It’s that time of year again. There are plenty of ways you can give gifts to everyone on your list without spending a lot of money. Here are some money-saving ideas:
Thrift stores are veritable treasure troves of frugal holiday gift ideas. Here are just a few:
- A decorative teapot or teacup and matching saucer, to which you can add a few teabags—perfect for a tea drinker
- A decorative bowl, to which you could add a box of pasta and a wooden spoon
- A pie plate or baking dish, to which you could add a small bag or jar of apple pie or pumpkin pie spices
- A set of small soup bowls, to which you could add a small bag of spices for chili or a bag of mixed, dried beans
- Candles and candleholders
Coupons. Make up your own coupons: rides to and from the doctor’s office or grocery store; baby sitting, pet sitting or dog-walking services; use your talent and “gift” it to someone on your list.
Think outside the (gift) box. Think of local businesses your person uses: a bowling alley, a movie theater, local hairdresser or barber, or a craft store, and get them a gift certificate at that place.
In these hard economic times, “odd” gifts will be appreciated. Consider things such as: a box of filters for their water purifier, specialty coffee or tea, pet food or toys, fixings for a spaghetti dinner (including candles and wine), homemade all-occasion cards and envelopes, etc.
Do you have a special dry soup or mix that you make that could be packaged in a decorative jar? Or even a trail mix or party mix of cereal, nuts and tiny pretzels? When packed in a decorative jar, they make nice gifts. Be sure to attach a recipe if needed.
Throughout the year, one of my friends uses coupons and rebates on everything from shampoo, shower gel, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes, to writing utensils, Post-Its and notebooks. All of it goes into a plastic storage container or shower “bucket” with holiday ribbons and bows on the handles for three college kids in her family. She fills a small tote for each of them, and it costs her about $10 for all three.
Promote family. Somehow, we seem to spend much more than we plan for stuff that doesn’t get touched after it’s opened on Christmas morning. How about spending money to bring family and friends together and have a truly memorable Christmas? Comb your local newspaper for holiday programs and events that could make wonderful gifts for children and adults. Last year, I treated my family to tickets to a Christmas concert. My sister’s gift to us all was dinner afterward. On Christmas morning, I gave everyone a CD of the concert as a souvenir.
If that’s too pricey, though, how about something similar but less expensive, such as tickets to a holiday movie or local Christmas dance or theatrical production?
Do something as a family, reduce the amount of “stuff” you are giving, start some new traditions, and make yourself some memories.—Alice Rose Kieft
1 comments:
As you likely remember 7 years ago I had one of the most forced frugal Christmases ever. That Christmas the most cherished presents given to me on Christmas Eve were a basket containing blueberry pancake mix, popcorn, hot cocoa mix and candy canes; a DVD of How the Grinch Stole Christmas; a CD of Christmas music; a hand made yule log for my fireplace; and a fleece blanket blanket large enough to fit me and both my girls under. None of those things were very expensive (the most expensive was the DVD and it was less than $20). But what those gifts gave to me was a complete day of bonding with my daughters. We got up and made pancakes together, listen and singing all the well known Christmas songs on that CD. We spent midday with other family and came home and popped popcorn, made hot chocolate, popped the DVD into the player and snuggled under that fleece blanket together and watched our movie about how the best thing about Christmas, what really makes it special, is being with those you love and care about.
It is definitely one I will remember for the rest of my life - but more importantly, my daughters will likely as well.
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