02 November 2009

Right around the Corner...


You know what I'm talking about. It's on everyone's minds.... 
Christmas
Some people don't think that we should talk about this before the Thanksgiving holidays...
I say - DO!!! 
It is creeping up on us! And, I know our wallets are a little lighter these days. Especially, after a vacation back to NY for 20 days...
We have been watching what we spend for a while now and there will be no exception for the holidays. Which includes our 2 year anniversary ( on Dec. 2nd).
So - I've been searching for low cost and budget friendly gifts for this season of giving. 
And a fellow Military Spouse and Mom-To-Three recently posted on Facebook a great idea. 
Here it is : 


"Just an idea for those who are tight on money this Holiday Season. 

For our children we only buy 4 gifts for them each: 

Something they want, something they need, something they wear and something they read. 

And then usually Santa will bring something extra- and usually a family gift too. 

Saves on $$ and keeps the "That child has more presents than the other one" comment away"



Isn't that a fantastic idea?? 
On top of this great idea (that I'm seriously considering implementing) - the Hubby and I have decided to keep our gifts to each other under $50 - total. No excuses. No exceptions. $50. 
Keeping all these money savers in mind, here are a few ideas to get your mind in gift giving mode. 


Have a coffee lover in your family?? 
Buy a Starbucks 'Create-Your-Own-Tumbler' and add a personal touch! 
I got one for a gift before my friend left Japan. Love it. Use it everyday. Very, very thoughtful gift! 
She included some of the things we have seen and done in Japan. 
[I think it is somewhere between $12-15 for the mug]






Do you have a fellow student you want to perk up with a  Christmas surprise? 
Buy some 50 cent notebooks and $3 worth of scrapbook paper and stickers (Maybe you already have some?) Oh don't forget some pretty ribbon to wrap them up together! 
[These are notebooks I made my Japanese Students!]
{it's a little dark, sorry}




Have a crossword lover for a neighbor? 
Barnes and Noble has this New York Times edition for under $13. 
But, I know that you can get books like this at Walmart and Dollar stores. Maybe   print them off the internet to make your own Crossword book. 
[[Wrap it with some newspaper and cute ribbon!!]] 






I came across these cuties not to long ago at mixitandstixit.com. 
They come in magnets or stickers. $4-5! A-Ma-Zing! 
Great for refrigerators, lockers, journals, scrapbooks.... 
[OR: grab your camera, go around town, and create a one-of-a-kind gift!] 




Maybe your sister is a purse lover? 
Etsy.com is LOADED with great purses... So I know it is hard to choose. 
I found this one by Charmdesign - On sale for $20 (Shipping $3)! OR: take a chance with the sewing machine you never use. I love the pillowcase purse! Easy is an understatement. Martha has the instructions for you here. 






So, happy shopping! And you lucky ducks living in the US - 
Puhh-retty please take advantage of all the sales!! 
Search for deals! And remember..  - it really is the thought that counts and not the price tag!
-K 

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for the gift-giving ideas...seeing we are planning our wedding this year..we are definitly going for a little thriftiness this year with our presents...your ideas were very creative!

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  2. I love Christmas! Those are all great gifts. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Hi! I just found your blog.

    Those are some great idea. We are going to try to not over do the gift thing this year also.

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