No Toys As Gifts For The HolidaysDespite the fact that one of her sons thinks she is the meanest mom in the world, a good friend has informed the grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. that if they want to buy her children gifts they must be books, clothing, gift cards, etc.
Christmas Present Ideas For Soldier Boyfriend?My boyfriend is turning 24 the week after Christmas, and I have no idea what to get him for either. He is an EMT and in the army and his mom is getting him things for his truck (that he loves). Any ideas? Help please!
Christmas In a BoxMy grandchildren have plenty of toys, and sometimes, like other children, would rather play with the box the toy comes in than the actual toy itself. As a result, for their Christmas and birthday presents, I have put together craft projects.
Gift for Boyfriend Who likes Sports?I need ideas. Valentine's day is coming up, and so is my boyfriend's birthday. I want to do something really cute for both of them. He's turning 18 and he likes football.
Gift Idea: Fill a Tote With Useful ItemsFor Christmas this year, I decided to do something different than the usual gift cards. I bought laundry baskets or clothes hampers or storage totes for each person I was going to buy for. In the case of the kids, I bought inexpensive toy boxes.
Gift Idea: A Year of RecipesEach month, I am going to choose one of our favorite recipes in each of several categories, print them out along with a picture of the dish as I make it; then tuck them into the pockets of a bound recipe book I found at our local dollar store.
Happy Gift Packages for ChristmasI am going to put together some activities for the kids this year. I want it to be special. A gift they will have a permanent record of and a little memory photo album with it and also a one use camera to record it.
ThriftyFun Link as Free Christmas PresentI'm sending this website's URL as a Christmas present to all my friends who send me e-mail.
Making a Personal Correspondence Box?I am fixing up a box full of assorted greeting cards and stamps and a good pen, for my 93 year old mother-in-law. I need some more ideas for some other unique things to put in there. Also, what can I do to dress it up, cool?
Make a Christmas Card for Your ParentsWhen you think about Christmas and you're a kid, you should make your mom or dad (or both) a card that you made.
Gift Baskets for the HolidaysMake up gift baskets with things they like. For instance, make a basket with music related items, say a movie and a CD, a couple of packs of popcorn, some chips, Movie tickets to the latest movie; that sort of thing.
Christmas Gift for Boyfriend Who Likes to Build Things?My boyfriend and I have been doing a long distance relationship for about 4 months, he lives in CA and I live in GA. I've thought of a few things to get him or make him, but I'm trying to think of something he won't expect. I want something really different.
Family Movie Gift Ideas?Calling all movie buffs. Can anyone suggest a good movie or two to give as a family gift? My sister-in-law thought we should send 3 - 4 of our favorite movies to each other for Christmas.
Homemade Christmas Gift for Outdoorsy Boyfriend?I've been going out with this guy for 3 months and Christmas is coming. He doesn't want either of us to spend money on a gift, he wants me to think of something creative and make it.
Christmas Gift for Skater Boyfriend?Christmas is coming soon and I don't know what to get my boyfriend. He is one of those skater boys.
Christmas Gifts For TeachersOur teacher was very beloved. Parents brought her many sweet gifts, including lots of chocolates and coffee cups. With the economy what it has been, there were so many other things she could have used. Here is a list of some of the things that we discussed.
Christmas Gifts for the Granddaughter With Everything?I would like suggestions for Christmas gifts for granddaughters who have everything already. Their ages are 2 and 7. Thanks.
Gift Idea: Movie Party in a BagWith but a few dollars to spend, I hand painted canvas bags and filled them with popcorn, candy and our local video store coupons for free movie or two. They loved it with these busy times. It's hard to get together.
Christmas Gift for Farmer Boyfriend?What should I get my boyfriend for Christmas? He's 17 and we've been going out for a month. He's a farmer and a country guy.
Giving Fat Quarters as a Gift?I want to buy a mix of fat quarters for a quilting friend for Christmas. I have no idea what I'm doing. How many fat quarters should I buy in the same pattern to make the gift useful?
Small Gift Ideas for Christmas to Take Abroad?I am traveling to another country for the holidays. I need some ideas for inexpensive gifts for a lot of people, children and adults. It is a third world country in Central America. The gifts would need to be small and travel well in suit cases.
Christmas: What is Important GiftWhen thinking of fun things to do at parties, I did this one several years ago when selling Tupperware. I adapted it today for a gal who needed holiday party ideas, and thought I would share it with all of you.
Almost Free Spa in a Bag GiftEveryone is on a tight budget these days and now more than ever, people are more understanding with regards to receiving more frugal and thoughtful gifts. Here is something you can do for a friend or family member that may not cost you a dime.
Give Savings Bonds for ChristmasSave a bundle on expensive toys that kids will out grow or destroy and start them in the right direction of learning how to save, buy savings bonds.
Make a Trivia Christmas JarAround Christmas I make my sisters something like a memory jar. Instead of memories with them, I put in inside jokes, movie lines, pictures, random facts, and drawings on little pieces of paper with colorful backgrounds. Then I decorate the jar.
Homemade Jelly as Christmas GiftsGive Christmas presents that come from the heart. I buy stemmed glasses at the lowest price possible, figuring one set of 4 for each present. Next, I get 4 boxes of SureJell, a package of wax, and 4 bottles of 100% juice without sugar.
Gifts for Teachers?Would any of you out there have some good advice on how to save money on "teacher gifts"? I have a bunch of children and they have a bunch of teachers each (not to mention the bus drivers, principals, vice-principals and school secretaries)!
Give a Girl a Matching DollGive joy to a little girl. Get her a doll that looks just like her! My granddaughter was thrilled!
Gift Bags for FamilyWith the economy like it is, I have come up with some ideas to save money on family gifts.
Set Up a Gift Fund for Expensive PresentsIf you have a large ticket item you crave, how about starting a "gift fund" for it among your friends and relations? Just say that rather than a gift, you would prefer a contribution to the say "iPod Gift Fund" and pool those gifts for one bigger purpose.
Mix CDs for inexpensive GiftsMake someone special a CD of music. You can even customize the CD labels and cases for occasions and holidays. Music is a great way to express how you feel and is very personal yet inexpensive.
Dollar Store Treasure Chest for ChristmasSince one of the best parts of Christmas for little kids is to open presents, I decided this year to make it a real treasure chest for my grandchildren. I went to our local Dollar Store and bought each one of them a plastic bin...
Give a Little Getaway Instead of a Gift for ChristmasWanting to make every dollar count this year at Christmastime and with 6 grown kids, 3 with spouses I decided to approach gift giving a little differently.
Be a Good Sport When Buying for Yankee SwapsJust a reminder about Yankee Swaps, Dirty Santas, Chinese Christmases, etc., those gift exchanges where someone opens a present, the next person opens another gift and can trade gifts with the first person, a third contestant opens a gift and can trade with either of the first two players, on and on.
Christmas Gifts For Teachers?I need ideas for Christmas gifts for teachers and childcare providers? Any ideas for something other than a coffee cup?
Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs Gift Idea (Under $10)A thrifty hostess gift for the holiday season can be started at Thanksgiving to be ready for the December holidays.
Ideas for Unused Christmas Gifts?It's great advice to do your Christmas Shopping throughout the year. My immediate family is large, my husband and I and 4 kids. What do you do when you have bought these gifts for extended family members that you have exchanged gifts with for years, and then a couple of weeks before Christmas they announce that they do not want to exchange or members ask to draw names?
Personalized Photo Albums For Grandchildren?I am looking for a simple (quick and inexpensive) project to make as Christmas gifts for my 12 grandchildren, ages 5 to 23. I am wanting to do something with the digital pictures that I have of them from over the last few years.
Baking Jar Gifts?Does anyone have recipes for baking cakes/breads in small jars for gifts? I was given this gift one year and it was so good and meant a lot too!
Holiday Shopping: One Gift at a TimeIt gets so hectic during the holidays with shopping, cooking, and avoiding the flu like the plague, so during the year I shop one gift at a time. My 3 children help wrap and we put a homemade tag or handcrafted card on the package and we stow it away until Christmas.
Thrift Shops, Yard Sales, etc. for Christmas GiftsWith everyday life getting more expensive my family had decided to have a little more fun with Christmas other than just drawing names, spending a set amount on a gift and getting that person what they had asked for.
Memory Gifts For ChristmasEvery year the adults in my family draw names and buy a gift for just one person instead of a gift for everyone. Sometimes we have themes for the gifts. One year we did memory gifts (I saw this one on TV)...
Gift Ideas for Pet LoversFor the pet lovers in the family I've come up with a unique way to show them I care at Christmas time. I found $1 "Pet Sitter Information" pads for the refrigerator for when they need to leave their pets in the care of others, with contact numbers.
Using a Gift Box for a Frugal ChristmasOnce again, I have succeeded in being bountiful this Christmas without breaking the bank or getting into debt! I am recycling gift bags (and tissue paper) from the presents my husband and I gave each other to use for my brother and family.
Plant Clippings As GiftsI have a second generation spider plant that has more babies on it than I know what to do with. So this year, I clipped a few and put them in water about a month or two ago. I kept some aluminum vegetable cans (easiest to clean out) to use as pots.
Happy New Year GiftsI give Christmas Gifts a few days after Christmas and call them Happy New Years Gifts. The reason why: I don't want people to feel obligated to give me something in return yet I want to say Thank You.
Stocking Your Gift ClosetA Gift Closet or box can be a treasure trove all year long but especially at Christmas. I buy for Christmas all year long at yard sales and craft fairs and the thrifty store. I also love the dollar store. At these places, you can always find something to buy for someone on your list.
Make Sure You Have Everything You Need For Computerized ToysHi, I just wanted to let everyone know if you bought your child the puppy that grows and knows your name for Christmas, please read the box as to what you need for the puppy.
Christmas Gift for Friend in Army ROTC?I have a friend who is going into Army ROTC, and I need a little help. We have been friends forever, but we aren't boyfriend and girlfriend. I want to give him something, that tells him how good a friend he is, but it can't be too personal.
Homemade Gift Bath ScrubbyI buy dollar store soaps in holiday scents, like peppermint or even gingerbread scent. From thrift stores or again the dollar store or any outlet, buy cheap children mittens.
Remembering Animals In Need This HolidayThis year, my lovely daughter will give a different Christmas gift to the young children in the family. Instead of books or toys, she is paying for a year's subscription each, to sponsor a donkey in a donkey shelter near her.
Cocoa Jars for ChristmasBuy a nice jar with a lid, the dollar store is a great place to look. In the clean jar, fill three quarters of the way with cocoa mix. Add a layer of chocolate chips, then another layer of mini-marshmallows. Place lid on. Tie jar with a pretty ribbon with a candy cane tied into it. Very easy and inexpensive to make.
Step By Step 12 Days Of Christmas GiftsI start off by making my cards. They are 3 1/2 inches tall by 3 inches wide. I use the poem from the 12 Days of Christmas song that I print on the inside.
Gifts for Day Care Staff?I need some inexpensive gifts for my child's day care staff. There are 4 staff members. I want to give something nice but yet not "break the bank". Any ideas?
Donations Instead of Gift Giving?I need some help coming up with a idea for a gift exchange at the school where I work. This would be for staff only. I had thought of having everyone purchase items that could be sent to the troops instead of buying each other gifts, but I'm not sure who I would contact.
Small Gift Ideas to Give Dec. 1-25?I have 2 ladies (who live in the same house-mother and daughter) that are my secret sisters from church. For each, I will give a gift bag with 25 individual gifts (one to be opened daily from Dec 1-25).
Family Trip Instead of Toys for ChristmasA couple of years ago my daughter asked her kids what they wanted for Christmas: toys or going to the Wisconsin Dells for Christmas with the family? Would you believe they picked going to the Dells? They said they had enough toys and that they get toys for their birthdays.
Use Bartering as Part of Your Budget PlanWhen trying to stretch your Xmas gift budget, don't forget about the power of informal BARTER. At a church sale last weekend, I traded several bottles of fancy bubble bath and some hair product for a wooden screen I had. You can do that for all sorts of things!
Gift Basket for GuysHaving trouble finding the right gift for the men/boys this Christmas? This is my idea. Make a gift basket with a gift certificate to your local video store for a movie/video game rental, popcorn, various candies and sodas.
Money Walnuts For Christmas OrnamentsRaising three children by myself made money very tight, especially at Christmas, so I was always trying to come up with new ideas which would stretch a dollar.
Holiday Gifts for Co-WorkersHoliday gifts for Co-Workers. REMEMBER - not everyone celebrates Christmas, so be thoughtful. This idea took care of about 20 people. Last year for the men in the office, my kids and I baked brownies in muffin tins and placed them on Holiday theme plates we picked up at the dollar store.
Cheap Christmas GiftsCheap Christmas gift ideas. I hope this helps those of you on a tight budget who would like to give something but find it difficult financially.
Gifts for Those Who Have EverythingGifts for Those Who Have Everything. Almost everyone has that one family member who seemingly has everything and recites the vow, "Don't buy me anything," each holiday.
Giving Children's Finger Paintings as GiftsGiving Children's Finger Paintings. Being on a limited income,I was always at a loss when birthdays and Christmas came up. One day as I was watching my grandchildren fingerpaint, I hit on a cheap gift that would have special meaning to the receiver.
Gift Ideas for My Ailing Ex-Husband?My ex-husband has been diagnosed with lymphoid brain cancer. He fell ill October 2nd this year and we have been told that he has 6 to 12 months to live. He will have to go to assisted living and will never return to his home. Could anyone please help with ideas on Christmas gifts for him?
Christmas In OctoberChristmas in October or Early Bird Christmas Gifts. So the kids are back in school and you're back at work and you're thinking, "The last thing I want to think about is Christmas" but I am here to tell you that this month is the best for getting some of your shopping done. . .
Gift Ideas for Grandparents?Gift Ideas for Grandparents. Every year for Christmas, I never know what to get my grandparents. They have everything.
Gift Ideas for Men?I like to make as many gifts as possible and Christmas is not far away. Does anyone have any ideas for gifts (not necessarily handmade) for males from teenager boys right through to elderly men?
Starting on Christmas GiftsStarting on Christmas Gifts. I know it's summertime, but you can pick up a few presents for Christmas this year or start your special project or craft for gifts.
Religious GiftsHere is an idea for a cheap gift for someone that is religious. Look online for free religious books, dvd, cds, bookmarks, etc. You can also order bibles online for free.
"Family Bucks" for After Christmas SalesOne of my kids favorite presents is "Family Bucks" to spend at the after-Christmas sales. (I make up phoney money on the computer and personalize them with our name). This keeps me from having to give them real money...
Magic Reindeer DustGreat to package for kids to sprinkle on the lawn on Christmas Eve.
Print the following on Christmas stationery:...
Gifts for Friends Who Don't Eat SweetsAt this gift giving time, one of our friends, who does homemade baking to use as holiday gifts, for those on her gift list, who don't eat sweets, are going to receive small inexpensive bowls of nuts and dried fruits, wrapped in holiday attire...
Emergency Candy Gift?This Christmas I would like to give out candy in a Mason Jar with a tag of cute quips. Like "Do Not Open In Case Of Emergency", "Bad Day at Work Emergency Candy", "kids out of control..." and so on. Can you help me think of some cute ideas?
One Dollar GiftsWhen the Ladies come together just before Christmas, we each buy a gift for a $1.00 in The Dollar store. We have a gift exchange while we have our Christmas...
The Best Toys Stand the Test of TimeThe best toys do not necessaily need batteries-remember wood blocks, lots and lots of blank paper and a new set of crayons, lincoln logs, Tinker Toys? These have stood the test of time!
Stockpile Gifts Buy Ahead at After Holiday SalesI put the gifts in a box that I wrap in a netural gold, silver, blue or red shiny paper so when it is put in the storage area I can easily identify it throughout the next year. I label the boxes. For The childrens box I call it something like "The Treasure Chest" or "Treats for The Sweet"...
An Ornament for Every YearI buy the satin covered styrofoam balls and decorate them with beads, sequins, or whatever. I had already made this years, but just today he found out that he's going to be helping to film a FEMA documentary that will air either on HBO or PBS. His life dream is to work in TV. So I will gather my beads, pins and glue and try my darnedest to make a TV camera in the shape of beads on an ornament...
Making Economical Christmas Ornaments and CardsIn NYC, the .99 store is all the rage. For economical christmas ornaments and cards go to your local .99 store and buy any glass Christmas balls, sparkles, pipe cleaner and clear glue...
Christmas Gift: Deer RepellentThis actually is a wonderful idea for children to make for family members. I don't know how many times I hear parents say to children, "It's lovely honey, Thank you...What is it?" I thought this up for my nephew who always want to make his dad a gift that he will use...
Candy Fire Truck?What would be the best way to make a small, edible Fire Truck made out of unwrapped candy to give to FireFighters on Christmas Day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
