Photo OrnamentsI buy clear plastic balls available at craft shops. Then I look for photographs that have meaning to the person to whom you will be giving the gift.
Work in a Soup Kitchen on ChristmasWorking in a Soup Kitchen for the homeless on Christmas would show our kids what giving really is. I am planning on doing this with my family this Christmas.
Decorative Wreath Made From Puzzle PiecesMany years ago, my son made this craft at school. It looked really cute! It's a hanging holiday wreath decoration or an ornament. You can make it any size, but the one he made was about 4 inches wide.
Drawing Names for Christmas GiftsMy family has decided to draw names for Christmas gifts this year. My retired parents were still buying for myself and my four sisters, our husbands and 10 grandchildren.
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.
Photo GiftsThis gift would have been fine for Christmas or a birthday. As it happened it was for a sort of, what I call an "unbirthday" gift. Every now and then I find an item or idea for a gift that fits someone so nicely that I send it as a real surprise.
Don't Pay Too Much for Hot ToysAvoid the temptation to go online and spend a lot of money on the hot toys your kids are clamoring for. All these toys will be available in January for their retail price.
Shopping Without a PurseBe safe, don't carry a purse, use your pockets! Organize your multi-pocket jeans, and slacks.
Christmas Stars, Frames, Wreaths, and MoreGather small twigs from your yard (leave in a natural state, ones with lichen are especially attractive). Arrange these in a 5 or 6 pointed star. Hot glue where twigs join and attach a twine or string loop as a holder.
Paying Attention (Gift Giving)Last year while Christmas shopping my best friend and I stumbled across a used books store. I found lots of things I wanted, and she found a couple of vintage black and white film noir movies.
Christmas WrappingsDon't buy new Christmas wrapping paper if at all possible. There are lots of things you can use instead; try to recycle and reuse instead.
Reused and Recycled Christmas WrappingsMore Christmas wrapping ideas. Small gifts like gift cards, small toys, jewelry items, etc. fit inside toilet paper rolls nicely, and then you just wrap overtop of that, twist the ends of the wrapping paper, and you have a cute little "Christmas cracker."
Don't Wrap Santa's GiftsTo start our new tradition, Santa sent a letter to our house, telling our family that he and the elves were concerned about the waste of paper, and the trees. So, he was putting all our gifts in this special sack.
Christmas Tree TipsIf you buy a natural tree, check the ends of the needles. Rub some of the sprigs between your fingers. Cut 1 inch or so off the bottom before you put it into the stand, this will allow it to soak up more water and it will last longer.
Christmas Wreath With a Bicycle TireA beautiful Christmas wreath can be made by covering a bicycle tire with chicken wire, then weaving pieces of evergreen boughs through it. Then attach a brightly colored ribbon and anything else that you wish to add.
By Katz
Gazing Ball Yard DecorationsSoon the stores will be putting out their Christmas decorations for sale. You need to find the huge balls they sell to decorate the outside of your house or trees.
Pine Cone Christmas CraftNext time you take your kids out for a walk or you visit your local craft store, get yourself some pine cones. Take plain old white glue and coat just the tips of the pine cones. Take silver, gold or the new iridescent white glitter and sprinkle on the glue.
Fun Snowman ProjectThis past weekend, I went on an excursion to the craft store with my daughter. Boy, what a way to have creativity spark within your children as well as yourself.
Buy for Items for Christmas Gift Baskets All YearThroughout the year, after Christmas and until before Christmas of the next year, whenever you see a bargain gift, buy it -- whatever it may be. Put the bargain in storage or in a gift closet or space. Then during Christmas time, take the bargains out and separate them by his, hers, and unisex. Buy some big, cheap baskets in a thrift shop and fill them up with your bargains. Use tissue as filler, then wrap the baskets up with cellophane and put on bows. Your receivers will have a unique bounty of goodies. Don't worry if the bargains aren't part of a theme, as long as they are appropriate to the gender, it won't matter.
By Reinhardt
Chocolate Marshmallow Holiday TreatsA quick and easy snack/treat that you can customize for any time of year is MARSHMALLOWS. I just made a batch for my girls' Halloween party at school.
Beautiful Beaded SnowflakesThese are quick and easy to make. You should be able to make quite a few while you watch TV. It is also easy enough for older kids to make them. Hang them on your Christmas tree, in your windows or tie on to packages.
Gift Wrap With Sewing RemnantsGift wrap can get expensive, plus it tears easily if you are wrapping an odd shaped, or sharp cornered gift. I used cloth remnants from sewing projects instead of wrapping paper and found they were oohed and aahed over as much as the gift 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.
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.
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.
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.
Wire Outdoor Christmas TreeThe lighted Christmas decorations for your yard can be pretty expensive, but here is a way to decorate with little money. Take your tomato cages from your garden, clean with the hose and then tie the tops together with electrical tape.
Make a Keepsake CollectionWhen my great granddaughter was born, I wanted to give her something special, she could cherish for her lifetime.
Christmas Tea Party Menu and TipsHere are some easy ideas for a Christmas time tea party. Serve hot spiced teas (Celestial Seasonings have some great ones), cucumber sandwiches are traditional tea party fare but take it one step further for Christmas and try some of these easy sandwiches...
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.
$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
Ornaments from Argo ClayI make Christmas ornaments out of Argo clay. I then fix a gift basket or bag with the ornament and paints. I also, include the ornament hangers.
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!
Christmas Cookie PartyWant to have a large variety of cookies to give away for gifts for Christmas yet only have to make one batch of one kind of cookie?
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.
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!
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
Alternative to a Christmas Tree - Decorate House PlantsI'm not going to buy a tree for just myself this year. Instead, I am going to put all my twinkle lights in every houseplant (and that's a lot) I have. I may hang a few favorite ornaments with fishing line here and there or in the ficus.
Finding Time For Christmas Card NotesLove to write notes inside Christmas cards? Carry a few cards in your purse and do these in those few odd minutes that we all have-waiting in line, picking up kids, waiting for take-out, even waiting in traffic for a train to go by!
By Linda
Frugal Christmas Gift Wrap For GuysMany companies are now using crumpled plain brown paper instead of styrofoam peanuts when they ship merchandise. Instead of putting the brown paper in the recycling bin make Christmas gift wrap. Iron the wrinkles out of the paper, using the highest setting.
Ordering Christmas Presents by Mail or OnlineHere's something to keep in mind if you plan on ordering Christmas presents online or by mail. Using a credit card as payment gives you the right to contest the bill if the item isn't received or is returned.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
Quick and Easy Crocheted Snowflake Necklace and EarringsUsing crochet cotton and a size 11 hook, chain 4. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring, work 13 double crochet in ring, slip stitch in top of first double crochet.
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
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.
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!
Cookie Baking DayWhen my kids were small, I would bake several batches of cutout type sugar cookies just after Thanksgiving. I used Christmas Theme Cookie cutters and also cut Christmas shapes from cereal box cardboard.
Rolling Out Sugar CookiesWhen rolling out sugar cookies, use powdered sugar instead of flour on your board. It will have a much better flavor, and the cookies will not get hard.
By Robin
My Christmas Shopping SpreeToday, I went shopping, early in the morning, at several stores. I hit their bargain bins as soon as I entered.
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
Still Have Whole Pumpkins? Make a Snowman!Take 3 pumpkins - small, medium and large. Paint them with white poster paint. Hot glue them together like a snowman. Makes a cute decoration for porch or anywhere you wish.
Shop Preview Sale Before ThanksgivingMost department stores prepare for the big Day After Thanksgiving sale by setting up the sale a few days early. You can often get exactly the same savings if you shop on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and you don't have to battle nearly the same crowds.
Fleece Scarfs for ChristmasGo to the fabric store, and buy one yard of pretty fleece, preferably in a neutral color. Ask the sales person to cut it in 12 inch increments. Take one of the cut pieces, lay it out, and trim off the ends.
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.
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 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
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
Make a Christmas Tree With Junk CDsLast Christmas I made a tree out of the old and advertising CDs and bought a string of lights and taped each bulb in the center of each disc. The reflection was pretty and we had a neat yard decoration. Just be sure to use outdoor lights and cord.
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.
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.
Save Money by Taking Your Own Family Holiday Portraits
The secret to taking great family portraits is to have a colorful background, have everyone dress in colors that match or contrast with the background,
have plenty of natural light, and take the shots as close as possible.
-- Cindy added some more tips so if you've already read this, look again! More . . .
Christmas Countdown For KidsTo help the kids with counting down till Christmas and wanting to open presents I get small inexpensive gifts for as many days before Christmas as I like. I usually do two weeks. I buy small erasers, pencils, sweets, etc. and wrap each individually.
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.
A Christmas Theme for Your RoomHow about decorating along a theme this Christmas? Spice up your decorating projects for this Holiday season by using a theme.
No-Sew Tree SkirtFor an easy and economical tree skirt, I purchased a round holiday tablecloth (vinyl front, flannel back). I cut a small hole in the center and cut a straight line from the hole to the outer edge. It works great, is easy to clean & my kids love the design.
Blanket for a Tree SkirtInstead of using an expensive Christmas tree skirt, we have a pretty blanket we use at the base of our tree. A nice blanket is cheaper than most Christmas tree skirts.
Putting an Artificial Tree in a Christmas Tree StandWhen using an artificial Christmas tree many larger durable tree stands are too large. Buy some PVC pipe and cut it in small and equal pieces to place inside the tree stand to make a circle around the smaller tree base.
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
Making Paper and Felt OrnamentsIt isn't too late to still make quick paper or felt ornaments for gifts to stick into a card. One of my daughters is using brown felt and cutting out gingerbread men that she then puts faces and details on with a paint pen, a red gingham ribbon attaches it to the tree.
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
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.
Tree Decorations the Kids Can MakeIn so many homes Christmas decorating is taken entirely away from the children. Here are some ideas if you and your children would like to make some decorations (and memories) for your tree.
Special Photo CalendarA special thing my daughter's fiance did for her is to take a picture of them together and have it made into a calendar. He had it done at Wal-Mart and it didn't cost much at all and what a special memento for her!
Styrofoam Beads for Christmas OrnamentsYou can make beads to string on thread or thin elastic for bracelets or necklaces or Christmas ornaments by punching holes with a hole punch in Styrofoam egg cartons and meat trays.
M&M Brownies!Here is a no brainer dessert to take to a party that always gets me raves and requests for my recipe. Make a package of cheap brownie mix according to the directions.
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.
Making Christmas Cards With FamilyI love to involve my children in our homemade cards and gifts that we give away. Christmas cards are a family project. Last year we made the cover of the card like Eric Carle.
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.
Elf Sitting on SpoolTo make a Christmas elf sitting on the spool, wind some knitting wool on the spool. Glue it at start of winding, wrap around and glue a tab at the end to hold it. Leave a little piece dangling down.
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.
Pretzels for AppetizersSmall pretzel sticks make great skewers for bite-sized appetizers - nothing to throw away.
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?
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
Christmas Ornament TraditionEver since our kids were born we have given them a Christmas ornament for the Christmas tree each year.
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.
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
Glass Ornament BallsA quick and easy Christmas tree ornament can be made by using clear glass ornament balls. Drop paint through the hole and then turn it upside down and let sit overnight. The paint will spread out and coat the inside of the ball.
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.
Making Stickers for Sealing EnvelopesUsing decorative paper punches, take decorative wallpaper and punch out seals. They are pretty and cheap!
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.
Put Your Tree in a PlaypenGot a toddler who won't leave the Christmas tree alone? Put it in the playpen. (the tree, not the kid)!
By Linda
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!
Gifts for Elderly FriendsIt is not easy to find a gift for elderly friends and relatives. I give them stationary, a ball point pen and stamps.
By Jean Sterling
Remembering Which Ingredients Have Been AddedWhen baking, in order to remember which ingredients have been put into your bowl do this: Place all items to the left of your bowl. As you use them; move to the right of your bowl.
Quick Holiday TreatsIf you really hate to bake, try dipping Oreos, pretzels, or dried apricots in melted chocolate to have some "homemade" holiday treats.
