Small Gift Ideas for Christmas to Take Abroad?I am traveling to another country for the holidays. I need some ideas for inexpensive gifts for a lot of people, children and adults. It is a third world country in Central America. The gifts would need to be small and travel well in suit cases.
Christmas: What is Important GiftWhen thinking of fun things to do at parties, I did this one several years ago when selling Tupperware. I adapted it today for a gal who needed holiday party ideas, and thought I would share it with all of you.
Almost Free Spa in a Bag GiftEveryone is on a tight budget these days and now more than ever, people are more understanding with regards to receiving more frugal and thoughtful gifts. Here is something you can do for a friend or family member that may not cost you a dime.
Give Savings Bonds for ChristmasSave a bundle on expensive toys that kids will out grow or destroy and start them in the right direction of learning how to save, buy savings bonds.
Make a Trivia Christmas JarAround Christmas I make my sisters something like a memory jar. Instead of memories with them, I put in inside jokes, movie lines, pictures, random facts, and drawings on little pieces of paper with colorful backgrounds. Then I decorate the jar.
Homemade Jelly as Christmas GiftsGive Christmas presents that come from the heart. I buy stemmed glasses at the lowest price possible, figuring one set of 4 for each present. Next, I get 4 boxes of SureJell, a package of wax, and 4 bottles of 100% juice without sugar.
Gifts for Teachers?Would any of you out there have some good advice on how to save money on "teacher gifts"? I have a bunch of children and they have a bunch of teachers each (not to mention the bus drivers, principals, vice-principals and school secretaries)!
Give a Girl a Matching DollGive joy to a little girl. Get her a doll that looks just like her! My granddaughter was thrilled!
Gift Bags for FamilyWith the economy like it is, I have come up with some ideas to save money on family gifts.
Set Up a Gift Fund for Expensive PresentsIf you have a large ticket item you crave, how about starting a "gift fund" for it among your friends and relations? Just say that rather than a gift, you would prefer a contribution to the say "iPod Gift Fund" and pool those gifts for one bigger purpose.
Mix CDs for inexpensive GiftsMake someone special a CD of music. You can even customize the CD labels and cases for occasions and holidays. Music is a great way to express how you feel and is very personal yet inexpensive.
Dollar Store Treasure Chest for ChristmasSince one of the best parts of Christmas for little kids is to open presents, I decided this year to make it a real treasure chest for my grandchildren. I went to our local Dollar Store and bought each one of them a plastic bin...
Give a Little Getaway Instead of a Gift for ChristmasWanting to make every dollar count this year at Christmastime and with 6 grown kids, 3 with spouses I decided to approach gift giving a little differently.
Be a Good Sport When Buying for Yankee SwapsJust a reminder about Yankee Swaps, Dirty Santas, Chinese Christmases, etc., those gift exchanges where someone opens a present, the next person opens another gift and can trade gifts with the first person, a third contestant opens a gift and can trade with either of the first two players, on and on.
Christmas Gifts For Teachers?I need ideas for Christmas gifts for teachers and childcare providers? Any ideas for something other than a coffee cup?
Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs Gift Idea (Under $10)A thrifty hostess gift for the holiday season can be started at Thanksgiving to be ready for the December holidays.
Ideas for Unused Christmas Gifts?It's great advice to do your Christmas Shopping throughout the year. My immediate family is large, my husband and I and 4 kids. What do you do when you have bought these gifts for extended family members that you have exchanged gifts with for years, and then a couple of weeks before Christmas they announce that they do not want to exchange or members ask to draw names?
Personalized Photo Albums For Grandchildren?I am looking for a simple (quick and inexpensive) project to make as Christmas gifts for my 12 grandchildren, ages 5 to 23. I am wanting to do something with the digital pictures that I have of them from over the last few years.
Baking Jar Gifts?Does anyone have recipes for baking cakes/breads in small jars for gifts? I was given this gift one year and it was so good and meant a lot too!
Holiday Shopping: One Gift at a TimeIt gets so hectic during the holidays with shopping, cooking, and avoiding the flu like the plague, so during the year I shop one gift at a time. My 3 children help wrap and we put a homemade tag or handcrafted card on the package and we stow it away until Christmas.
Thrift Shops, Yard Sales, etc. for Christmas GiftsWith everyday life getting more expensive my family had decided to have a little more fun with Christmas other than just drawing names, spending a set amount on a gift and getting that person what they had asked for.
Memory Gifts For ChristmasEvery year the adults in my family draw names and buy a gift for just one person instead of a gift for everyone. Sometimes we have themes for the gifts. One year we did memory gifts (I saw this one on TV)...
Gift Ideas for Pet LoversFor the pet lovers in the family I've come up with a unique way to show them I care at Christmas time. I found $1 "Pet Sitter Information" pads for the refrigerator for when they need to leave their pets in the care of others, with contact numbers.
Using a Gift Box for a Frugal ChristmasOnce again, I have succeeded in being bountiful this Christmas without breaking the bank or getting into debt! I am recycling gift bags (and tissue paper) from the presents my husband and I gave each other to use for my brother and family.
Plant Clippings As GiftsI have a second generation spider plant that has more babies on it than I know what to do with. So this year, I clipped a few and put them in water about a month or two ago. I kept some aluminum vegetable cans (easiest to clean out) to use as pots.
Happy New Year GiftsI give Christmas Gifts a few days after Christmas and call them Happy New Years Gifts. The reason why: I don't want people to feel obligated to give me something in return yet I want to say Thank You.
Stocking Your Gift ClosetA Gift Closet or box can be a treasure trove all year long but especially at Christmas. I buy for Christmas all year long at yard sales and craft fairs and the thrifty store. I also love the dollar store. At these places, you can always find something to buy for someone on your list.
Make Sure You Have Everything You Need For Computerized ToysHi, I just wanted to let everyone know if you bought your child the puppy that grows and knows your name for Christmas, please read the box as to what you need for the puppy.
Christmas Gift for Friend in Army ROTC?I have a friend who is going into Army ROTC, and I need a little help. We have been friends forever, but we aren't boyfriend and girlfriend. I want to give him something, that tells him how good a friend he is, but it can't be too personal.
Homemade Gift Bath ScrubbyI buy dollar store soaps in holiday scents, like peppermint or even gingerbread scent. From thrift stores or again the dollar store or any outlet, buy cheap children mittens.
Remembering Animals In Need This HolidayThis year, my lovely daughter will give a different Christmas gift to the young children in the family. Instead of books or toys, she is paying for a year's subscription each, to sponsor a donkey in a donkey shelter near her.
Ideas for "Cheer Baskets"?I need ideas for creating "Cheer Baskets" for widows, shut-ins, etc in our community.
Cocoa Jars for ChristmasBuy a nice jar with a lid, the dollar store is a great place to look. In the clean jar, fill three quarters of the way with cocoa mix. Add a layer of chocolate chips, then another layer of mini-marshmallows. Place lid on. Tie jar with a pretty ribbon with a candy cane tied into it. Very easy and inexpensive to make.
Step By Step 12 Days Of Christmas GiftsI start off by making my cards. They are 3 1/2 inches tall by 3 inches wide. I use the poem from the 12 Days of Christmas song that I print on the inside.
Gifts for Day Care Staff?I need some inexpensive gifts for my child's day care staff. There are 4 staff members. I want to give something nice but yet not "break the bank". Any ideas?
Donations Instead of Gift Giving?I need some help coming up with a idea for a gift exchange at the school where I work. This would be for staff only. I had thought of having everyone purchase items that could be sent to the troops instead of buying each other gifts, but I'm not sure who I would contact.
Small Gift Ideas to Give Dec. 1-25?I have 2 ladies (who live in the same house-mother and daughter) that are my secret sisters from church. For each, I will give a gift bag with 25 individual gifts (one to be opened daily from Dec 1-25).
Family Trip Instead of Toys for ChristmasA couple of years ago my daughter asked her kids what they wanted for Christmas: toys or going to the Wisconsin Dells for Christmas with the family? Would you believe they picked going to the Dells? They said they had enough toys and that they get toys for their birthdays.
Use Bartering as Part of Your Budget PlanWhen trying to stretch your Xmas gift budget, don't forget about the power of informal BARTER. At a church sale last weekend, I traded several bottles of fancy bubble bath and some hair product for a wooden screen I had. You can do that for all sorts of things!
Gift Basket for GuysHaving trouble finding the right gift for the men/boys this Christmas? This is my idea. Make a gift basket with a gift certificate to your local video store for a movie/video game rental, popcorn, various candies and sodas.
Money Walnuts For Christmas OrnamentsRaising three children by myself made money very tight, especially at Christmas, so I was always trying to come up with new ideas which would stretch a dollar.
Holiday Gifts for Co-WorkersHoliday gifts for Co-Workers. REMEMBER - not everyone celebrates Christmas, so be thoughtful. This idea took care of about 20 people. Last year for the men in the office, my kids and I baked brownies in muffin tins and placed them on Holiday theme plates we picked up at the dollar store.
Cheap Christmas GiftsCheap Christmas gift ideas. I hope this helps those of you on a tight budget who would like to give something but find it difficult financially.
Gifts for Those Who Have EverythingGifts for Those Who Have Everything. Almost everyone has that one family member who seemingly has everything and recites the vow, "Don't buy me anything," each holiday.
Giving Children's Finger Paintings as GiftsGiving Children's Finger Paintings. Being on a limited income,I was always at a loss when birthdays and Christmas came up. One day as I was watching my grandchildren fingerpaint, I hit on a cheap gift that would have special meaning to the receiver.
Gift Ideas for My Ailing Ex-Husband?My ex-husband has been diagnosed with lymphoid brain cancer. He fell ill October 2nd this year and we have been told that he has 6 to 12 months to live. He will have to go to assisted living and will never return to his home. Could anyone please help with ideas on Christmas gifts for him?
Christmas In OctoberChristmas in October or Early Bird Christmas Gifts. So the kids are back in school and you're back at work and you're thinking, "The last thing I want to think about is Christmas" but I am here to tell you that this month is the best for getting some of your shopping done. . .
Gift Ideas for Grandparents?Gift Ideas for Grandparents. Every year for Christmas, I never know what to get my grandparents. They have everything.
Gift Ideas for Men?I like to make as many gifts as possible and Christmas is not far away. Does anyone have any ideas for gifts (not necessarily handmade) for males from teenager boys right through to elderly men?
Starting on Christmas GiftsStarting on Christmas Gifts. I know it's summertime, but you can pick up a few presents for Christmas this year or start your special project or craft for gifts.
Religious GiftsHere is an idea for a cheap gift for someone that is religious. Look online for free religious books, dvd, cds, bookmarks, etc. You can also order bibles online for free.
"Family Bucks" for After Christmas SalesOne of my kids favorite presents is "Family Bucks" to spend at the after-Christmas sales. (I make up phoney money on the computer and personalize them with our name). This keeps me from having to give them real money...
Magic Reindeer DustGreat to package for kids to sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve.
Print the following on Christmas stationery:...
Gifts for Friends Who Don't Eat SweetsAt this gift giving time, one of our friends, who does homemade baking to use as holiday gifts, for those on her gift list, who don't eat sweets, are going to receive small inexpensive bowls of nuts and dried fruits, wrapped in holiday attire...
Emergency Candy Gift?This Christmas I would like to give out candy in a Mason Jar with a tag of cute quips. Like "Do Not Open In Case Of Emergency", "Bad Day at Work Emergency Candy", "kids out of control..." and so on. Can you help me think of some cute ideas?
One Dollar GiftsWhen the Ladies come together just before Christmas, we each buy a gift for a $1.00 in The Dollar store. We have a gift exchange while we have our Christmas...
The Best Toys Stand the Test of TimeThe best toys do not necessaily need batteries-remember wood blocks, lots and lots of blank paper and a new set of crayons, lincoln logs, Tinker Toys? These have stood the test of time!
Stockpile Gifts Buy Ahead at After Holiday SalesI put the gifts in a box that I wrap in a netural gold, silver, blue or red shiny paper so when it is put in the storage area I can easily identify it throughout the next year. I label the boxes. For The childrens box I call it something like "The Treasure Chest" or "Treats for The Sweet"...
An Ornament for Every YearI buy the satin covered styrofoam balls and decorate them with beads, sequins, or whatever. I had already made this years, but just today he found out that he's going to be helping to film a FEMA documentary that will air either on HBO or PBS. His life dream is to work in TV. So I will gather my beads, pins and glue and try my darnedest to make a TV camera in the shape of beads on an ornament...
Making Economical Christmas Ornaments and CardsIn NYC, the .99 store is all the rage. For economical christmas ornaments and cards go to your local .99 store and buy any glass Christmas balls, sparkles, pipe cleaner and clear glue...
Christmas Gift: Deer RepellentThis actually is a wonderful idea for children to make for family members. I don't know how many times I hear parents say to children, "It's lovely honey, Thank you...What is it?" I thought this up for my nephew who always want to make his dad a gift that he will use...
Candy Fire Truck?What would be the best way to make a small, edible Fire Truck made out of unwrapped candy to give to FireFighters on Christmas Day.
Giving Gift CardsWhen giving a gift certificate to a loved one living away from you, make sure the recipient will be able to use it in their area. Don't assume that the place of business is in their area, just because there is one or several of these businesses in your area.
Giving Recipes as a GiftI recently made a bridal gift but it could be used for a Christmas gift. I used a 3 ring binder and plastic page protectors. I put a recipe for each month of the year in the book. Some recipes were my own favorites or some were clipped from magazines.
Personalized Christmas OrnamentsI often buy white Christmas balls that have a pearly appreance after Christmas when they reduce the price. I keep paint pens and hand decorate them.
Cheaters Brownie Bags - Easy Gift Idea!Do you know how everyone is making those fun "brownies in a jar" gifts? Well they're great! But I can do you one better! The next time that the grocery store puts a good brownie mix on sale, grab a bundle of a special flavor, like peanut butter cup or caramel nut.
Cure For The "Gimme" Mentality At ChristmasSomething to keep in mind for next Christmas: if you are dismayed at the "gimme" mentality displayed by so many kids at Christmastime, instead of asking them "what are you getting for Christmas this year?" ask them instead, "what are you GIVING for Christmas this year?". Ask what they are giving Mom, little brother, etc. This helps take the emphasis off receiving and puts it back on thinking of others.
By Becki in Indiana
Decorate Wal-Mart LayawaysIf you pick up Walmart layaways and they are wrapped in the brown craft paper just use holiday stencils to decorate. Of course, you'll want to peek to figure out just who's gift it is.
By Melanie
Taking the Little Ones ShoppingWhen my niece was old enough to save money, which was about 4 or 5 years old, I took her and her cousin Christmas shopping the day school dismissed. By the time she was in first grade the number of "guests" had grown to 4. They may have had a total of $2-$3, I would give each of them $5 each
Help Out Your Adult Kids Who Are Parents During The Holiday SeasonPlan to pick the grandkids up after school and take them to your home. Spend time with them playing cards, games, reading or just chatting.
5 Tips for an Easier Holiday SeasonUse gift bags instead of wrapping gifts.So much easier and you can still use cute little package tie ons for the bag handles such as candy canes, ornaments or anything you can think of.
Address Labels Inside and OutsideBe sure to put an address label inside and outside of any packages your are sending. If the exterior gets ripped or is illegible, the postal department can still figure out what to do with it.
By Linda
Homemade Breads for GiftsFor nice homemade Christmas presents try making pumpkin or banana bread loaves to give out. Wrap in plastic wrap then with curl ribbon wrap a big plus sign all the way around the bread, pop on a matching bow and walla.
Help! I can't afford ChristmasThe less money you have to spend on Christmas the earlier
you have to get started. Bargains go quickly as we all know.
Firstly, make sure you get along to any car boot/garage/yard/tag
sales in your area, looking out for baskets that you can package
gifts in, pretty china, toys in excellent condition with all the pieces
present, inexpensive hand made crafts and second hand books
that look brand new.
Cheap Christmas Present for Small ChildrenToday I was sitting with my 2 year old in front of his easil. One side has a chalk board and the other is white metal - for dry erase markers. My son came up and placed a magnetic on it. Light bulb goes on - why not make my own things out of the magnetic sheets you can buy at office supply stores?
Holiday Gift for a Co-WorkerI found cute snowman glass jars at the dollar store. I filled with home made hot cocoa & put mini-marshmallows into the lid (snowman's hat) I attached a card that was made from an old xmas card front that I cut with decorative scissors, tied with a ribbon & done. No large expense & they had a re-useable cute jar.
By Mary S
Thinking Ahead - Save Money Next ChristmasMake your Christmas list in January. Then shop all year round when you see something you think the person you are shopping for might like.
Bronco BrowniesHeat caramels with 1/3 cup milk to melt. Set aside. Combine cake mix, butter, and remaining 1/3 cup milk...
Country Christmas CandlesFor a country Christmas idea take old fruit jars and fill half way full with salt then place a little votive candle inside. Tie a gingham ribbon around the top rim. When the wax melts the salt will catch it. A bunch of these clustered together in different sizes is very adorable.
By Melanie
No Sweeter Gift Than One Made By YouI would rather have a gift made from the heart than any gift from a store. Just make any object and tuck it in a gift bag you have made from gift wrap. One thing I have always treasured is a card. I know that person sending it has chosen it just for me. And if it is hand crafted it is even more precious.
By Gladys Hill
Thrifty Christmas GiftA thrifty Christmas gift I have given in years past is to buy bread dough shaped into dough balls. I arrange them on a baking sheet in the shape of a tree or a wreath and bake according to package directions. Then I drizzle powdered sugar frosting over the rolls and decorate with red and green cherries and small bows. These are well liked by everyone!
By Robin
Help, I dont have a whole lot of money and it's Christmas time!It's Christmas time and I'm low on cash. I've asked my mom if she will pay me a little extra money if I did odd jobs and she agreed but i still need more to cover my family. I was also thinking about making my own gifts for everyone but I'm not sure what everyone would want. I have the pickiest brother in the world, he asked me to buy him a 100 dollar chair for him, so far that's all he wants. I don't have that kind of money. Should I make him something? Any ideas? He's 19, we are an irish family, he likes rap music and progressive rock (OAR and Wheezer). He also has a white Ford truck. If you have any homemade ideas, let me know.
Thanks,
Molly
Need Help with Gift Ideas?ok I'm a kid. I have a problem. I'm 14 and I can't drive so I have to get my mom to take me places to buy her stuff? hello! problem! My dad is in Iraq so basically I am screwed i get $40 a week if I do my chores for everytime. If I miss a chore my mom takes off 5 bucks! I need that money to buy stuff for her and for her stocking and Domi (foreign exchange student, 17, can't drive) and Max and the dogs and Grandma
what i got my mom so far is:
~a beauty basket
~a snowglobe
~cookbooks
~rich chocolate for her stocking
but thats it! I need help please how can i get cash for gifts?
chelsi
24 Days Before Christmas GiftsDuring garage sale season, I buy small items for my grandchildren for 25 cents or less. I wrap 24 for each child and put them in a tote bag for them to open on the first 24 days of December. It makes looking forward to Christmas even more exciting.
By Marylin
Recipe Book for a GiftThis year I haven't worked very much so I've been trying to get creative. One idea is for my granddaughter Bailey, a recipe book. She just got married this year so I'm going to get a photo album and some clear protective pages at the Dollar store. I am going to go through my recipes, picking out a bunch of good ones, I will make copies on the computer. Then I will punch holes and use dividers for "sections" like casseroles, desserts, soups, etc.
By Pat S.
Ask for Christmas Gift BoxesIf you will need boxes for Christmas gifts, start asking for them now whenever you shop in clothing stores. Close to Christmas they sometimes run out.
By Linda
Gifts for Teachers, Pastors, Doctors and FriendsGreat gifts for teachers, pastors, doctors, and even friends are edibles that can be frozen now to eat later. Basics like homemade bread, banana bread, muffins, are always welcome.
By Linda
Gift for Students Away at SchoolBuy a box of stationary, fancy or plain. Place sticker address labels on the envelope for your address and return address. Buy postage stamps and apply them to envelopes. Enclose a funky pen. Now there are no more excuses as to why they didn't write. Also, amazing how often you hear from them if they know a 'Care' package will follow, or perhaps extra money might get sent for a pizza or a treat, in a return letter from you. LOL. I used this on my granddaughter while she was in College! It worked!
By Gladys Hill
Christmas Gift Suggestion for People Away from HomeHave a student, loved one in senior care home, kinfolk or serviceman/woman, living away from home? Give them a subscription to the local newspaper. It gives them news from their local area.
Chocolate Chip Cookie WreathHeat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with foil and grease lightly with shortening...
A New Holiday Tradition... Homemade GiftsStart a new holiday tradition in your family... no gifts unless you sew it, grow it, make it, bake it, draw it, saw it, or write it! See how creative everyone can be, while at the same time, trimming everyone's budget!
Always Ask for Gift Boxes and CardsWhen I buy an item at a store, I always ask for a free gift box and card. Even if the item I purchase is something for me. I store them until I need a gift box for articles that I had made or purchased at a backyard sale.
By Jean Sterling
"In Memory Of" Gift Ideas?My brother died back in December of 1976 as a newborn. (We have no photos of him or any personal memory items from his birth.) For the past few years I have started the tradition of getting my mother something (usually a tree ornament) in the memory of him on his birthday. As most americans, I am broke around Christmas time. I want to make his birthday special for my mother, but need some tips on some inexpensive, but special gifts. Any ideas?
Barbara Floyd
Christmas Basket Food Wrapping?I have decided to make baskets of homemade goodies this year - brownies, cupcakes, cookies, etc. I am trying to come up with a festive, inexpensive way to wrap them and keep the food fresh. The easiest (yet less-thrifty) method I can think of is red and green cling wrap courtesy of Glad, but I'd really like to do something less expensive. At the same time, I plan to make them several days before Christmas (and gradually), so I don't want the food to get stale/yucky before delivery.
Thoughts?
TIA!
Gift For The "Impossible To Shop For" PersonThe following is a great gift for anyone but especially for that impossible-to-shop-for person.
Precious Placemat Gift IdeaThis is especially nice for Grandparents. Have your children draw a picture of grandpa and grandma and then sign their names to this work of art. Cover with clear contact paper. If you have a baby you could coat one of their little hands and one little foot with paint and then press on the paper and then sign it for them.
Keeping a "To Buy" List for GiftsEvery time you need or want to buy something, write it down on a To Buy List. Go through your calendar for the next few months and add any gifts you plan to give.
Family Present?I'm supposed to send some friends a "family" present. A gift for the whole family for under $20. Any ideas? There are 5 in the family, mom, dad, and 3 kids 5-9.
Unique Christmas Gifts?What are your ideas for unique Christmas gifts. Something that is either handmade or reused or consumable.
- rockytopp
Looking for Tiered Circle Boxes?I am looking for a company that would sell boxes at a thrifty price. I am planning on making 3 tier snowmen as gifts for co-workers and friends. Does anyone know of a company that sells tiered circle boxes for a cheap rate?
More Gift IdeasHere's my idea for inexpensive holiday gifts. It saves me some money to make many of my holiday gifts this way, and people seem to like them.
