One thing I did for my mother and sister-in-laws for years was this:
I started in January, but I would search clearance items and low priced items all year long and try to buy 3 or so, then get Avon products that were marked down on their clearance, and I would 'build' gift boxes. My mother has since passed away, but the first time I built a box, she told me she had so much fun and enjoyed it so much, she could not wait until the next Christmas and hoped that I would do that again. She did it for me one year and I must say, I really enjoyed it greatly. This is one thing I truly miss, because I would go out of my way to search for things I thought they would enjoy.
One year I came across pumice stones and once knitting needles, etc., cross-stitch pattens, perfume samples, eyeliners, little earrings and material that was marked way down. There was a great variety of things and I just can't remember paying much for any of it. And the key to these boxes, is clearance items, and totally unexpected (those little pumice stones were the best hit-I think I paid like 75 cents for each one), but I think they really enjoyed the boxes. I wish so much that I could do this for her this year. Merry Christmas. I know this is not homemade, but might give you a jump on next year. ... View related article.
Well, I have always had good luck with baking soda and vinegar. When my kitchen drain slows down, I seal one side of the double sink. I put in some baking soda, add vinegar and take a cup about the same size as the opening and start dashing madly up and down. It releases and starts flowing clear and I turn my hot water on allowing it to flow for a few minutes. ... View related article.
I have gone to many thrift/rag stores and they have them pretty cheap but dirty and also my friends store theirs not wanting to throw them away, but not wanting to use them either, and yard sales-even if you don't see them, ask, they usually didn't bring them because they thought they couldn't move them. ... View related article.
