Birthday and Christmas Gift ListsChildren want a lot of things. When my children were growing up, I would put everything they asked for on a list. Items had to be in our budget to be included on the list. A few weeks before their birthday or Christmas, I would have them look at the list and circle the 3-5 items they wanted the most. This way they would get something they wanted and still have an element of surprise.
Balloon BustYou will need a large box, balloons and money: $1 or $5 bills. Roll your bills up and put them into the balloon. Blow a little air in and knot it.
Fort Kit for Little Super HeroesI made this great super hero fort kit for my grandson who loves to build tents in the house with blankets. My kit uses two large pieces of fabric to which I sewed 2 stretchy ties at each corner of the fabric pieces.
Gift Idea: Children's CraftboxChristmas is coming soon and thoughts have already turned to gift giving for the grandsons. This year will be different. My husband had a brain bleed last October and is no longer able to work, so funds are limited.
Crossing Guard Holiday GiftI am a school crossing guard and like to observe holidays for the kids. Since we are not allowed to give out anything edible (due to possible allergies), I came up with the idea of handing out pencils printed with holiday themes.
Review: GameStop for Bargain Video GamesThe holidays are just around the corner. Most of the kiddies on my "good list" don't want toy trucks or Barbies, they want video games. There is a store "Game Stop" that sells new and used games and game systems.
Use Plastic Bin for Kids Gift WrapMy daughter in law has been going through the granddaughter's toys and arranging them by type, like Barbie's, etc. She purchased some plastic bins of different sizes for this task.
Gift Idea: Bedroom MakeoverThis is our second year doing this. Last year we did a bedroom makeover for our youngest daughter. She was locked out of her room until Christmas Eve. We are a family of 6 and everyone did something to the room. Our youngest son liked the idea so much that he asked to have his room done this year.
School Supplies For Summer BirthdaysIf your school age child has a summer time birthday, let your relatives purchase their needed school supplies such as lunch boxes, backpacks, notebooks as their gifts.
Bag O' Fun Gift BagWant to create the one perfect gift that might be the cheapest one you ever bought? This one was the biggest hit at my son's birthday party, and it's a great idea for all of the kids on your list this year.
What a Kid Wants for GiftsI'm a kid and take it from a kid, kids hate getting: flashlights, clothes (unless we're in love with clothes of course), or anything involving safety for any holiday. What we want is of course is sweets, video games and and money, NEVER a gift card unless it's for Toys-r-us. We prefer money over gift cards any day.
Goodie Bags as PresentsI have a frugal idea for giving gifts when you are on a tight budget. I have 6 nephews and nieces aged between 6 and 15 and, with money so tight, I didn't know what to get them all.
Surprise Birthday BalloonWhen my niece turned 12, I bought a huge helium balloon and put it in a big box, along with her birthday money, and mailed it to her. When she got it and opened the box the whole family was startled as the balloon got out and went up! A very fun way to surprise a kid on their birthday!
Memberships for Birthday PresentsI have a tip for all of us thrifty parents, whether by choice or because it's necessary! My son's third birthday is this week, and to be honest, he doesn't need a lot of new toys.
Giving Children Their Own Equipment for Thanks You NotesTo those grandparents who never get a thank you note from their grandchildren for gifts, leaving it up to your children to teach them might be futile.
A Dress Up Box for KidsA dress-up box makes a great gift for your nieces and nephews. Instead of spending a fortune on mass-produced toys, collect neat clothes...
Real Appliances for the KidsOne Christmas, when my niece asked Santa Claus for vacuum cleaner, Santa brought her a small, but real vacuum cleaner, instead of a play one that wouldn't pick up anything.
Early Bird Christmas Gift Ideas for KidsWith school supplies on clearance now it is a good time to stock up on crayons markers and colored pencils to make art kits for the children on your list.
Frugal Gifts for KidsWhenever I run across a good kid's CD (sometimes I merely borrow them) I burn as many copies as I need and keep them for nieces, nephews and friends.
