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.
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?
Unique Christmas Gifts?What are your ideas for unique Christmas gifts. Something that is either handmade or reused or consumable.
- rockytopp
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.
Caroling or Tree Trimming PartyAfter a night out caroling with friends and/or relatives,
invite everyone back to your house to help trim your Christmas
tree and serve up the following drinks and snacks.
Egg Nog IcingServe on any cake you're serving for the Christmas Holidays, topped with the fresh grated nutmeg.
Craft Ideas Using Wooden Spoons?I need craft ideas using wooden spoons. I have saved several wooden spoons (the long ones, not the little ice cream spoons). I would very much like to turn them into gifts or crafty decorations that I can give as Christmas gifts. I would prefer no santas.
Thank you,
L Shine in CA
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.
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.
Gift For The "Impossible To Shop For" PersonThe following is a great gift for anyone but especially for that impossible-to-shop-for person.
Making Your Own Cards?Has anyone here, had their kids make the Xmas cards and maybe make copies on cardstock at Kinko's? Is this expensive? I figured it would creative for the kids. What do you think?
Christmas Decoration - Recycle a SledDo you have a small sled that you used to ride your little ones around in but now they have grown it? Well take that sled and paint it red and then using stencils add holly or something Christmasy to the top of the sled. You could also do this with old wooden skis that are not being used.
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts With Tin CansFor inexpensive Christmas gifts, I've started saving tin cans, from 13 oz. cans of coffee, large pears/peaches cans, etc. I wash them out well and use them to put homemade candies/cookies in for gifts.
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!
"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
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
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!
Chocolate Mint Candy PiePrepare brownie mix according to package directions and bake in a greased 9 inch round cake pan. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl, dissolve the coffee powder in the water...
Extending Your DollarsTo extend your dollars over the holidays remember the Dollar Stores. I frequent 3-4 stores every few weeks. I have found scrapbooking supplies, color books with the latest super hero in them, candles, bath supplies, baby shampoo...
Good Fudge RecipeCombine sugar, milk, and butter. Stir and cook until softball. Add chips, marshmallow creme, and vanilla. Beat until cold and pour into pan.
Chocolate Chip Cookie WreathHeat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with foil and grease lightly with shortening...
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 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
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
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
Christmas Cookie SwapAt this time of year, the start of the Christmas Season, many people start thinking about what cookies they will be sharing in Holiday Cookie Exchanges. Whether you are swapping cookies with family, neighbors or co-workers, it can be difficult to decide on just what types of cookies to make!
Masculine Homemade Christmas GiftI've been racking my brain trying to think of something to give the uncles and older male cousins in our family for Christmas this year...so much so that I gave myself a headache. As I reached into the first aid kit in my desk to grab a individual dose packet of Advil, it hit me!
Christmas Wreath Using Preformed BowsI save the bows off my gifts to be frugal. Sometimes they get crushed and out shape in storage. Can't use them again? Oh I can!
Cheap Outdoor Holiday Decorations?How can I decorate the outside of my home on a limited amount of money?
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.
Right-Now Holiday Sanity SaversGetting through the holidays with your sanity intact doesn't have
to be Mission Impossible. But it will take you being willing to
do things a little differently than last year. Isn't that the
definition of insanity anyway -- to keep doing the same old thing
the same old way and expect a different result?
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
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
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
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
Outdoor Decorations - "Paper" ChainsMake everlasting outdoor decorations by cutting plastic containers (like soda bottle, yogurt containers etc) into strips and stapling them into "paper chains". Parents will need to cut but even small kids can staple!
By Linda
Step-On Light Switch for Tree LightsA step-on light switch for your tree lights is worth every penny and saves crawling around on the floor to plug in lights!
By Linda
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
Avoid Buying a Special Tree Disposal BagInstead of buying a special tree disposal bag, stand the tree stand on a large garden bag. Then put the tree skirt just goes over this.
Country Christmas GarlandTo make a cute country Christmas garland I took a round ball of that jute twine and then tide on 1" X 5" flannel fabric I cut along with some solid colors.... Looks good on bannisters or on the Christmas tree with strung popcorn. leaving the ends hanging. It kind of looks rag tagtag-ish.
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
Oatmeal CarmelitasCombine flour and oatmeal, brown sugar, soda, salt and butter. Press 1/2 of the crumbs into a 9x13 inch pan...
Bronco BrowniesHeat caramels with 1/3 cup milk to melt. Set aside. Combine cake mix, butter, and remaining 1/3 cup milk...
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.
Fixing PlacematsSeasonal plastic coated place mats, over time, have a tendency of curling around the edges. Take two place mats that match and put contact cement on both mats and let cement set up, then stick them together for a sturdy place mat that you would have normally tossed out.
Cute Peanut Butter Snowman TreatsThis is so simple but so good. My family expects it every year. Spread peanut butter between two buttery round crackers (I use Ritz) and dip into melted white chocolate or white candy coating. Place on wax paper until set. I put several peanut butter and crackers together first, then start dipping.
Got Kids? Holiday Decor with Safety in MindDo you wonder how you're going to safely decorate for the upcoming holidays with preschoolers in your home? Here are some kid-friendly ideas to help you create a festive home during this special season.
A Holiday RecipeBest Wishes for a Holiday season with a full measure of Health and Happiness in the New Year!
Turn Multiple Christmas Lights Easily with One ClickRemote wall boxes that plug into wall outlets come with a clicker that comes in different frequencies, i.e. A, B, C, D. The clickers also states which channel clicker it is, so you won't mix up the combination.
Maple CandyCook the maple syrup, cream, and butter for 9 minutes after the boiling point is reached...
Butterscotch HaystacksMelt butterscotch chips in top of double boiler.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in chow mein noodles until all are coated then quickly stir in peanuts...
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
Candy Cane Shakes and Christmas LightsWhen our family goes sight seeing to see Christmas lights we always go to McHughs first and get candy cane shakes to drink as we drive around.
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 Sweet and Crunchy Snack MixMIX all ingredients in large bowl.
STORE in tightly covered container at room temperature...
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.
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.
Chocolate Mousse DessertButter an 8 inch springform pan and line the edge with lady fingers. Melt chocolate chips with butter and coool. Separate eggs; beat yolks with water, then slowly add to chocolate mixture...
Stephenie's Favorite Christmas MemoryWhen we were growing up, the gifts that we exchanged with each other were wrapped in flyers (circulars) from stores like Kmart, Zellers and other places that had toys in the flyer.
Quick Holiday TreatsIf you really hate to bake, try dipping Oreos, pretzels, or dried apricots in melted chocolate to have some "homemade" holiday treats.
Lois Ann's Christmas MemoryIt had been a particularly warm winter that year in the 1980s, no snow at all. The temps were extremely high for the Buffalo, New York region. Everyone was depressed because of the lack of snow.
Fudge CakeCream butter in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed. Add eggs, one at a time. Combine buttermilk and soda, stirring well...
Peppermint SnowballsIn a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; add vanilla. Stir in
flour; knead until well mixed. Reserve 1/2 cup of dough; shape
remaining dough into 1-inch balls...
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
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.
Create Wall Decorations With Last Years Christmas CardsEvery year you find the Christmas cards you had received from the year before when going thru your Christmas stuff. You can put those cards to good use by cutting them where the card is folded, so you have the front of the card in one piece and the greeting in the other...
Easy Gingerbread HousesFor easy gingerbread houses just use graham crackers assembled with regular tub frosting. You can make the houses ahead of time and then let the kiddos decorate from there. We just did this for 7 little kids and they thought it was great.
Label Your Children's New ApparelBe sure to label your child's new Christmas apparel like jackets on the inside with indelible marker. With all the kids having new stuff after the holidays, when they start back to school, even they don't know which jacket or boots are theirs.
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.
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
Christmas CarolingOne of the things that our family enjoys most each Christmas season is to get together with other families for a night of good old fashioned Christmas caroling!
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
Stringing Popcorn for the TreePopcorn for stringing will crumble less easily as you string it if you pop it the day before you use it and let it sit out and get a wee bit soggy.
Congratulate Yourself After The HolidaysCongratulate yourself for pulling off another "holiday" with a treat-massage, facial, pedicure etc.
The New Year's Angel To The RescueThe month of December is a stressful month for children. It leads to squabbling. My father said they opened 1 gift on Christmas and the rest on New Year's Day. The New Year's angel came to our house starting the first of December.
After Christmas ReturnsWait a week or so before making after-Christmas returns. Lines will be shorter, stores will be more re-stocked, and you will have had a chance to get an idea what you want to buy with the cash or gift-card you will get.
By Linda
Reusing Biodegradable Foam For SnowDon't toss away all the biodegradable foam that come in packages. Instead use them as artificial snow on and beneath your Christmas tree.
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
Video Taping Your Christmas DecorationsI always video tape my house at the holidays, then the next year it's easy to see where I had put things and it makes decorating much easier to do and also time saving.
By Darija
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.
Christmas Fruit PunchThe ginger ale added just before serving will make this a bubbly, sweet holiday punch.
Frosty Chocolate NogIn a medium saucepan, combine milk and chocolate drink mix; heat over low heat until hot, stirring occasionally, for each serving, place 1 scoop ice cream in each cup; add 3/4 cup hot milk to mixture.
Looking for Glass Ball Ornaments?I am looking for someone or some place that I can get information on getting 3 inch (or larger) glass ornaments. They need to be clear with large tin covers for hanging on a Christmas trees.
Christmas Craft Ideas?I'm looking for christmas gifts to make for my Sunday School ladies. We're middle aged and want to make something for each of them.
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.
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.
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.
Using Key Chains as Christmas OrnamentsIn order to save money on Christmas tree decorations I use key chains as ornaments. Some key chains look similar to ornaments and are made of sturdier material. Keep this idea in mind when buying souvenirs on vacation.
Cute Holiday Crafts?Does anyone have any frugal, cute crafts to start for the holidays? Like little gifts for teachers, etc.
