Frugal Family Name Drawing For ChristmasSince my family has grown to (so far) a total of 23, we decided in January to draw names and choose to buy at garage sales or thrift shops.The highest one can go is $10.00, the lowest $5.00.
Buy Family Gifts For ChristmasRather than buying individual Christmas gifts for your cousin, her husband and each of their children, give one Christmas gift to all of them that they can enjoy as a family.
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.
Ordinary Box As A GiftHere's a great way to save money on gifts and get the kids involved too. This particular gift idea is so easy and says "I love you" so well. Make several of these keepsakes and give them to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who needs a smile.
Look For Giveaway Dishes For Food GiftsFor giving cake, cookies or candy at Christmas, to new neighbors or a sick friend, I look a garage sales, Goodwill or sales at retail stores for containers. Today at the General Dollar Store, they had their summer dinnerware on sale for half price.
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.
Opening Presents One At A TimeOpening Presents One At A Time. My brother-in-law's family has a tradition of opening presents that works very well in large family gatherings. Rather than all tear into the wrappings, sit in a circle and each person going round can choose one present to open (until they are all open).
Presents in the Spirit of the SeasonDon't think you can't give presents, most of us have enough to pass on to share in the spirit of the season. I was reminded of that when an old senior citizen buddy of ours gave us a "new" wood cutting board for our boat that had come out of some ship's teak woodwork.
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.
Pets Require Time and MoneyThe old saying goes "Pets are for life, not for Christmas". If you are planning on getting or giving a pet as a gift, make sure to take into account all the fees and time commitments that are associated with feeding, training and providing medical care for the pet.
Houseplant Cuttings as GiftsHouseplant Cuttings As Gifts. For a thrifty gift this year, I decided to give pieces of my newly trimmed houseplants that I had rooted with a little poem attached. I ran into an issue finding decent priced pots to plant them in this non repotting time of year.
Food For Christmas PresentsTry giving food gifts for Christmas this year! There are so many things you can do. Our daughter and her new sister-in-law made homemade candy today to share. One year, I made Christmas trees out of bread dough. It's easy!
Snowman Soup for GiftsI have seen several varieties of Snowman soup on the internet. Here is my version. I buy my mugs at the dollar store ($1 each). Wash them well. I got approximately. 12 gifts out of this recipe.
Saving Money on Christmas GiftsWith an expanding family that includes children, grandchildren (four new babies in the last two years!) our family has come up with this way to deal with holiday gift giving.
Making Your Own Gift BasketsMaking Your Own Gift Baskets. When you have a large family, creating gift baskets is a wonderful way to give everyone a gift without breaking the bank. Making your own gift baskets is easy and economical.
Sound Recordings for Christmas GreetingsNowadays most computers have tiny sound recorders and CD burning software isn't expensive. So you can record holiday greetings and burn it on a CD to send to relatives and friends.
Family Strategies for Saving Money on GiftsFamily Strategies for Saving Money on Gifts. We found that the best strategy is this: we spend all year both searching for gifts and spending extra time with the people we love so the gift means more.
Filling a Gift BagKeep Filling the Gift Bag. For one of my friends that I exchanged gifts with last year, I bought a Holiday Gift bag about the size of a small shopping bag, and picked up lots of little treasures from the dollar store like old classic movies on DVD, office gadgets for her computer area, etc.
Collecting Freebies for GiftsI know lots of people don't have the money for gifts this time of year. What I do is subscribe to several freebies newsletters. You can get a lot of goodies for free from companies. Another thing I do is go to company websites, and look for promotions.
Family Gift ExchangesFamily Gift Exchanges. My brother, sister and I (and families) exchange at Christmas. We set a dollar amount per family. Every year, we know which sibling's family we will have (I have my brother one year, my sister the next and then back to my brother).
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.
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. . .
Themed Christmas PresentsThis year, my daughter's Christmas presents will be bought with a theme in mind. At a recent Heritage festival, she was introduced to the Colonial style of using a wringer washer. The kids were allowed to scrub the clothes and hang them up on a clothesline. My daughter remarked that she could wash clothes all day long!
Gifts In Canning JarsI get recipes for cookies, brownies, cakes, chili, or whatever I can find and then put all the dry ingredients into the jar. I then decorate the jar with raffia ties, paint, material, or whatever I can find. Last year I tied bells and candy canes on the outside and gave these as gifts at Christmas.
Christmas Food for My Diet Restricted AuntI have a very elderly aunt, who is diabetic, and a very strict vegetarian. She also refuses to eat onions or garlic. Christmas was a real stumper for me until I came up with the idea to can some things for her when I did my own canning.
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...
Fleece Blankets for the WinterFleece blankets are great, but costly if the quality is good. Now the fabric stores have their fleece on sale-mostly 50% off. 4 yards will be a good size and will cover the top (only) of a queen bed. We have one on the bed and with a bedspread or other cover on top, it never has fallen off.
Giving Baked GiftsSome of the most popular gifts I have ever given are the baked kind! Most people enjoy having something special to eat for the holidays. This is especially popular with the elderly or shut-in people...
Christmas Picture FrameJust cut a hole out of the middle with an exacto knife and paint the lid green. I hot glued on some red sequins for the holly berries and used fabric paint for the 2005. I made the bow out of red velvet. I used a twistie tie for the hanger on the back.
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...
Gift Idea for QuilterMy children's babysitter used scraps of material to make quilts and craft items. For Christmas, I purchased several packs of remnants, and several yards of various material appropriate for the crafts she made...
Cookie Cutter Poem and GiftBuy several cookie cutters and attach the following poem to them: I made a plate of cookies;
And ate just 1 or 2;..
Task Gift ExchangeGather neighbors and friends and exchange gift certificates for jobs and tasks that others can do to help each other for no charge. For example: haircuts, babysitting, baking, raking, etc...
Chocolate Spoons GiftThese are good for coffee or cocoa gifts. Buy a package of sturdy plastic spoons, preferably in festive colors. Dip them in chocolate (melted chocolate chips work well) and shake off the excess. Place them on wax paper and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy.
Saving Money on Gifts - Agree on LimitsOne year my sister and I decided not to spend a lot of money on each other. We chose 10 different categories (5 each) example: Warm and Fuzzy, old home place etc etc. We then had to purchase or make the items in each category and not spend over 5.00 for each item...
A New Ornament Each YearEvery year since they were little I have given my girls a new Christmas ornament. We also have friends who have exchanged Christmas ornaments with the girls for years...
Saving Money on Gifts for Extended FamilyThis year money is especially tight so I decided to challenge myself a little. I decided to try to spend $5 or less per person for our extended family...
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!
Gas Gift CardsFor the teenage drivers on your gift list (or anyone else), this holiday season, giving gift cards or gift certificates for the local gas station would be welcomed greatly...
Make Your Own Gift Certificates for ChristmasMy tip is for a Christmas gift idea. Several years ago, I made up certificates for my granddaughter, then about 4 or 5, to give to everyone in the family.
Inexpensive Gifts for FriendsRunning short on time and money this weekend, I came up with a craft that I can make and give to many of the women in my life. It comes out beautifully and it is easy to do.
Give Grocery Store Gift CertificatesOne of the best Christmas gifts we ever got was a gift certificate to a local grocery store. It was a time when things were particularly hard for us, money-wise, and considering our situation, was a very special gift...
Christmas Gift Idea - Address LabelsIf you're stumped on what Christmas gift to buy for someone or you're running low on cash AND have a computer and printer...
Homemade Christmas GiftsOne year I typed all the recipes I had used since my children were little, one recipe per page. I decorated each page to match the theme of the recipe with graphics and borders....
Buying Christmas Gifts EarlyHave Christmas gifts purchased by August and wrapped by September and you will have a relaxed holiday season!
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.
Lickity Split SpoonsWrap spoons in plastic wrap or cellophane and if you'd like, tie a little ribbon around the spoon. These spoons are great to just munch on or stir your hot chocolate.
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.
Christmas Gifts from My KitchenThis Christmas, gifts to friends will be from my kitchen. Homemade jams, home canned spaghetti sauce for my pasta loving friends, and chicken soup to get them through the cold and flu season!
Preparing for Christmas In July (or August)Here are some fun things to do and make ahead for this Christmas. Kids will be back in school soon and Moms will have a little extra time on their hands. Think ahead and make a list of those special people on your yearly shopping list.
Tips for Shipping Baked Goods OverseasNo butter, margarine, peanut butter or nuts should be used. These fats go rancid too fast in high heat. Butter flavored shortening however can be used.
Double Sided Tape For Wrapping PresentsWhen wrapping any type of gifts, especially at Christmas time, a roll of Scotch double sided tape is a wise investment. It is easier,and faster to wrap the gifts, and the packages are more attractive, since no tape is visible on top of the paper or ribbons.
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.
Family Picture CalendarsFor Christmas gifts for grandparents and aunts and other family I take pictures with my digital camera. I then upload onto my computer and put them on a calendar for the following year.
Gift Bags Instead of Gift JarsIf you're going to be sending gift mixes, put them in a quart-size freezer bag instead of a glass jar. It will weigh less and cost less to ship.
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
Original E-mail Greeting CardsUse clip art that you can snag on the Internet and save to a 3-1/2" floppy file, for later use. Look at some old greeting cards for verses and email your personal greeting card messages to friends.
Food Gifts for People Who Live AloneFor a Christmas gift for older ones, this year I bought small disposable aluminum baking tins and made mini lasagnas which I put in the freezer. I taped the date and baking direcions written on a mailing label on the top. Often older people don't bother with this kind of dish because it makes too much for them to eat.
Personalized Ornaments as Gift TagsAn ornament personalized with a paint pen makes a great add-on gift when used instead of a gift tag.
"Thank You" Gift For Nursing Home EmployeesMy mom is in a nursing home and she receives very good care from the employees. When Christmas comes I like to thank them with an original gift. Seeing that they receive so much goodies like candy, pastry, etc. (mostly all high in calories) I bring them a large box of fresh oranges.
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.
Check Out Terms and Expiration Date on Gift CardsNot all gift cards are a good deal. Check on expiration dates and such before you buy. Some companies deduct money from the card every month the account is open. Why should you pay up front, and then have them charge the recipient for the privilege of holding your money?
By Linda
Removing Packaging From Toys Before Wrapping ThemOne tip I have for toys under the tree is to remove them from their packaging before wrapping them. Toys these days have so much plastic and twist ties that it can take forever to get a toy out of their packaging.
Don't Give Live Pets as PresentsIf you wish to give the gift of a cat or dog for Christmas, give a gift coupon you make attached to a stuffed animal or an animal toy. Wait until after the holidays to get the new pet.
Christmas Decorations as Gifts for Young AdultsI have some nieces and nephews that are young adults and starting out in their apartments for their 1st Christmas celebration. Being limited with money they don't have a lot to spend on decorations.
Clothing for a Sports FanGifts for sports fans... Rather than buying expensive official merchandise you can buy shirts, hats, scarves, etc. that have the same colors as their favorite sports team.
Give the Heartfelt Gift of a PoemOne year I couldn't afford gifts for giving. So I wrote poems for each of my individual loved ones and put them in picture frames. My dad wept when I read the poem aloud and presented it to him. He proudly pointed it out for years to whoever would come and visit him.
Frugal and Creative Christmas Gift WrappingOpening all those packages under the tree is one of the most enjoyable parts of a holiday celebration--a part that everyone enjoys, from youngsters to oldsters!
Cheap Gift BagsKeep the kids busy and have great, cheap gift bags. Get a pack of brown lunch bags at the dollar store and let the kids decorate them with markers, stencils, glitter-glue, whatever is on hand.
Making Stickers for Sealing EnvelopesUsing decorative paper punches, take decorative wallpaper and punch out seals. They are pretty and cheap!
A Sweet Gift - A Photo CalendarThe sweetest gift I got was from my brother and his wife. They had taken pictures of our family and had them made into a calendar. I checked at Wal*mart they are only $3.00 a piece and the family gets a great reminder of the past year and family if they don't live near by.
Homemade Gifts Bring Greater AppreciationI have found that homemade gifts for Christmas or birthdays tend to not only be cheaper, but they are appreciated more because the recipient knows you took special time and effort to do something just for them.
By Robin
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.
Do Christmas Gift Giving LaterOne way to save on Christmas gifts is to postpone your Christmas gift giving until right after Christmas. All the stores mark prices down tremendously and there is great savings to be had!
By Robin
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?
Preschooler's Alphabet TeacherSimply place the letter on the lid of the plastic tub, and then fill with the toy which begins with that letter. My kids enjoyed playing with this "teacher" when they were small, and as they got older, they enjoyed making them up and giving them as gifts.
Shop for Gifts at the Dollar StoreThis year when Christmas shopping, consider buying gifts as well as decorative items from your local dollar store. I went into our dollar store yesterday and was very pleasantly surprised at the amount of decorative items as well as gift items available - and at such a reasonable price!
By Robin
Check Out Thrift Stores For ToysMake sure to check out thrift stores for Christmas presents. I recently bought a set that had a barn, silo, cows, fences, etc. for $2, I plan to buy a tractor (new or thrift) and have this set up underneath the Christmas tree. My 3 year old will never know it wasn't new in a box.
By Melanie
Firestarters and Yule Log GiftRecycle metal coffee cans by making firestarter kits with them. I have friends and family with fireplaces (who also camp). I've made the firestarters with melted candles over sawdust in egg cartons and pine cones before. Toss them in baskets from the Goodwill.
Updating Address BooksWhile sending out your Christmas Cards, now is a good time to update your address book. Make a list of ones you sent to and keep it with the extra cards you have left over.
Frugal Gift BagsGive the kids a stack of brown paper lunch bags to decorate. Use them for small gifts. Add a ribbon tie, a raffia bow or staple shut and add a stick-on bow and you're good to go!
By Linda
Gift Exchange IdeaGot some $10 gift exchanges to do? Hit the dollar store for ingredients for a theme basket, like same scent toiletries, hair accessories and a hairbrush for a girl, art supplies for a young artist, flavored coffees, teas, cocoa for someone who likes them. Put them all in a 50 cent gift bag and finish with a bow of your choice.
By Linda
White Gel Pen for Christmas CardsFor a festive mood during December buy a white gel pen to address the green/red envelopes or cards and letters you send.
By Melanie
Gift Wrapping CenterI have an old dresser that I converted into a gift wrap center. The dresser has four good sized drawers to hold: tissue paper, cards, gift bags and bows. I keep my rolls of gift wrap in plastic boxes on top of the dresser with tape and a pair of scissors.
Send An Address Label With Your Greeting CardsI always insert a stick-on address label with my address inside cards that I send. That makes it easier for the receiver so they don't have to hand address a card back to me. They also don't have to spend time looking up my address.
If the address labels are on a sheet, cut the label off with the paper still attached. If not, place it on a piece of wax paper. It will pull off easily and they can use it.
By Gladys Hill
My Christmas Shopping SpreeToday, I went shopping, early in the morning, at several stores. I hit their bargain bins as soon as I entered.
Remedy for Sneaky Peeky Kids at ChristmasIf your kids peek at gifts under the tree or search throughout the house for presents, wrap them immediately upon bringing them in.
Mark them with a code only YOU know!
Wrapping Christmas Packages for Several Children?I have five grandchildren. Instead of buying one large gift, I buy several smaller ones. The children really enjoy getting to open so many gifts. I have 5 individual boxes with their names printed on them.
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
Mail Gifts Media MailSave postage on gifts that go long distance by giving gifts that qualify for media postage, which is much less than regular parcel post. Media postage can be used for DVDs, CDs, books, tapes, or movies, any information that doesn't contain advertisements can usually go media rate.
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.
Gift for a Poet - Muse RocksThese are a great cheap gift for a budding poet. First you need between twelve and twenty five flat smooth rocks. Now with a paint marker or a permanent maker write words to inspire that budding poet. A quick list of words to use would be:
Plant Cuttings for GiftsI often give plants that I have started from cuttings as gifts. To brighten these up I use a water pic from the florist with one or 2 blossoms from my yard to add a bit of color.
Sample Sizes for Stocking StuffersSample sizes and travel sizes of shampoo, lotion and the like are good stocking stuffers for little ones. They love the little sizes!
By Linda
See's Candy Gift CertificatesSee's candy gift certificates can be bought from some charitable groups, in the stores, or online. These are nice to have on hand and to give as gifts because they don't have any expiration date!
A Meal As A Christmas GiftI love to cook, so for Christmas I will buy ground beef and potatoes when they are on sale and make up meat loaf ahead and freeze it. Then the day before Christmas I make up my favorite mashed potato recipe and put them in a pyrex casserole dish and present the meat loaf and mashed potatoes as a gift.
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
$5 Gift That Helps Teach a Child About MoneyI give children money: a dollar bill, 4 quarters, 10 dimes, 20 nickels and 100 pennies. I then teach them about money, showing them that the change is equal to the dollar bill.
By Jean Sterling
Strategy for a Must Have Toy - Buy It EarlyIf there's a "Must Have" toy on your child's Christmas list that you've decided to purchase, here's a strategy to make sure it's under the tree Christmas morning.
Make a Keepsake CollectionWhen my great granddaughter was born, I wanted to give her something special, she could cherish for her lifetime.
Snow Man Candy JarSave your glass mayonnaise jars. Stuff a dollar store winter cap with old Walmart bags. Glue edge of cap to the rim of the jar lid. Next, using some "snow in a can", spray almost all the way around the jar with the fake snow.
Gifts for ChristmasOne way to make a great Christmas gift is to take pictures of the children in the family unbeknownst to the family. This is tricky, and then make a photo album. Add a page in the album where you write a poem or your favorite time spent with the child was.
Lavender Pillow Stocking StuffersToday I harvested my lavender and put together about a dozen pieces in each bunch and tied them together with a piece of string and hung them in my garage to dry well. I will then remove the little pieces and use them in small pieces of cloth that I will sew into little pillows.
