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
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!
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas! Those are all great gifts. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi! I just found your blog.
ReplyDeleteThose are some great idea. We are going to try to not over do the gift thing this year also.