I don't mean from the store.
You might have already thrown out the wrapping paper and the bags and the tissue that stuffed them. I haven't yet and I hope you haven't! If you had big gifts that were covered with wrapping paper, you can cut out the ragged and taped edges and save the best parts to wrap gifts in next year. Some papers can be ironed but others will melt. Some paper hardly wrinkles.
Wrap the salvaged paper around an empty tube or over an existing tube of paper.
Bags, of course you saved them, didn't you? Make sure to remove all tags. Most tags can be pulled or cut off.
Tissue paper! Why would you buy it again next year? Tissue paper can be ironed and used again and again. A steam iron works best, on a medium setting. If there are a few wrinkles left, they won't be noticeable when they're crinkled up in gift bag.
Lay them flat, then fold gently and store for next year. Why not?
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Quick and Frugal Stocking Stuffers
It's that time of year, when frugalistas everywhere start sorting through their odds and ends, looking for inspiration for stocking stuffers and other small gifts. That includes me, so one thing I sort through is my more or less random bookmarks.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas for quick hand made gifts that don't cost much if anything.
Chinese Wave Pouch is a purse pouch with style. It's handy to carry those multiple little things that are forever getting lost in your puse. It would be cool to give with lip balm or a keychain already in it
Teacup Bookmark If you know a reader, old or young, male or female, how about a teacup bookmark? It's quick and cute and if you're like me, it will give you ideas for a lot more bookmarks.
Coiled Magazine Page Dish with Lid is one of those things that looks much, much harder than it really is. It takes a little time, but that part is fun and you can create a one of a kind container fora gift or as a gift!
Here are a few of my favorite ideas for quick hand made gifts that don't cost much if anything.
Chinese Wave Pouch is a purse pouch with style. It's handy to carry those multiple little things that are forever getting lost in your puse. It would be cool to give with lip balm or a keychain already in it
Teacup Bookmark If you know a reader, old or young, male or female, how about a teacup bookmark? It's quick and cute and if you're like me, it will give you ideas for a lot more bookmarks.
Coiled Magazine Page Dish with Lid is one of those things that looks much, much harder than it really is. It takes a little time, but that part is fun and you can create a one of a kind container fora gift or as a gift!
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Beautiful and Frugal Holiday Decorating
Since the weather is changing, I have been thinking more about crafting for the upcoming holidays. It's always nice to have something new to decorate with and the most frugal way is to make decorations myself.
With that in mind, I went looking for inspiration, but I couldn't find much that didn't start with products I don't have and won't buy just for a few decorations. So... after spending a lot of time looking, I came up with a few ideas of my own.
The first is a table top Christmas tree. There are a lot of different trees you can make out of various materials. One of the most popular seems to be a styrofoam cone which you can decorate to look like a Christmas tree. You would need to buy special glue and, if you wanted to paint it, you'd have to buy special paint.
I have a better idea. How about a cone made from heavy paper? You can paint paper with the same paint you painted your walls. Decorate it with glued on buttons or jewelry or whatever you can find.
Wreath forms can be made from cardboard. Use a dinner plate as a template, draw around it, then draw a line inside that about 3 inches and cut it out. Fold a length of an old towel a few times and glue it on top of the circle for stuffing, then cover it with material and decorate.
See... I could make a blog post about these things individually, but this isn't a craft blog. It's a frugal blog, so when I think "craft" I think of the most frugal way to do them.
Paper, cardboard, old towels, saved buttons, broken jewelry and more can be put to good use to decorate beautifully without spending a penny other than some glue. Of course, you can add other things, but start frugally.
With that in mind, I went looking for inspiration, but I couldn't find much that didn't start with products I don't have and won't buy just for a few decorations. So... after spending a lot of time looking, I came up with a few ideas of my own.
The first is a table top Christmas tree. There are a lot of different trees you can make out of various materials. One of the most popular seems to be a styrofoam cone which you can decorate to look like a Christmas tree. You would need to buy special glue and, if you wanted to paint it, you'd have to buy special paint.
I have a better idea. How about a cone made from heavy paper? You can paint paper with the same paint you painted your walls. Decorate it with glued on buttons or jewelry or whatever you can find.
Wreath forms can be made from cardboard. Use a dinner plate as a template, draw around it, then draw a line inside that about 3 inches and cut it out. Fold a length of an old towel a few times and glue it on top of the circle for stuffing, then cover it with material and decorate.
See... I could make a blog post about these things individually, but this isn't a craft blog. It's a frugal blog, so when I think "craft" I think of the most frugal way to do them.
Paper, cardboard, old towels, saved buttons, broken jewelry and more can be put to good use to decorate beautifully without spending a penny other than some glue. Of course, you can add other things, but start frugally.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Are You Ready for Christmas?
I know. It's only July and no, you are not ready for Christmas! Well, maybe it sounds pretty good if you're having as hot a summer as we are, but we have a few weeks to go.. 17 weeks from the end of July.
Putting it that way doesn't make it sound so far away, does it? And as fast as time flies nowadays, it's really not.
I'm not trying to stress you! As a matter of fact, if you follow this advice, next Christmas could be the easiest one you've ever had.
Right now, while garage sales are going strong, is a good time to go looking for gifts. I don't mean to give "used gifts" but to look for collectibles, "almost antiques" and special items that those on your list would like.
If you know someone who collects penguins or angels or whatever, it's entirely possible that you could find a plate or necklace or statuette or something cool with that motif on it.
Does someone on your list love old music? Just look. One time I came across a stack of old piano sheet music. That was a real find!
Look for materials for hand made gifts, too. If you're a knitter or crocheter, yarn can sometimes be found for pennies on the dollar.
Make a list of people you will need to buy for, then brainstorm the list and add any special interests they have.
Then go garage saling and see what you can find! You could very well have your gift list well under way before school starts!
Putting it that way doesn't make it sound so far away, does it? And as fast as time flies nowadays, it's really not.
I'm not trying to stress you! As a matter of fact, if you follow this advice, next Christmas could be the easiest one you've ever had.
Right now, while garage sales are going strong, is a good time to go looking for gifts. I don't mean to give "used gifts" but to look for collectibles, "almost antiques" and special items that those on your list would like.
If you know someone who collects penguins or angels or whatever, it's entirely possible that you could find a plate or necklace or statuette or something cool with that motif on it.
Does someone on your list love old music? Just look. One time I came across a stack of old piano sheet music. That was a real find!
Look for materials for hand made gifts, too. If you're a knitter or crocheter, yarn can sometimes be found for pennies on the dollar.
Make a list of people you will need to buy for, then brainstorm the list and add any special interests they have.
Then go garage saling and see what you can find! You could very well have your gift list well under way before school starts!
Monday, December 21, 2015
Last Minute Gifts You Don't Have to Buy
Oops... you thought you had all your shopping done for the holidays? And then... well, you got a gift from someone you had forgotten about. Or a coworker suddenly decided you were worth a plate of homemade goodies. One of the kids got invited to a Christmas party that requires a gift. And there you are, turning your credit card over and over, contemplating yet one more shopping trip.
Don't.
There is time to create quick and frugal gifts even if it's the day before Christmas.
For kids:
Friday, December 11, 2015
Beware the Commercial Christmas Syndrome
While it might feel like (and actually be) panic time, it's the worst time possible on our pocketbooks for us to panic! When we feel stress, we spend more. We don't take
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Save NOW for Christmas Decorations
Nope, I'm not too far ahead of the season. If you want a wonderful and frugal Christmas, you have to start ahead of time, so here goes...
Things you can save to make ornaments and decorations for Christmas:
Old keys. Spray paint them gold, silver, red, green.... glue glitter all over them (or both) and insert a chain, ribbon or wire for hanging on the tree.
Card Stock. As in, greeting card backs and things like paperboard from tablet backs or cereal boxes. Cut shapes like stars, bells, angels, trees, gingerbread men, houses or wherever your imagine and preferences lead you. Spray paint and leave as is, or cover with salt, sugar, baking soda or glitter.
Aluminum soft drink cans. With a pair of tin shears or heavy duty scissors, you can cut shapes of any kind. Wear gloves and be careful because the edges are sharp. These are great for outdoor decorations.
Jewelry. If you have costume jewelry of any kind that you don't wear, use the parts to create one of a kind ornaments. A big roll of florist's wire is inexpensive and goes a very long way to thread old beads or fasten decorative pieces together.
Styrofoam. As in the kind that meat is packaged on. These are great to use as trays for small displays like tiny villages or skating scenes. Use a mirror, surround it with baking soda and create a scene with whatever you can find.
Pine cones, weed seed heads, dried grass. You will find many uses for these. Pine cones can be spray painted or used as-is, weed seed heads can substitute for trees or bushes in miniature displays and dried grass makes an awesome bed for baby Jesus (which could be a roll of white cloth with a wooden bead or something similar for a face).
No, it's not even close to Christmas, but it makes sense to think ahead and be ready to do it up right, frugal style!
Things you can save to make ornaments and decorations for Christmas:
Old keys. Spray paint them gold, silver, red, green.... glue glitter all over them (or both) and insert a chain, ribbon or wire for hanging on the tree.
Card Stock. As in, greeting card backs and things like paperboard from tablet backs or cereal boxes. Cut shapes like stars, bells, angels, trees, gingerbread men, houses or wherever your imagine and preferences lead you. Spray paint and leave as is, or cover with salt, sugar, baking soda or glitter.
Aluminum soft drink cans. With a pair of tin shears or heavy duty scissors, you can cut shapes of any kind. Wear gloves and be careful because the edges are sharp. These are great for outdoor decorations.
Jewelry. If you have costume jewelry of any kind that you don't wear, use the parts to create one of a kind ornaments. A big roll of florist's wire is inexpensive and goes a very long way to thread old beads or fasten decorative pieces together.
Styrofoam. As in the kind that meat is packaged on. These are great to use as trays for small displays like tiny villages or skating scenes. Use a mirror, surround it with baking soda and create a scene with whatever you can find.
Pine cones, weed seed heads, dried grass. You will find many uses for these. Pine cones can be spray painted or used as-is, weed seed heads can substitute for trees or bushes in miniature displays and dried grass makes an awesome bed for baby Jesus (which could be a roll of white cloth with a wooden bead or something similar for a face).
No, it's not even close to Christmas, but it makes sense to think ahead and be ready to do it up right, frugal style!
Friday, December 26, 2014
'Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house
Every creature was busy; yes, even that mouse.
The stockings were strung from the tree to the stair
As proof that Saint Nicholas had surely been there.
And Mom in the kitchen, amid pots and pans
Was muttering recipes for leftover ham.
The turkey was still in its foil covered tent
While pots full of turkey soup made hardly a dent.
Turkey sandwiches and soups and casserole, pies,
Turkey salad and quiches and pudding - oh, my!
Mom was getting just a bit carried away
So Dad stole her cookbook and she says to this day
That the day after Christmas was the best day of all
Because we went to eat out and she didn't cook at all!
Here's hoping the day after Christmas is a good one for you. If you like turkey pudding, let me know and I'll give you mine. And remember that beans on New Year's Day means a prosperous New Year, so don't forget that cooking at home is the most frugal and prosperous way. Unless, of course, you get carried away.
Happy New Year!
Every creature was busy; yes, even that mouse.
The stockings were strung from the tree to the stair
As proof that Saint Nicholas had surely been there.
And Mom in the kitchen, amid pots and pans
Was muttering recipes for leftover ham.
The turkey was still in its foil covered tent
While pots full of turkey soup made hardly a dent.
Turkey sandwiches and soups and casserole, pies,
Turkey salad and quiches and pudding - oh, my!
Mom was getting just a bit carried away
So Dad stole her cookbook and she says to this day
That the day after Christmas was the best day of all
Because we went to eat out and she didn't cook at all!
Here's hoping the day after Christmas is a good one for you. If you like turkey pudding, let me know and I'll give you mine. And remember that beans on New Year's Day means a prosperous New Year, so don't forget that cooking at home is the most frugal and prosperous way. Unless, of course, you get carried away.
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Plan Ahead for After Christmas Dinner
- Plan leftovers ahead of time and have containers ready for the freezer.
- Save all that delicious ham gravy or pan drippings to flavor bean or other dishes later on. (Freeze enough in different batches for a meal.)
- Save the turkey gravy to use in rice or vegetable dishes.
- Leftover black olives can be frozen. It never dawned on me to do this, until I realized frozen pizzas sometimes have black olives on them.
- Put away the wrapped candy canes and hard candy as soon as everyone gets tired of them. They will keep indefinitely (Until next year, anyway!)
- Ditto the nuts, shelled or not. They have a long life in the freezer.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Christmas Uses for Cardboard Boxes
If you shop online at all, you probably have quite a stash of cardboard boxes. Besides sending gifts to loved ones far away, they can be used to make some frugal and cool things.
Try your hand at a shadow box. You can put in an old fashioned scene, a "Nativity Scene," a mountain covered with snow or let your imagination roam. Use pictures from old Christmas cards, advertisements, catalogs or whatever strikes you as interesting.
You can use small boxes in lieu of Christmas stockings or baskets, filling them for specific individuals, or making more generic, frugal last minute gifts out of them. Cover them inside and out with wrapping paper or foil.
Fill a few with candy, cookies, notepads, etc., wrap and have them ready for those "Oh, no, I need another gift!" times. If you don't use them all, give them away to the postman, a retirement home or charity.
Try your hand at a shadow box. You can put in an old fashioned scene, a "Nativity Scene," a mountain covered with snow or let your imagination roam. Use pictures from old Christmas cards, advertisements, catalogs or whatever strikes you as interesting.
You can use small boxes in lieu of Christmas stockings or baskets, filling them for specific individuals, or making more generic, frugal last minute gifts out of them. Cover them inside and out with wrapping paper or foil.
Fill a few with candy, cookies, notepads, etc., wrap and have them ready for those "Oh, no, I need another gift!" times. If you don't use them all, give them away to the postman, a retirement home or charity.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Last Year's Christmas Cards
Did you save them? Do you have a use for them?How about using them for frugal but creative postcard greetings this year by cutting off the front and sizing it properly?
Or cut appropriate pieces from the fronts (and insides!) to use for gift tags.
Cut pictures from them to decorate your Christmas tree.
Or glue small cut outs from them around the bottom of a pillar candle.
Or make a frugal holiday collage from them.
Or glue them onto paper and cover with white glue mixed with water (half and half), and use them for throwaway Christmas table mats.
Or...
Thursday, December 26, 2013
After Christmas
Of course, I don't actually do it all, but I want to.
Today, I got the last of the dirty pots and pans washed, and peeled the scotch tape from the floor. I located a lost bowling pin and a stocking, among other things. Just things that needed to be done and all the while, my mind was on sorting through a box of used wrapping paper to see what could be salvaged and wondering if some of the ribbon could be ironed.
I need to check last year's tax forms to find the medical payments that I think the hospital is trying to bill me for again, the pile of mending on the sewing machine has my attention and I really want to upend the old red chair to see what's the problem with it.
My list grows and the New Year looms. I'm not sure what my New Year's resolution should be. Maybe to be more content?
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Frugal Gifts for Kids
Still need a few gifts for the kids? From stocking stuffers to "big" gifts, saving money while making the little ones happy is a challenge. Here are a few ideas to help:
If you have elastic thread, thread some pretty buttons or beads if you have them, for a necklace and/or bracelet for a little girl.
Boxes, boxes, boxes... all kids love boxes. To make them gift-worthy, cover them with cloth or paint. Be sure you start with something sturdy. If you can come up with some sizes that nest, so much the better. Make designs on them if you're crafty and put some homemade cookies in one.
Got wood blocks from a building project? They don't have to be painted or have numbers or letters on them for the kids to have fun with them. Do sand down the rough or splintered areas.
Art sets don't have to be fancy or from a store. Paper? How about that packing paper? Iron it and cut to size. You probably have a new pencil or two around. Pick up some dollar store crayons and plastic scissors and add a few stickers. Done.
More here:
Quick and Frugal Gifts for Kids
If you have elastic thread, thread some pretty buttons or beads if you have them, for a necklace and/or bracelet for a little girl.
Boxes, boxes, boxes... all kids love boxes. To make them gift-worthy, cover them with cloth or paint. Be sure you start with something sturdy. If you can come up with some sizes that nest, so much the better. Make designs on them if you're crafty and put some homemade cookies in one.
Got wood blocks from a building project? They don't have to be painted or have numbers or letters on them for the kids to have fun with them. Do sand down the rough or splintered areas.
Art sets don't have to be fancy or from a store. Paper? How about that packing paper? Iron it and cut to size. You probably have a new pencil or two around. Pick up some dollar store crayons and plastic scissors and add a few stickers. Done.
More here:
Quick and Frugal Gifts for Kids
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Almost a Half Dozen Pages to Help With a Frugal Christmas
Places to help you save money through the holiday season
39 Frugal Tips for Saving Money at Christmas
10 Tips to Save on Christmas Gifts
Frugal Christmas: Decorating
Have a Merry Frugal Christmas
Frugal Holiday Entertaining
39 Frugal Tips for Saving Money at Christmas
10 Tips to Save on Christmas Gifts
Frugal Christmas: Decorating
Have a Merry Frugal Christmas
Frugal Holiday Entertaining
Monday, September 23, 2013
Tightening the Grocery Budget
So I'm going to go on a fiscal diet and not spend more than $100 each month on groceries for the rest of the year. I will NOT include extras for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but I will try to hold it to a minimum. Also, I don't eat out very often, but if I should, that will be a part of the food budget.
Okay. Hold me to it. It starts this Wednesday, when I get paid and start my month over, for practicality's sake.
I have food in the house that I have avoided using. Don't we all do that? Things stuffed away in the freezer that I will use "sometime." That sometime is now, so I might have some strange meals. Then again, maybe not. I have canned food and dry food and a good variety, too.
I'll try to remember and report, although I may not be too specific about it (crunching numbers and listing prices doesn't sound like fun). I'll try to post at least the totals of my food expenditures and maybe a few interesting recipes!
Wish me luck.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Adult Christmas Stockings
How many of you fill Christmas stockings for your kids? Or get them from your parents? I thought so! Getting or giving a Christmas stocking filled with small gifts is a grand tradition, but it can get as expensive as larger gifts if we're not careful.
Keeping an eye open year 'round for inexpensive stocking stuffers is a good way to cut costs, but if you haven't done that? The next best things to do:
Keeping an eye open year 'round for inexpensive stocking stuffers is a good way to cut costs, but if you haven't done that? The next best things to do:
- Handmade bookmarks (crocheted, needlepoint, rubber stamped, cut from tissue boxes!)
- A small, hand made notepad. Cut blank pages and "stitch" with an old, empty needle on your sewing machine a half inch from the top to make perforated lines. Staple the pages together above the perforation.
- Small containers of home made bath salts
- Knitted or crocheted cotton wash cloth
- Handwritten poem or note
- Personal "Gift Certificate" good for whatever you can do - shovel snow, bake bread, watch the kids...
- Food! Home made is best, but packaged soup mixes or specialty pasta is good, too.
- One special cookie, wrapped and tied with a bow
- Print out stationary, recipe cards or grocery lists from the internet or your own design
- Samples of fragrances, soaps, lotions, etc.
- Special family recipe, hand written or typed.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Give yourself permission...
On and after Christmas Day, give yourself permission...
to not pick up the Christmas wrapping right away. It will wait until the coffee has been sipped, the gifts admired again, the comments and questions and laughter has been savored.
to take a nap on Christmas afternoon.
to do something just to please someone else whether you want to or not. Remember that it's a choice you can make.
to eat another serving of dessert. Christmas only comes once a year and you won't sabotage your diet by overeating just a little one time.
to buy that thing you really want if you didn't get it for Christmas.
to stop and watch the snow falling or the sun shining or the grass growing. What you have to do will still be there 10 minutes from now.
Above all, give yourself permission to remember and to think and to reflect on what Christmas means to you and what it offers to the whole world, whether the whole world celebrates it or not.
to not pick up the Christmas wrapping right away. It will wait until the coffee has been sipped, the gifts admired again, the comments and questions and laughter has been savored.
to take a nap on Christmas afternoon.
to do something just to please someone else whether you want to or not. Remember that it's a choice you can make.
to eat another serving of dessert. Christmas only comes once a year and you won't sabotage your diet by overeating just a little one time.
to buy that thing you really want if you didn't get it for Christmas.
to stop and watch the snow falling or the sun shining or the grass growing. What you have to do will still be there 10 minutes from now.
Above all, give yourself permission to remember and to think and to reflect on what Christmas means to you and what it offers to the whole world, whether the whole world celebrates it or not.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
10 Places to Find Free Holiday Craft and Gift Ideas
The holidays can make us forget that we are trying to be frugal. But the truth is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to see your loved ones smile. With some time and a few dollars, you can craft a homemade gift that will be just as nice--if not better--than anything you can buy from a store. Home made gifts are considered more thoughtful and are almost always more appreciated. The following sites will help you create a gift for everyone on your shopping list.
Disney Family Fun - This Disney site offers a wide range of last-minute gift and craft ideas for kids. Instructions are also available for homemade decorations, cards, ornaments, party supplies, recipes, and printables.
Martha Stewart - Martha Stewart's official site provides tons of craft and gift ideas for men, women, kids, babies, and pets. Other offerings include personalized gift ideas, bath and spa gifts, hostess gifts, and stocking stuffers.
Better Homes and Gardens - Better Homes and Gardens offers tons of holiday craft, gift, and recipe ideas. You can also get tips on tree decorating, card making, and more.
Family Crafts - This About.com site offers hundreds of homemade craft and gift ideas, crafting tips and tutorials, and creative recipes. Other site features include a regularly updated blog and discussion forum.
Kaboose Crafts - Kaboose Crafts provides a holiday craft gallery as well as a homemade card gallery. If you can’t find what you're looking for in the galleries, you can use the site's craft finder search engine.
The CRAFT Blog - You can find new gift ideas on CRAFT magazine's popular blog each day. Postings include pictures, videos, instructions, tips, and more.
Craftown - An online craft resource since 1999, Craftown features instructions and pictures of more than 1,000 crafts. Other site resources include a learning center, article library, forums, and a newsletter.
Dollar Store Crafts - This unique site focuses on crafts that can be made from dollar store purchases. Craft ideas are available in the $1, $5, and $10+ range.
CraftyPod - CraftyPod is both a blog and a podcast. Topics focus on craft-related tips and techniques. The site also provides videos and tutorials.
All Free Crafts - This no frills site offers more than 1,200 homemade craft, decoration, and gift ideas. Categories include holiday crafts, candle crafts, kids' crafts, jar gifts, and green crafts.
Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey typically writes on finance, insurance, and related topics for the Car Insurance Blog.
Disney Family Fun - This Disney site offers a wide range of last-minute gift and craft ideas for kids. Instructions are also available for homemade decorations, cards, ornaments, party supplies, recipes, and printables.
Martha Stewart - Martha Stewart's official site provides tons of craft and gift ideas for men, women, kids, babies, and pets. Other offerings include personalized gift ideas, bath and spa gifts, hostess gifts, and stocking stuffers.
Better Homes and Gardens - Better Homes and Gardens offers tons of holiday craft, gift, and recipe ideas. You can also get tips on tree decorating, card making, and more.
Family Crafts - This About.com site offers hundreds of homemade craft and gift ideas, crafting tips and tutorials, and creative recipes. Other site features include a regularly updated blog and discussion forum.
Kaboose Crafts - Kaboose Crafts provides a holiday craft gallery as well as a homemade card gallery. If you can’t find what you're looking for in the galleries, you can use the site's craft finder search engine.
The CRAFT Blog - You can find new gift ideas on CRAFT magazine's popular blog each day. Postings include pictures, videos, instructions, tips, and more.
Craftown - An online craft resource since 1999, Craftown features instructions and pictures of more than 1,000 crafts. Other site resources include a learning center, article library, forums, and a newsletter.
Dollar Store Crafts - This unique site focuses on crafts that can be made from dollar store purchases. Craft ideas are available in the $1, $5, and $10+ range.
CraftyPod - CraftyPod is both a blog and a podcast. Topics focus on craft-related tips and techniques. The site also provides videos and tutorials.
All Free Crafts - This no frills site offers more than 1,200 homemade craft, decoration, and gift ideas. Categories include holiday crafts, candle crafts, kids' crafts, jar gifts, and green crafts.
Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey typically writes on finance, insurance, and related topics for the Car Insurance Blog.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Christmas in July
Do you realize that from the first week in July it's only 24 weeks until Christmas? Did that startle you? It did me!
I know some of you start the day after Christmas and are already stocked up on gifts and decorations. Some of you might even be done with it, but for those of us who aren't, July is the time to start!
Christmas can be the hardest time of all for a frugal pocketbook, since most of us want to make the holiday a happy and fulfilling one, but with the stores and newspapers and magazines filled with goodies and tempting displays of gifts, it's hard for even the most experienced tightwad shopper to keep from overdoing the budget.
If you start now, there's still plenty of time to look, sort and sift, until you find that perfect and gorgeous gift. Unique, better-than-new presents and decorations are out there just waiting for you, and they're not at the mall, and you don't have to wait until Christmas to find them!
Garage sales are the number one place to look this time of the year for that elusive super holiday bargain, but second-hand stores and special sales all count. Real antiques do hide in the dusty corners of garage sale boxes and classic (and classy) items are still found in thrift stores or second-hand shops.
Some things to look for: True vintage clothing, a special hand tool, an original recording of a favorite musician, depression glass, an antique - looking ornate photo frame (put your own photo in it), costume jewelry with a special theme, or anything that will conjure up fond memories for the giftee.
Don't forget about gifts you can make from your finds. Interesting jars, bowls, or glasses, filled with dried soup mixes, special baking mixes, potpourri, bath salts, or teas (herbal or otherwise) can make a very special gift.
If you do crafts or needlework, the possibilities are nearly endless. Knitted crocheted and sewn are probably the most commonly given hand made gifts, but if you don't do those, don't let that stop you. Whatever you can do, put it to good use.
When you have the time to think and be picky about what you find or make instead of feeling under pressure to just get it done, shopping for gifts and decorations and getting ready for Christmas really can be as much fun as it should be.
(They're talking about this very thing in the Dollar Stretcher Community forums: Christmas Club.)
I know some of you start the day after Christmas and are already stocked up on gifts and decorations. Some of you might even be done with it, but for those of us who aren't, July is the time to start!
Christmas can be the hardest time of all for a frugal pocketbook, since most of us want to make the holiday a happy and fulfilling one, but with the stores and newspapers and magazines filled with goodies and tempting displays of gifts, it's hard for even the most experienced tightwad shopper to keep from overdoing the budget.
If you start now, there's still plenty of time to look, sort and sift, until you find that perfect and gorgeous gift. Unique, better-than-new presents and decorations are out there just waiting for you, and they're not at the mall, and you don't have to wait until Christmas to find them!
Garage sales are the number one place to look this time of the year for that elusive super holiday bargain, but second-hand stores and special sales all count. Real antiques do hide in the dusty corners of garage sale boxes and classic (and classy) items are still found in thrift stores or second-hand shops.
Some things to look for: True vintage clothing, a special hand tool, an original recording of a favorite musician, depression glass, an antique - looking ornate photo frame (put your own photo in it), costume jewelry with a special theme, or anything that will conjure up fond memories for the giftee.
Don't forget about gifts you can make from your finds. Interesting jars, bowls, or glasses, filled with dried soup mixes, special baking mixes, potpourri, bath salts, or teas (herbal or otherwise) can make a very special gift.
If you do crafts or needlework, the possibilities are nearly endless. Knitted crocheted and sewn are probably the most commonly given hand made gifts, but if you don't do those, don't let that stop you. Whatever you can do, put it to good use.
When you have the time to think and be picky about what you find or make instead of feeling under pressure to just get it done, shopping for gifts and decorations and getting ready for Christmas really can be as much fun as it should be.
(They're talking about this very thing in the Dollar Stretcher Community forums: Christmas Club.)
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