Wrapping Paper FlowerI ran out of wrapping paper and only had a roll of brown 'kraft' paper left (similar to brown paper bags) so I had to get creative. I folded it (as shown) and cut out petals, taped them on and used magic marker. I think it looks nice and homey too! What do you think?
Christmas Table DecorationWe constantly have pineapples in our home, but during Christmas nothing escapes my decorating! I thought this was a cute little decoration for the table or possibly the table of an elderly or single person. Decorative and practical.
Give Free Books as PresentsIn the UK, an organisation called Healthy Planet runs free bookshops where customers can choose six books per person per day completely free of charge. I select a parcel of books according to their preferences, and spend the money that I would have spent on a present on getting the parcel delivered to them.
Personalize Cookies as GiftsDuring the holidays I'd like to give small gifts as a sign of friendship and appreciation to many people that I deal with all year long. Since I am NOT rich, I try to make things and thought I'd share some ideas with my Thrifty Friends!
Keep Cats out of the Christmas TreeMy cat doesn't like the smell of citrus. I take the tree shaped car deodorizer, orange scent, and hang them from the bottom branches.
Table Candles or Place SettingsJust a cute little decoration for your holiday home or table or to place around the house for a party!
Give 'em C-A-S-HDespite claims that the economy has improved somewhat, it has worsened for those on fixed incomes and on social services. Cash gifts go uncounted unless tied to some traceable source.
Santa Hat Photo for Christmas CardsI propped my 3 month old on his belly and elbows and put an adult sized Santa hat on him. I also got photos of him sleeping in his elf outfit that said, "Santa's little helper" and cropped the photos into a website that provided the template and ordered enough for everyone on my Christmas card list!
Buy Halloween Candy for ChristmasThe day after Halloween, get as much candy you can for half price. Get only the ones that are not Halloween looking and then freeze the candy. Watch as your kids scream with delight on Christmas morning when they see their stockings!
Making a Grave BlanketI've made six grave blankets at Christmas time in the past. When I make one, I use chicken wire, about 5 ft tall and the regular width of the chicken wire.
Coasters From Christmas CardsI received many Christmas cards this year that displayed family photos. Rather than put them in the recycle bin, I am cutting the pictures to fit ceramic tiles and mod-podging the pictures to the tiles.
Frugal Christmas GiftsAs money is tight I have made my own Christmas presents for friends and neighbours. I made bird feeders. Some I shaped myself, others, I got the kids to collect pinecones and put the lard over them and rolled in the seeds.
Decorating My Dogwood for ChristmasI didn't set up my Christmas tree this year, rather I added to the decorations that I bought last year, on sale at Target, to decorate my dogwood tree in the yard.
Decorating Miniature Christmas TreesBecause I work in the apparel industry, I thought a button tree would look nice on my desk for the holidays. I used red and green yarn to tie buttons onto a miniature Christmas tree in place of ornaments.
Stocking Stuffers for my WifeI stuffed my wife's stocking with a lot of cool things like: a wallet, her favorite type of candy, body wash, hand made romantic certificates, a bath sponge, a bag of rose petals, candy canes, Christmas card, little wrapped boxes, and a ring.
Store Christmas Lights In BoxTake any cardboard box. Put a string of lights in the bottom. You don't have to do any fancy rolling or anything. Then put a layer of 1 sheet of newspaper on top of them.
Putting up a Pre-lit Christmas TreeAfter reading several posts, I got some ideas but wanted more details on the "how to plug in the lights" and found this video that was very helpful.
Making a Photo Christmas Wish ListSometimes when you are telling family members what you would like for Christmas, there is confusion. I know that sometimes when I am buying for someone, I wonder "is this the right item?"
Mini Doughnut SnowmenThese cute little snowmen are super quick to make and would be a great treat for a party.
Old Jeans Make Great Christmas StockingsA nice way to remember grandparents is to use their old jeans for a grandbaby's Christmas stocking. This is sewn into a cowgirl boot with pink bows and pearls.
Use Vanilla for Fresh "Baked" ClothesIt's as easy as pie. I "discovered" this by simple accident. 'I spilled the vanilla on one of my towels and had to wash it right away to get the stain out.
Decorate Your Birdbath for ChristmasRather than pack up our birdbath and planter this year, I decided to add some evergreens, holly branches, pinecones, and berries that I had on my property and around in my woods!
Take Chaos Out Of Christmas MorningAs you wrap each gift, take it out of the boxes and add any batteries if needed. Take everything out of packages that are hard to get out.
Stocking Stuffers for Teens and AdultsBath and Body Works (hand sanitizer, bath salts, shower gel, soap, candles), warm and cozy socks, jewelry, a movie or fave TV series, a CD or iTunes card
Repurpose Food Boxes as Christmas PackagesI save old boxes to wrap in gift paper to make my wrapping experience as stress free as possible by having them ready now. Using colored duct tape to finish the edges also adds to the festive mood.
Keeping Toddlers out of Christmas TreesIt may be early, but here's one solution to the inevitable toddler getting into the Christmas tree and gifts. Put the tree and gifts in the playpen, or put up a gate across the area where the tree and gifts are or will be!
Nature-Friendly Christmas TreeThis year, I wanted to do something different for Christmas. Keeping up with the green trend, I wanted to have a Christmas tree that would be friendly towards nature.
A Fun Christmas Tree DesignI like my tree to look different every year and we switch between real and artificial trees.
Use Microwave Plate for Extra Serving PlatterWhen entertaining this holiday season and you find that you are in need of an extra platter, use the glass platter that's inside your microwave oven. Works like a charm.
LED Lights for China CabinetI don't have lights inside my china cabinet and also wanted something for the holidays that was decorative, so decided to take a 50 light strand of LED Christmas lights and put them at the very top of the cabinet.
Give Time For ChristmasInstead of the usual gift of cookies or candy, take about 10 minutes to call or visit a shut in person and it will be the best gift you could possible give. If possible, read them a Bible passage and you will be long remembered.
Storing Open Wrapping PaperCut open a toilet paper roll and use it as a cuff to save your wrapping paper and keep it from unrolling.
Decorated Wide Mouth Jar Candy HolderUse an old or new wide mouth jar as your holiday candy holder. Paint any design with acrylic paints. Spray with a sealant like clear varnish spray. Add a touch of whimsy with a fabric tie. Add treats.
Using Photos as Christmas Gift TagsMy 4 year old granddaughter will be Santa's helper this year. She will wear a Santa hat and distribute all the gifts from under the tree.
Painted Stone Paper WeightPaint a flat, rounded, smooth rock as a paperweight. I used acrylic paints and then sprayed the painted rock with a clear varnish spray.
Baby Shoe Christmas TreeMy dear sister-in-law has a new baby. She is a little over a year old. They have taken a little medium tree and made a little "Baby's First Shoes" Christmas tree in one of the rooms.
Gather Items All Year for Christmas CharitiesIf you participate in Christmas gift charities, such as Operation Christmas Child and the like, here is a tip to make giving those gifts much easier and which will also have you thinking of the recipients all year long!
Add Glitter To Clay Ornaments With Christmas CardsI was making ornaments out of air-dry clay, and putting the date on them with markers, when I had an idea I thought I would try.
Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh LongerMost people cut a bit off the bottom when they 1st get the tree, but if your tree dries out the closer it gets to Christmas this is easy to do while the tree is in the stand still.
Cinnamon Ornament Cut-outsThese are so much fun to make and they make your house smell just heavenly!
Leftover Halloween Candy for Christmas Countdown CalendarHave your kids pick out 24 of their favorite candies from trick-or-treating. Make a Christmas countdown calendar (very simply made with a piece of cardboard, decorated with rubber stamps, scraps of wrapping paper, or giftwrap paper; tape each candy or treat on it).
Crafts Using Pine ConesWe made door hangings with the long pine cones by using red velvet, wide ribbon the length you choose for your door, and wired a couple of long pine cones at the end of the ribbon.
Making Christmas Countdown RingsEach day you take a ring off, it helps the kids count down til Christmas.
Christmas Key ConePurchase an inexpensive Styrofoam cone, actually more of a pyramid, at a craft store. Get one about 8-10 inches tall, that has sides (or larger, if you have a lot of old keys and only want to make one).
Storing Christmas Tree Decorations in Popcorn TinsOver time, we have been gifted several themed popcorn tins. They have worked great for storing our Christmas tree decorations in. The one with angels on it, holds all our angel ornaments, while the one with snow covered homes stores all our special homemade ornaments.
Sometimes He Likes to Play Santa TooThroughout the Christmas season our elf likes to leave little presents, mostly for the kids. :) Because of his sweet tooth they tend to be yummy treats or candy to replace what he has eaten. Other times he leaves things to keep the kids busy.
Sometimes He Just Wants to Have FunMany times we find that he has been having a lot of fun while we have been sleeping. In many ways he is a kid at heart and enjoys to involve Barbie and other friends.
Sometimes the Elf is NaughtyIt isn't just your kids that can get into trouble when your Elf is around. He is know to get a little bit naughty himself. Here are so photos of our elf "Snap" getting into mischief.
Use Clothespins To Protect Christmas OrnamentsHave you seen or made any of those cute Christmas "clothes pins" as decorations or advent ideas? Well here is another use.
Cleaning a White Artificial Christmas TreeA while back I wrote in asking if anyone knew how to turn a yellowed artificial Christmas tree white again. It looked fine at night all lighted, but during the day it was just yellow.
Garland From Pine BoughsTo make a pine garland, use heavy twine that is a little longer than the length to be covered. Cut lengths of pine (any variety) or any evergreen type of bush, also have a roll of florist wire.
Christmas Candle HoldersI used rose/ivy bowls and glass vases and added beads, flowers, or other decorations for vessels to hold flameless candles, as Christmas gifts. Here are pictures of some of the finished ones. I used low melt hot glue.
"Twas the Day After Christmas"Twas the day after Christmas when all through the mall, not a shopper was stirring, they had all hit the wall. The stockings were empty, the trees were all bare, in hopes that the Visa bill, wouldn't be there.
Using Leftover Christmas PaperIf you are like me, you do not like to store left over wrapping paper, what a hassle. Instead of storing it I turn it over and use the back side for wrapping gifts, boxes to store magazines in, or organizing bins.
Craft: Foil Candy CanesWe needed something to do today so I came up with a quick easy fun craft. Take a sheet of aluminum foil, however big you want it, roll it up into a "stick", then you can roll it even more between your hands to make it tighter.
Organizing Christmas and Holiday Wrappings and TagsWe crafters and Moms know that the months fly and we blink and another holiday is upon us. After Christmas gifts have been given, I separate tags, paper, ribbon, and other left-overs into a few categories.
The Most Glorious BirthdayOnce again Christmas will be enjoyed by us all. The many Christmas gifts we will be shopping for, the many delightful packages we place beneath our beautiful trees with all the lights and decorations that we have waited a full year to bring out and share with our family and friends.
Reusing Envelopes from Christmas CardsIf you have been lucky enough to receive those beautiful Christmas cards, don't be so quick to throw away the envelopes. In my life the number of cards I receive varies from year to year, as well as how many cards I mail.
Divide Plants for Frugal Holiday GiftsI have too many people on my Christmas list and not enough money. This year I've planted my spider plant babies into decorative coffee mugs and some into old glass pedestal candle holders and adorned them with homemade bows and candy canes.
How to Send a Christmas E-CardIf you like to send cards but you really like to send them on the computer, a great site is www.123greetings.com.
Recycled Christmas BouquetInstead of trashing those broken Christmas decorations, try to create something useful and meaningful. The leaves were a total waste because of being dirty and very old. Some of the Christmas balls were broken and not good for hanging.
Improving an Old Artificial Christmas TreeTo improve an old artificial Christmas tree, prepare one roll of lace ribbon and wire. Cut the ribbon into 12 inch long sections. Crumple the ribbon at the middle and tie it with a small wire. Fifteen ribbons are good for a 7 foot Christmas tree.
Frugal Funny Gift IdeasHere are some frugal and funny gift ideas. You can do this with a box of microwave popcorn, write, "May your Christmas be poppin".
Breakfast Items as Stocking StufferIn the excitement of keeping up with early risers on Christmas morning, and getting ready for other company, breakfast might be neglected or delayed. How about stuffing some quick breakfast items in the stockings just before you go to bed Christmas Eve night?
Santa Behind the Scenes - Photographing SantaWhen my kids were little, we would try to catch Santa on video every year. We would set our movie camera up and let the kids hit record and send them off to bed. Once they were in bed asleep, we would hit stop without moving the camera and "wait for Santa to come".
Keeping a Christmas Journal to Plan for Next YearThe Christmas season moves by so quickly. Oftentimes I come across ideas that I would love to do, but I run out of time. This year I have started a Christmas journal. I've added my Christmas card list to it, along with new craft ideas and recipes that I will try next Christmas!
Budgeting for ChristmasI always use any coupon or sale that I can get my hands on all year long. If the sale items and/or coupons are not for an item that is needed at the present time, I purchase items to be used as gifts later on.
Christmas Arrangement Using Old DecorationsYou can make a Christmas decoration without spending a single cent. Using old Christmas balls, silk poinsettias, vases, and other ornaments you can make very unique Christmas decorations.
Tips For Making Indoor And Outdoor Decorated Glass BlocksI have to tell you all that I have tried many different things and settled on the following because they look the best.
Using a RotoZip Tool to Make Glass Block Christmas DecorationsI just made these blocks, I used a RotoZip tool with a masonry bit (used for tile work) to drill the hole.
Themed Stocking StuffersTired of the same old stocking stuffers? Here's a horse of a different color idea. Instead of using a traditional stocking why not use something entirely different.
Santa Sided With the KidsOne year for Christmas, we chose to put the tree in the family room, which did not have a fireplace in it. The children thought the tree should go in the living room.
Homemade Christmas Gifts for MenTry a box of pretzel rods dipped in melted caramel and rolled in nuts, Skor bar bits, sprinkles, etc. This looks more substantial than a caramel apple and will be enjoyed a bit longer.
Food Gift Packages for MenLast year I did gift packages for my dad, stepdad, and all four brothers, consisting of a gallon size Ziploc bag of homemade caramel corn, three dozen cookies and a 1 pound bag of pistachios.
Paper White Narcissus at Christmas TimeHere is what I do with my paper white narcissus bulbs that many of us love to grow indoors at Christmas. Put some marbles and the bulbs in the bottom of a tall clear glass vase.
Shopping for ChristmasFor my Christmas shopping this year, I make sure I wear comfortable walking shoes, and put on my iPod with peppy music. Shopping malls know you will take your time if you hear Christmas music, and will walk slowly, visiting more stores.
Metallic Garland Beads As Candy CanesI was out and about, and I saw this beautiful Christmas tree. It had sections of metallic bead garland which had been cut into 8 inch or so pieces and hung on the tree. The way they hung them, the top was draped over to form the crook of a candy cane.
Christmas Card Holder BoxI like to keep all the Christmas cards I get from year to year. I like to go through them each year and just enjoy them.
Water Bottle Holiday Gift PackageThis is a great way to use some of those empty water bottles. Fill them with treats then decorate them up a bit, and you have a great package ready for gift giving.
Thrift Shop Holiday ItemsI haven't bought new Christmas decorations in years, because I can find items nicer than the ones I could afford, in thrift shops. I add them to my collection of decorations, which I store every year until Christmas.
A Holiday Solution That Will Work All YearI found solar mini twinkle outdoor lights at my local Walgreen's. They are LEDs and didn't cost much. I bought clear so I can decorate for Christmas, and then use them in my garden or down my sidewalk all year, with no cost for electric or worrying about turning them on and off.
Inexpensive But Thoughtful GiftsHere are a few of my ideas for inexpensive but thoughtful gifts.
Christmas Card QuotesWhen I send out the Christmas cards to those people on my list, I like to put a quote on the back of it after I seal it. I have a book that has some quotes about Christmas in it.
Holiday Pine Boughs Instead Of A TreeIn my small apartment, I have never had room for a standing Christmas tree. In order to have the tree experience, I use pine boughs from the local Christmas tree stand and put them in vases and decorate them!
Cinnamon Sugar Shaker As GiftPurchase a glass shaker jar. I found one at the dollar store. In a bowl, mix one tablespoon of cinnamon with a half cup of sugar. This will give you enough to fill about two or three jars.
Christmas Present Photo Card IdeaGet a box large enough to fit your baby in it. Wrap the box and put a ribbon on it. Place the baby in the box and put a bow on top of his or her head. You take the picture outside in the snow, or under your tree.
Christmas Tree for the KidsIf you have small children who won't leave your Christmas tree alone, the best thing you can do is give them a tree of their own, with their own unbreakable ornaments.
Tomato Cage Christmas Tree Christmas Card DisplayI am going to try this, and put it on the table for cards to be displayed on. You take a tomato cage, clean it and turn the prongs into a point. The prongs will be at the top. You take some wrapping paper and put it around the top and tape it with duct tape.
Recycled Cups As Lighted BellsRinse out your used small clear plastic cups. Cut a small "x" on the top and insert the twinkle light from the top through the "x" with the light bulb inside. Whatever color the bulb is, the cup (bell) will light up when plugged in.
Surprise SantaGet into the spirit of the holiday by playing Santa for a friend or neighbor in need. By "in need", I don't just mean financially; there are so many people who are alone on the holiday.
Bells For Christmas Tree Defense From CatsWe have always had cats and they have a tendency to want to explore the Christmas tree. We got around that by using an abundance of bells on the lower limbs to serve as an early warning device.
Massachusetts Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Massachusetts and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Maine Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Maine and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
New Mexico Christmas CharitiesIf you live in New Mexico and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Georgia Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Georgia and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Alaska Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Alaska and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Florida Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Florida and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Michigan Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Michigan and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Tennessee Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Tennessee and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Vermont Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Vermont and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Mississippi Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Mississippi and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Virginia Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Virginia and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
North Carolina Christmas CharitiesIf you live in North Carolina and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
New Jersey Christmas CharitiesIf you live in New Jersey and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Idaho Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Idaho and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
Alabama Christmas CharitiesIf you live in Alabama and are in need of Christmas help here are some charities that may be able to assist you.
