My Christmas Shopping SpreeToday, I went shopping, early in the morning, at several stores. I hit their bargain bins as soon as I entered.
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!
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.
Cheap Outdoor Holiday Decorations?How can I decorate the outside of my home on a limited amount of money?
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.
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.
Juice Box Book Tree OrnamentsTo make these cute Christmas tree ornaments, an adult should cut across the bottom of an empty juice box to open it up. Rinse well and dry. Tape the slit back up. For a Bible, have your child cover the box with black construction or tissue paper. Wrap it like a little gift.
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
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.
Felt Gingerbread Man Ornament?I'm looking for a pattern for a snowman ornament that was made out of brown felt with a gingersnap for the face and another gingersnap for the stomach area. The pattern fit store-bought ginger snaps and was a darling decoration for gifts and for a tree.
Light Bulb Santa OrnamentsHere's a great way to recycle light bulbs! Make a bunch of them to hang on the tree or give as gifts. This also is a great craft to sit down and do with the kids.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
Cranberry BreadSift together: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In separate bowl mix eggs, butter (melted), orange juice, cranberries, and nuts. Mix well...
Holiday BreadMix all ingredients together. Bake in a greased bread pan for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. This freezes well...
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
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
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
Peanut Butter Pumpkin PiePreheat oven to 350°. In large bowl, with wire whisk, beat eggs. Beat in pumpkin, sugars, peanut butter, pumpkin pie spice and salt...
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.
Good Sugar CookiesMix together margarine (softened) and powdered sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Beat well...
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.
Christmas Decorating Idea For Throw PillowsTo give your couch a cute decorative look for Christmas wrap your throw pillows in red, green, or plaid dish towels or fabrics and secure at back with safety pin, this will make them look like Christmas presents. You can even add gingham ribbons or wire ribbons that will hold a bow etc.
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
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.
Chocolate Mint FlipAdd cocoa malt to hot milk; stir until dissolved. Add cold milk, salt and flavorings...
Gingerbread Cookie MixSift dry ingredients and cut shortening into it with a pastry blender. Measure 3 cups into 4 jars...
Mexican Fiesta Dip MixThis is an unusual Southwestern dip mix that can be given in a small sombrero.
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.
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.
Oatmeal CarmelitasCombine flour and oatmeal, brown sugar, soda, salt and butter. Press 1/2 of the crumbs into a 9x13 inch pan...
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
Bronco BrowniesHeat caramels with 1/3 cup milk to melt. Set aside. Combine cake mix, butter, and remaining 1/3 cup milk...
Christmas Finnish Coffee BreadThis moist and flavorful bread has been served in our home on Christmas morning for many years, and our grown sons consider "Christmas bread" one of our important family traditions.
Super Frosted BrowniesBeat together butter, sugar, and cocoa. Beat in eggs. Stir in dry ingredients, vanilla and nuts (optional)...
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
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.
What Should We Put in Hospital Goodie Bags?I am taking my children to visit children in the hospital. I would like suggestions of FRUGAL ideas for goodie bags that my children may hand out to those in the hospital. I am on a very tight budget but believe in teaching my children the importance of thinking of others-- this time of year kids often want, want, want! And I want them to realize the needs of others.
Any suggestion would be very welcomed. - Lisa
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.
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.
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.
Buckeye Candy (Grandma's Peanut Butter Balls)Every year my grandma made what we called "Peanut Butter Balls". She never went by a recipe and they always turned out perfect!
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!
Cork Christmas Tree?A friend's daughter went to a party and made a really cute Christmas tree out of corks, painted it green and white on the top for snow and then put it in a painted clay pot. They used wire to hold it together. does anyone have instructions on how to make one?
LINNEA
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.
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.
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...
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.
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
Gift Ideas For Harley Lover?My dad loves Harley Davidson motorcycles. Does anyone have ideas what I can buy or make him?
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.
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
Gift Ideas for Someone That is Dying?Recently my dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Since Christmas is coming soon, I wondered if anyone would have any ideas for a Christmas gift for him? What does one buy for a dying person? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you.
wshaaksma
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.
Christmas Ornament TraditionEver since our kids were born we have given them a Christmas ornament for the Christmas tree each year.
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.
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
Debra's Family TraditionsMy Family were not church going people and neither was my husband's so we had to come up with our own traditions. In doing Geneology for both families I saw that we had a lot of German ancestors so I went on line and found out about the german tradition of the Advent Wreath.
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
Robin's Favorite Holiday Salad RecipesThree of Robin's favorite Christmas salad recipes: Cranberry Salad, Cinnamon Salad and Watergate Salad
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.
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...
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
