have the date on the outside of each so they know what day to open them. I'd like each to have different items-not the same. And they need to be inexpensive.
Fallen Ladder Joke Christmas DecorationThis was my Christmas decoration this year. Well, there is good news and bad news about my Christmas decorations this year.
Snowmen Button BraceletCelebrate the season with a DIY Christmas bracelet. I really liked the idea of forming different figures from buttons. This is a great use for buttons left over from old clothes. I decided to make a bracelet with snowmen.
Christmas Ball from Plastic Roll-On ContainerDo not throw away empty roll-on antiperspirants or deodorants. You can make little Christmas balls from them. It won't take long and will cost you almost nothing.
Birch Bark SnowflakeI like to use bark for crafts. This time I decided to make snowflakes from birch bark. You can hang these snowflakes on Christmas tree or use them to decorate Christmas gifts.
Handmade/Homemade GiftsChoosing the perfect gift for each person on our list means paying attention throughout the year and taking note of preferences. This is particularly true when making gifts.
Candy Cane Rice Krispie TreatsThese festive treats are super simple to make and really delicious. They make perfect gifts or a great addition to a holiday party.
Brussels Sprout Christmas TreeI thought this Brussels sprout stalk would make a fun table decoration. I was able to get the Brussels sprouts and cranberries on sale and the star and lights at the Dollar Tree.
Sticky Tape Christmas BulbThe simplest sticky tape is enough to decorate your Christmas tree. I figured out how to make a Christmas bulb out of transparent duct tape only using expired eyeshadow. Instead of eyeshadow, you can use any powder (of course, a powder that is safe for health), for example flour. So it will cost you almost nothing.
Button Star OrnamentThis craft can be made using collected buttons left over from old clothes to make a star to decorate your Christmas tree. I used wire from an old transformer, so this project cost almost nothing. You can use any other color of buttons.
Ugly Christmas Tree SweaterMake your ugly Christmas sweater yourself! The advantage of this project is that the sweater will not be damaged. After the holidays are over, you can rip off the beaded organza ruffles and wear your sweater as usual.
Ruffle Christmas TreeThis small Christmas made of organza and hot glue will perfectly decorate your interior. It's lightweight and durable, so you don't have to worry about dropping it. You can insert a Christmas garland inside.
Keepsake Christmas OrnamentMade from my Grandmother's old perm rods. I wanted to do "something" with them and so I fashioned these two different ornaments; an angel and a Christmas tree.
Covid Christmas Car KitBecause I was given a lot of fabric, and I generally make and distribute treats to friends and neighbors at Christmas time every year, I decided to change it up a little and made these "car kits" with hand sanitizer, kleenex, and masks to keep handy in the car.
Five-Minute Thrifty Goodie ContainersMade from berry containers from the produce department, I used Christmas fabric and plan to use to gift homemade fudge in them.
Pine Cone WreathI saw this on Pinterest.
Store Ornament Hangers on Bread TabsLast year, I put my ornament hangers on bread tabs and it worked out great. They were not tangled up, which was a big help.
Organza Spiral Christmas TreeOrganza and beads look great together. I used them to create this Christmas tree. You can use an LED garland instead of beads or make the Christmas tree without adding beads.
Cleaning a Flocked Wreath?Does anyone know how to freshen up a white flocked Christmas wreath. I would re-spray it but flocking cannot be purchased anymore.
Gift for Adult Stepchild Who Never Visits?Step child, age 31, always makes up excuses why she can't come to family events. She posted a comment on Facebook that she would not be celebrating Christmas this year to let her family know. However, she does go over to other places to have dinner, etc. with other people if her mother goes. They live together. We rarely see her.
Accordion Christmas Tree from Plastic BottleDon't spend a lot of money on Christmas décor, rather use what you have at hand to create it. I figured out how to make this wonderful Christmas tree from a plastic bottle. I used a green plastic bottle, but you can use it in a different color, as Christmas trees don't have to always be green. You can also use any other decoration for such a Christmas tree, for example crystals, beaded garlands or even buttons that you can sew with threads if you don't have a suitable wire.
Reindeer Rice Krispie TreatsThis is a simple way to decorate Rice Krispie treats for Christmas. These cute reindeer treats are sure to bring anyone some holiday cheer.
Last Minute Christmas Gift IdeasLet's brainstorm together! What are your go-to last-minute gift ideas?
Best Stocking StuffersWhat makes the best stocking stuffers?
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus Air Freshener Covers?'m looking for a pattern of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. It was from Atlanta Puffections some years ago. It was sewn together fit over air fresheners.
How Can Santa Come If I Have No Money?Every year, there are financial troubles around the holidays and this year will be no different. Christmastime can be hard for families, especially with young children, if funds are tight. Here are some ideas submitted by our ThriftyFun community. If you have any tips, please post them here.
Funny Saying to Go With Crying Santa Picture?Need a funny saying to go with a crying Santa picture for Christmas cards.
Alternative to "Secret Santa" for the WorkplaceThis year only half the office wanted to have Secret Santa (gift exchange where you pick someone's name). Even those who agreed gave a lukewarm response to the idea. The people opposing the idea did not want to spend the money, some others mentioned that they usually get gifts that they don't use/like at these gift exchanges.
Painting Santa On Old Bottles?I am looking for a pattern to paint Santa Claus on an old wine bottle or glass soda bottle. If anyone has any ideas where I can find that I'd appreciate it.
Santa Tips for ParentsWith the holiday season coming up quickly it reminds me of what I did when my daughter was little and in grade school. On Thanksgiving evening, I would break out several magazines like Sears, Penny's or even Kmart/Walmart advertisements for her to look at, telling her that there were so many children in the world now that it was my understanding that each child only got to choose $100 worth of gifts from these catalogs.
Santa and Friends Candy JarsMake plain candy jars into Santa and friends. Simple, affordable fun!
Coffee Can Santa?I am looking for a cute pattern to make the coffee can santas and snowmen.
Stars from Fishing Line and Hot GlueI figured out how to make beautiful stars from fishing line and hot glue. Thanks to the glitter and beads, the stars shine perfectly. You can hang them on a Christmas tree or use for decoration.
Miniature Christmas Crochet HatThis miniature Christmas crochet hat is such a cute holiday decoration. Attach them to a string of yarn and create a pretty garland to hang in your home. Use them on a wine bottle cozy outfit or use as a handmade hat ornament. Such a cute way to make your home décor festive.
Spanish Fruit CakeCream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Sift dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Decorated Glass OrnamentsThese ornaments are a simple, but elegant way to dress up your tree. They also make great keepsake gifts for friends and family. You can make the ornaments with your family, too.
Christmas Tree HatThe best crafts are those that make you smile, and this one will. It's a fun holiday party hat that's a cinch to make (bear not included).
Recycling Christmas CardsWhat do you do with your Christmas cards? I decided to recycle mine! I took all my cards and turned them into Christmas gift cards for next year!
Save Halloween Candy for Christmas StockingsIf you are looking at your kids Halloween candy and thinking you really don't want them eating it all. You could consider "borrowing" some of their candy that is not Halloween themed and save it for their Christmas stockings.
A Little Holiday Entertainment Planning Goes Long WayWe have all heard this our entire lives: plan ahead. It's actually a good idea at any time of year, but in this run up to Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is a good time to look to the little things so they don't become big things. Here are some examples:
Personalized Spool OrnamentsTo celebrate my grandson's first Thanksgiving and first Christmas and to commemorate family who can't be here this year due to COVID, I created some cute but simple tree ornaments using just photos and empty thread spools for an old fashioned look!
Mini Gumball Machine Christmas OrnamentI saw this idea at a craft boutique and since I had the supplies to make one, I made my own version.
Christmas Rainbow Cheetah Gift TagHave your kids help partake in Christmas wrapping! They could design cute little gift tags or make as a flat homemade card. This is a cheetah my daughter designed.
Craft Wire Christmas Tree & Star OrnamentsThis year, I donated all of my glass ornaments so our Christmas tree is looking a little bare. I decided to make some wire ornaments. I made 2 so far and looking forward to make more.
Needlepoint Canvas Wreath OrnamentI was given a lot of circular needlepoint canvas shapes and found this quick and simple ornament to make.
Christmas Dino DecorationHere is a cute dinosaur with a Christmas hat you can make with supplies from home. You can change the reptile/animal to your child's liking and add a Christmas hat. This dino would be a nice decorative piece to add in your home if you like your kid's artwork displayed.
Pine Needle Christmas TreeThis is a craft my son thought of on his own and had our family do individually; it was a lot of fun! We collected pine needles, drew our own Christmas trees then decorated it!
Poured Paint Christmas BulbA friend gave me ten of these silver Christmas bulbs that someone had decorated with a writing paint, so I decided to upcycle them using the "paint pour" technique.
Reindeer CandleEver received a candle with no scent, but you hated to toss it? Here is an idea for making it into a holiday candle.
Propagating Plants Inside a Christmas Ornament BulbMake these cute and inexpensive ornament bulb propagation planters to give as gifts or simply to decorate your desk, bathroom, or home.
Gingerbread Chex MixI wanted to use a gingerbread themed gift to give to friends and neighbors. I found some cute gingerbread containers to put the mix in. The gingerbread designed napkins, cookie cutters, and candy canes add to the gift presentation.
Gingerbread People Wall DecorationsHere is an inexpensive/free way you can decorate your home for the holidays. You can cut out gingerbread people from cardboard, shipping boxes or craft paper then decorate! Hang the gingerbread people individually with tape or as a garland.
Name for Preschool Christmas Musical?Our church and preschool will be joining together to sing some Christmas carols for our Christmas service. What could a fun name be for Christmas?
Making Angel OrnamentsAngels are a popular decoration during the holidays, especially for the Christmas tree. Angel ornaments can be constructed from all sorts of inexpensive or recycled materials.
Felt Toilet Paper OrnamentWere you one of the lucky people that didn't have to visit a bunch of stores and stand in long lines just to get toilet paper? Most of us have the epic TP search seared into our brains. I know I will never under appreciate easy access to it again! Commemorate this wonderful necessity with a fun felt ornament. Add the year if you want too!
Face Mask Felt OrnamentMasks, masks, everywhere! If this isn't symbolic of 2020 I don't know what is. Celebrate the glorious mask with this fun ornament!
Felt Clorox Wipes OrnamentClorox Wipes have definitely been part of our daily lives during the Covid pandemic. Commemorate your fabulously sanitized surfaces with this silly wipes container ornament!
Felt Hand Sanitizer OrnamentIt seems like we have all been tackling germs this year with gallons of hand sanitizer! Another unforgettable staple this year that surely needs to be remembered for years to come.
Felt Killer Hornet OrnamentNothing says 2020 like an infestation of killer hornets! Do we even dare to ask "What's next?!"? You can make a single hornet or a whole swarm to adorn your tree.
Holiday Tag GarlandHoliday tags strung together to make a garland.
North Pole OrnamentPaint the sticks as in photo (or however you want.) Let dry. Glue together as in picture. Glue on ribbon and hang and enjoy.
Snoopy Tree OrnamentThis little yarn Snoopy is dressed up with a Santa Hat, and ready to hang on your tree. Or you could add him as trim to a package, or make a lapel pin.
Stocking Cap OrnamentThis is a recycled kids craft. The little ones can really get into this craft, and make something pretty to hang on the tree. Supplies are few.
Christmas PoemsThe Christmas season brings out all sorts of creativity, including gifts of poetry. Special poems like "The Night Before Christmas" are treasured year after year. Other poems may have a more personal connection to your family but these lesser known poems can be forgotten over time.
Decorative Styrofoam Holiday CandleRecycle white styrofoam egg cartons to make a large candle centerpiece. Cut off the lid and closure flap from each egg carton. Only the cup portions are used to make the candle.
Christmas Tree Treat CupsA quick and super cute decoration for your Christmas Tree. Especially great for any home with young children.
2020 Christmas Card Greeting Ideas?What are your Christmas card message ideas for 2020?
Homemade Hot Chocolate MixThis hot cocoa is chocolaty with a hint of cinnamon. Not only is making your own hot cocoa mix delicious, but it can make a great gift for the holidays. My friend is a chef and he had to make special hot chocolate mixes each year for the hotel attached to the restaurant he worked at. We based this recipe on one of his favorites. This is also quite inexpensive.
Homemade Printed Tissue PaperWith just a few supplies, a computer, and a printer it is super easy to make small pieces of custom tissue paper for the holidays!
Christmas Tree VeggiesWith a little arranging on toothpicks, your veggie platter can be an adorable standing Christmas tree. You can use any veggies and cheeses you desire. Happy holidays!
Christmas Salad RecipesAt Christmastime, even the salads are festive. Red and green ingredients are very popular. They can be made with fruits, veggies or a combination of both.
Wall Tree Activity AdventThis advent is simple to throw together using Ikea's wall tree, and cardstock. Our family likes to do activity-based advents like this one and when I saw IKEA was selling this decoration, I knew I had to make it into an advent calendar.
Money Gift in a Candy JarThis candy jar is a fun way to gift money in a surprising way.
Giving Money in a Pez DispenserPez is a classic holiday candy and kids love using the dispenser. If you are looking for a way to give cash that is not simply putting it into a card, you can try this trick.
Giving Cash in a Candy StorybookHere is a simple way to make giving cash a little extra special this holiday season. During Christmastime, there are always a few different candy companies that make a storybook style candy box. When I was a kid, I always got the Lifesavers book in my stocking.
Gift Money in a Candy BoxThis is a simple way to give cash as a gift. You fill the spaces in a candy box with cash and give it as if it was just a normal box of chocolates.
Starburst Pipe Cleaner Tree TopperThis is an easy and inexpensive way to create a retro tree topper that's also fun to make. All you need is a package of silver pipe cleaners and that's all there is to it. If you want to change up your colors from year to year, this is also a great way to coordinate your topper to match your tree.
Christmas Eve Low Carb Crust PizzaWith all the rich food during Christmas, this is a nice change of pace. It's also an easy and quick Christmas Eve meal when you're rushed during the holidays. You can decorate it with tiny stars cut from red and green bell peppers to make it more festive. :-)
Nebraska Christmas CharitiesEvery year ThriftyFun gets numerous requests from people looking for help for their families for Christmas. Since we do not have the resources to offer direct help, we have set up this page to help people find charities in each state. This is a page about finding Christmas charities in Nebraska.
Shipping Christmas PresentsDue to the current state of things, more people will be staying put this holiday season rather than traveling to see family. If you do not usually ship gifts, you may want to consider it this year. The post office offers priority flat rate boxes that only cost $8-20 depending on the size of the box.
Chicken-Rice Gift BowlsI am always looking for ways to make Christmas gifts that are actually useful and will be appreciated. I found these darling little bowls at the Dollar General, and decided to make some little gifts out of them and my favorite Knorr Rice Mix packages.
Making a 3D Christmas Wreath and Tree Holiday CardThis is a very cute holiday card to make for someone special. I like the 3D appearance of this card from the wreath to the Christmas tree. This card was made with items I already had at home.
Mason Jar Ring Miniature WreathsI made three mini wreaths to hang on the tree using mason jar lids.
Making a Christmas Egg Carton WreathStart saving your paper egg cartons. You can use them to make a pretty Christmas wreath. We can show you how.
Jingle Bell Craft IdeasJingle bells are a great craft supply to have on hand for Christmas crafts. You can do a simple ornament with kids using a large jingle bell and ribbon.
Making Wrapping Paper OrnamentsMake collage wrapping paper or toy catalog page ornaments. They can be hung on the tree or used to embellish plain wrapping paper on gift packages.
Making a Toilet Paper Roll OrnamentGlitter covered toilet paper roll sections can be glued together to make pretty holiday ornaments. You can add additional embellishments too. Use the instructions below to create your own.
Making Shabby Chic Shell OrnamentsThese shabby chic shell ornaments are easy to make and don't require too many supplies. Hang them on your tree or display year round. Learn how to make them from the project posted below.
Making Mini Wreath OrnamentsMake a wreath shape from sturdy cardboard or chipboard. Decorate by wrapping with baker's twine, ribbon, or whatever you have. Add additional embellishments as desired and it is ready to hang.
Making a Felt Elephant OrnamentFelt ornaments are fun and easy to make. Plus you can make them in so many patterns, using freehand drawings, cookie cutters, and more. Learn how to make a felt elephant ornament below.
How to Made a Recycled CD OrnamentLearn how to make a lovely recycled CD ornament by following the instructions on this page. A detailed list of supplies is also included.
Making a Christmas Tea TreeThis tea bag tree is the perfect gift for the tea lover in the family or a friend. Follow the steps provided to make this Christmas gift. With a bit of alteration it could also be tailored to other occasions.
DIY Hot Cocoa OrnamentsCreate a cute hot cocoa ornament that is also a gift. The kids will love helping to make these for friends, family, and teachers. The project containing supplies and steps follows.
Industrial Strength Gift CanGive large food cans new life by decorating them and using them for "wrapping" gifts. Their durability is perfect for protecting fragile gifts and they can easily be used for many years.
Making a Rudolph Gift BagTransform a plain brown paper lunch bag into a cute Rudolf gift bag. This is a great project for your kids to work on.
Making a Poinsettia PinThis pretty felt poinsettia pin is fun and easy to make. The necessary supplies and instructions follow.
Making a Duct Tape PoinsettiaIf you like crafting with duct tape, try this pretty holiday poinsettia project. You will need duct tape, paper, and a stick. They are perfect for decorating or to use on packages. The instructions for this craft follow.
Poinsettia Craft IdeasPoinsettias are the ubiquitous holiday flower. This page contains craft projects for making poinsettia magnets, wreaths, window decorations, pillows, and more.