Give Thanks, Save Money: Win $500 Walmart Gift Card

The best thing that I do to save money during the holidays is to limit gift-giving. With my siblings, our gift to each other is that we don’t get each other gifts – simply gifts for the kids that fall under a set price range.

Kimberly/Mom in the City’s last blog post..Q&A About Boys (Part IV): Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D.

It’s always hard to save money around the holidays. I try to do a lot of my shopping online. To save time and money, I have my family give me a list of gifts that they want along with links where I can purchase them online. That way I use less gas and can save time by shopping online. I also try to shop online at places that will give me a discount on shipping, free shipping, or one low rate for shipping several gifts.

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I tweeted your giveaway… @LissaJoy

Melissa’s last blog post..Fabulous Giveaway!!!

This year we’re doing a “hand-me-down” Christmas with all the little kids in our extended family. Everyone has more toys and books than they need and can easily find things to give to their cousins right out of their rooms. The little ones don’t even know the difference, and the bigger ones are excited about it!

catnip’s last blog post..mmmm, pie

I just tweeted about it! I really hope I win! Thanks so much!

Carrington’s last blog post..Seal’s NEW CD SOUL (And a giveaway!)

Hi
I am making list and going to stick to it. I am not going to do a bunch of impluse buying while shopping. Thanks for the giveaway.

Tim’s last blog post..Our new Neads puppy!

My new money saving idea is to get family pictures made, printed and framed to give to all of the grand parents and anunt’s and uncle’s for christmas instead of stressing yourself out trying to buy something individual for each person. Saves money and it’s something they will love to have!

I am an amazon associate (their affiliate program) and get a certificate at the end of each month for sales from two months prior. I saved the cert from Oct and Nov to be used for my son’s holiday gifts. I do several orders to space out their arrivals so it is easier to hide boxes and I get the free shipping when spending over $25.00. This year I won a $50 amazon cert on twitter in a contest and got a $25 cert from my capital one rewards cards.

Bonnie Sayers’s last blog post..Holiday Dinners GFCF Style

My best money saving tip for the holidays is to shop around before buying anything, and make sure you have the lowest price. Also, ask if there are any other discounts available, such as AAA discount if you have it. You may be surprised at the even lower price you end up with!

Storm’s last blog post..Friday’s Featured Etsy: MaruMaru

I post a blog about your giveaway.

Here are a few of my tips!I use the funny papers as gift wrap and you can decorate brown lunch sacks too.We save on power by only using our Christmas lights for one hour at night.Also, we are only doing stockings and finger food this year.Money is as tight as it can be this year.The tree will be pretty bare but our hearts will be full,We are getting a present for each kid so it won’t be so bad.

To save money our family draws names and we each make a HOMEMADE GIFT for that person. Its like a secret santa but it is HOMEMADE. We have so much fun trying to figure out who made what and each year gets better. Vey enjoyable and we kno include the kids:)-HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

We:
Make homemade, tie-dyed wrapping paper
Give gift in a jar mixes
Make up boxes of “samples” I’ve gotten throughout the year
coupons for babysitting, housecleaning, etc…

Hey Arianne ~

Just like so many others, our expenses are going UP and since my husband hasn’t rec’d a raise in two years, we’re kinda sorta going backwards (are you as thankful as me that gas prices have dropped like a hot potato??!). We’ve never been extravagant at Christmas, trying to avoid the excessive consumerism…this year, even more so.

One of my favorite gifts I gave was last year, when I gave every family in our extended family a Thankful Box (& poem that explained it). Evey box was unique, and I bought them when they were 50% off at Hobby Lobby . Here’s a link to what I’m talking about; remarkably, people google “Thankful Box” year ’round and land at PENSIEVE .

http://pensieve.typepad.com/pensieve/2007/11/fun-monday-holi.html

Thanks for the opportunity to win; IF I was so lucky…I’d use a small portion for us and have FUN sharing it with those who are in great need…:)

Just tweeted it, too .

http://twitter.com/PensieveRobin/status/1029394033

My holiday money saving tip is to shop with a friend and buy in bulk. Take advantage of multi-packs and coupons and split the costs for big savings!

I also Twittered your giveaway!

http://twitter.com/CorrinRenee/status/1029406576

Our family struggles with money, so we do a couple things to prepare for Christmas. Only the kids get gifts. We begin saving and sometimes buying presents as early as April or May to reduce the sticker shock of November/December. Also, with our friends, we do white elephant gift exchanges and use games at our party. Makes it fun and reduces the ‘used item’ stigma. We’ve had some spirited trading when one person’s junk becomes someone else’s treasure.

I also tweeted this (http://twitter.com/patrickd88/status/1029415232), so please count me for two entries.

Patrick D.’s last blog post..Everything Old Is New Again?

My best money saving tip is to make lists so I know what I am buying. Plus, our kids only get three gifts each. Simplifying helps me to save money.

Don’t load your house up with lights. Those little bulbs cost a ton of money to run! Use LED lights.
Don’t buy real trees, buy a fake tree. Save a tree and have something you can use year after year, and save money.
If you don’t have it, don’t spend it. Stay out of the credit cards.
Shop online versus driving around to stores. Saves you gas, and you get better deals.
Shop CraigsList instead of eBay. You may find a deal in your neighborhood for a lot cheaper!
Do you really need a 30lb turkey? Nope.
Limit visiting travel… You can mail your packages.
Let your kids make decorations versus going out and buying new decorations.

Start your shopping early. Start by making a list of everyone you need to buy for and your spending limit. Then shop online for deals using coupon codes for discounts and free shipping or take advantage of some stores having free site-to-store shipping. Always make sure to stick to your budget. Homemage gifts work well too and are less expensive.

I tweeted the contest, too:

http://twitter.com/mommystory/status/1029625632

Christina’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: Black Friday Revisited

Use coupons and buy on sale!

Kathy’s last blog post..The Flavor Bible Winners!

We are always trying to save when ever we can. one thing I do every year is plan Christmas Dinner in advance. We have the same people over every year, who bring the same things so that part isn’t part of my menu. every week when I do my regular shopping list while looking at the sales ads I look for things that are on the menu for Christmas dinner. then get the stuff while it is on sale. It is usually only about 5 more on the shopping bill for the week but it saves from having the larger bill a few days before Christmas.

I also barter Baking with friends. I make home made candy, a few make yummy cookies, a couple make different pies, So we have kinda like a cookie exchange but with our sweet treats on the 23rd so we all have something homemade for our family dinners. saves from having to buy or try sometimes unsuccessfully making them ourselves.

LED lights, reusable wrapping paper, do your baking in “off-peak” electrical hours!

I reuse the kid’s artwork as wrapping paper, it costs nothing and it is special to the family. Sometimes I will even buy a roll of cheap brown packaging paper & put all the kids handprints on it!

Tuesday’s last blog post..Happy Thanksgiving * Now With More Giveaways!

My tip: I bought every sibling the same thing this year — the cozy nap blanket from Brookstone — they come in great colors and are so comfy (because, of course, I have one for myself too!) AND, they were buy one, get one 1/2 price. So I saved myself a TON of aggravation trying to shop for gifts they would all hate (WHO DOESN”T LOVE A COZY BLANKIE TO SNUGGLE INTO?), I only had to go to ONE store, and I saved a BUNCH of money. Got two for the parents as well. Six gifts, NO AGGRAVATION!

Stephanie Elliot aka Manic Mommy’s last blog post..THANKFUL …

Save time and money, forget the wrapping paper!!!
Wrap A present in a present (for example, a hat in a matching scarf, jewelry in a wooden box, cookies in a reusable tin or cookie jar, barbecue grill utensils or picnic supplies in a tablecloth, kitchen gifts in towels or all-purpose cloths). You can use anything to tie it, or just wrap it like a baby swaddled and sew a little stitch & bow!!!
BE CRAFTY!!!
mamamy26@gmail.com

I have always been as frugal as possible even when it was easier. but for my son to go shopping for me and his grandma I give him 40.00. but 5.00 of that he has to give to the charity of his choice in all of our names. he learns that giving is most important at this time of year. this year he chose to help abandoned and neglected animals and he asked us if he could do 15.00 of course we agreed and were happy to see him find a need to fill his heart.

we also make our own gift tags out of old cards we got from last year and cut them up, we always personalize them with lots of love.
also we use the handled brown paper bags some grocers have and we paint or stamp them and use them for gift bags.

A great money saving tip for the holidays is the gratitude box that I learned about on Oprah. My kids want to buy each other gifts, Mom, Dad, Aunts and Uncles. Why not do a family project and make a gratitude box and write nice things about each other instead of spending money on gifts. These thoughtful gifts can go a lot further and can mean a lot more then that gift that just happened to fit in your budgt. you can write a card about a special memory that you shared, a memory that makes you laugh, why you love that person, what you are thankful for, etc.

dwhitaker 4 at wi dot rr dot com

Diane’s last blog post..CVS Deals Week of 11/30

My tip is to buy something practical and to have a budget per person. This year I am giving the adults an “Internet Password Organizer” and the kids are getting DVD’s. This way, the adults can have something that they will use all year long and the kids can enjoy a movie over and over.

I purchased most DVD’s on sale at Walmart. It’s a great store to shop at when you are looking for the best prices.

Thanks for the opportunity to win such a wonderful gift to my favorite store!

For my family, the first rule of holiday giving is to not incur debt that will be regretted later for a celebration ”now” – Seems counter-intuitive, right? No credit cards, period, for Christmas (or other gift giving occasions).

Also, as so many others have mentioned, we limit gift exchanges to the kids. Of course, my parents almost never stick to this rule but even they understand that we don’t want gifts ”for the sake of it” so if they insist, we insist on practical, useful things. Even in this economy, we all tend to ’spoil ourselves’ more than enough throughout the year with purchases we want rather than need so getting pans or coupons for laundry detergent aren’t a let down, at all.

hi all
we do a couple of things to save money, more so this year than any before. We have told our kids, ages 10 and 15, that they must think of the top 3 things they would want for Christmas. My plan is to buy what I can out of those 3 things and give money on a gift card to be spent when we make our annual family shopping outing the day after christmas. that way, less stress for me shopping and more fun for them the day after christmas. Secondly, i have eliminated gift giving and receiving from several friends and family members this year, opting instead for a nice relaxing lunch with friends to be scheduled in january. I have requested the ladies in my office who would normally buy a gift for me (I’m their supervisor) to not do that this year. if they want to do something, give the money they would normally spend to a charity this year. with the economy the way it is, charity giving is really down. they were greatly relieved and i was too because i buy for each of them every year spending around $150 a year just on the girls in the office.

Rather than purchasing gifts, give certificates to do something for the recipient. You spend no money, only your time. What are you good at? Babysitting, cooking, carwashing, lawncare, etc. The possiblilities are endless.

Debbie Lynne’s last blog post..Get $5.00 coupon via email from Kohls

I like to purchase photo gifts for grandparents and other relatives. If you start early, you can find GREAT deals and start stocking up. For example, surf the net for various photo sites and their specials. I ordered the free photo book/Oprah deal for a total of $7 shipping and I have no doubt my mother-in-law will cry when she opens a book about her grandson. I went to Vista Print and found a free photo calendar shipping for my mom. These make perfect gifts and you can find them for less than what you would pay for a bottle of perfume that won’t be used!! You just have to be willing to surf around and look for the deals. Some places to start include snapfish.com, vistaprint.com, kodakgallery.com, picaboo.com, shutterfly.com, walmart.com, walgreens.com, cvs.com…and there are lots more if you google “photo book” or “photo gifts”. You just have to look for the promotions. Happy gifting!

Jamie
jamieandandre@bellsouth.net

Great giveaway!

For the holidays I start making a list early on, like two or more months ahead. I try to put as many home-made gifts on the list as possible (which I find to be both cheaper and more meaningful). This gives me plenty of time to make/knit/put-together the gifts.

For things that aren’t homemade, I watch the ads for discounts and coupons to acquire said item as cheaply as possible. If it’s a special item that the person can only use one of (because who really NEEDS more than one bread machine), I’ll talk to others about it to try and minimize chances of overlap.

I also have a rule of no impulse buying (unless it’s like a $2 stocking stuffer that’s just perfect), because that always gets really expensive. I always end up spending the most money when I just go shopping looking for something to give someone.

We shop year-round for Christmas gifts. This helps us grab things on clearance or sale, and we can put them away until Christmas. This year we’re giving my father-in-law a wooden birdhouse…we bought the birdhouse on clearance for $0.19!! over the summer…then we bought a few tubes of craft paint for a dollar or two. Super cheap, yet homemade and a great gift! I also am giving my Grama a huge wreath, with potted artificial herbs all around it. I got that on clearance over the summer for less than $5 too!
give_me_a_latte at yahoo

We consider strengths when requesting or giving gifts. For instance, we request keepsake quilts or other sewn gifts from my mom, who is an excellent seamstress and wooden gifts fom my father, who is a woodworker.

Do you have a family member who is crafty- take a quick picture of that item you just loved at the craft fair and ask them if they can make it. A friend who raves about your cinnamon rolls- make up a gift basket with the ingredients premeasured, include a card with the recipe and an offer to stop by someday to give her lessons!

We still give commercially bought gifts, but we make an effort to have at least a few homemade gifts under the tree each year. They stretch our Christmas budget, and nothing says I love you like a gift that someone took the time to make especially for you!

Rebecca’s last blog post..The $1 Give

We’re all facing leaner Chrismases this year, but we’re trying to teach our kids and remind ourselves to be thankful for what we’ve got. Rather than buy presents for my brothers and sisters, instead each one of us is getting a small gift of $20 or less for a family at a local shelter. On Christmas day our whole family, kids included are going to the shelter to give out the gifts. It not only fills our time with a bonding activity, it helps instill thankfulness in our kids and truly helps another family who has been left with very little. Happy Holidays!

My holiday saving tip would be Secret Santa. We do Secret Santa every year so outside of just our children, we only buy for one other person. Along with Secret Santa, each person gives a list of three things that want or need that is under $25.00 your only expected to buy one thing. We also shop the sales as well as start earlier in the year so were not in such a rush to buy at the end of the year where prices are usually high.

I twittered the whole affair!
http://twitter.com/imabrat

Thanks again!

mannequin’s last blog post..Holland Bowl Review and Giveaway

During the holidays, I like to dye newspaper and use it as wrapping paper. It looks really awesome and vintage. All of my relatives love it.

One thing my husbands family used to do is make something instead of buying a gift. We would all draw names around Thanksgiving time. Whoever’s name you drew, you had to make something, do something nice, write a poem, etc. for that person. There was little to no cost involved.
Laura

I try to make simple but meaningful gifts for family members. Last year I made a calender for my grandparents. They loved getting to see a new pic each month of their great-grandson. One year my husband made a board game for his sisters family. It was a “copy” of a really old game that isn’t sold anymore but oh so fun to play.

abby’s last blog post..mixed emotions

I’ve really had to rein myself in this year. It isn’t worth it to go into debt just to buy people things that they don’t really need..and sometimes don’t really want. I have decided this year to place an emphasis on quality vs. quantity. I will buy a couple of things that my family members really want or would enjoy and forget about the fillers or impulse buys. That way I feel good about what I’m giving, and I actually spend less money..all those under five dollar items really add up! Plus, you can skip the PTSS..post traumatic shopping syndrome! Merry Christmas!

Angela’s last blog post..Just a reminder

In addition to the comment above, I posted about this giveaway on my blog at

http://graceinthehome.blogspot.com/2008/11/wanna-win-500-wal-mart-gift-card.html

I really try to limit my gift giving to a certain amount per person – and shop year round – you never know when you will see that perfect gift for Aunt Jo.

The best way I’ve learned to save money during the holidays is to make a list and budget beforehand. Make the list of EVERYONE you plan to buy for (people that don’t make my list when I make it, just have to wait till next year) and then write how much you’d like to spend on each person next to their names. Once you’ve figured out the right amounts to be able to work it in to your budget, STICK TO IT! And don’t just shop at the regular department stores (sorry, Walmart! I still love you!)…find discount stores/outlets (my fave is Half Price Books). You’d be surprised at some of the great things you can find within your price range. Think outside the box.

Also, when budgeting for the holidays, always be sure to work in food, decorations and gift wrap, etc. Those things always used to jump up and surprise me. Now it’s in the budget.

Alli’s last blog post..Free chocolate? I’m there.

Make a list and finish shopping early. The last minute gifts seem to be the ones that get out of hand! (when you get desperate!)

Making handmade coupons/certificates that are good for something meaningful to the recipient – i.e., Good for washing the dishes (oh how I would love to get THAT coupon! Hee.) or Good for a hug. I think they’re especially great to make and give as gifts because they take the focus off the commercial aspect and focus on love and service to others.

Christina’s last blog post..The monkeyboy has come down with a lovely case of creeping crud. Every time he sneezes he glazes his…

I make a giant batch of peppermint marshmallows (easily googled for recipe) to go along with my extra rich cocoa recipe for teachers, friends, bus drivers, neighbors, etc. People don’t need another thing to collect dust, and who doesn’t love chocolate? The marshmallows are the “WOW” factor and are really, really easy to do.

In addition to that, I write notes thanking the people that make a difference to my family. As a former teacher, those notes are kept and cherished…the coffee mugs, not-so-much.

Making Jar gifts, such as making brownies in a jar, cookies in a jar, soup in a jar where you mix dry ingriedients and attach the recipe to the jar. You can be as creative as you would like, and put together your very own gourmet basket!

shannon’s last blog post..Coupons Found in Todays Paper!

http://couponprincessgoesblogging.blogspot.com/

Posted Contest in November 30 blog post!

shannon’s last blog post..Coupons Found in Todays Paper!

I just posted your giveaway on my blog!

Tater Mama’s last blog post..It’s a Love/Hate Relationship

We’ve started trading names for presents for all adults in our family. That way, we’re buying only one present instead of too many. We are just trying to enjoy each other’s company without all the focus on the presents. I’m also rethinking every present that I buy my sons. Often, I realize they may not even want some of the things on my list. I just think they do.

We also make cookies for friends – but mainly I just don’t stress out! If it gets done before Christmas – great! If not, then they are New Year Cookies!

Kelley’s last blog post..Home Again

Ways to save at Christmastime? Are you kidding? I’m probably the worst one to give advice. But here goes. . .make a list, check it twice (or more), and don’t keep buying just because you’ve finished your shopping early!!

Stay home, if possible, and wrap small, inexpensive gifts elegantly.

Look for sales and shop with coupons! The savings are amazing when you combine sales & coupons!

I twittered or tweeted about ya!

http://twitter.com/watupg/status/1031669582

Greta’s last blog post..9

There are a few ways I try to save a little money this time of year.

First, I try to shop throughout the year, when I see something on sale.

Second, I make several gifts. My nieces and nephews are all getting hand-painted wall art for their rooms. So are my brother’s in-laws, who we always exchange with. I’ll probably make a painted piece of art for my husband’s brother and wife, too.

Third, whenever I’ve won a prize on someone’s blog, I ask myself if I really need it or would it make a good gift. This has led me to give away quite a few things that I wanted for myself, but don’t really need. It’s hard!

Lastly, I have really had to think about what I want to give my children, instead of mindlessly buying everything I always wanted when I was their age. They have so much already, and have four Christmas gift-opening sessions, that anything from us is just more stuff.

Tracye’s last blog post..You won’t believe this, but…

Last year, we found ourselves in the second month of no job: four children and so much to pay for, so many to buy for and yet we had no idea how far our limited resources would take us.

So to save money and still give wonderful gifts, we found that creativity was the key. We thought of the people in on an individual basis and gave them gifts that they cared about. For one brother in law, who loves to shoot, my husband reloaded some bullets for him. For a dear friend who loves to craft, I put together a basket of new and little used craft supplies. For a friend that loved to read, I gave her a once read book…the same for a friend, who loves music. I had a favorite CD that I wanted to share with her.

It was a hard time, but with a little creativity and putting away pride, we gave gifts with care from our hearts.

PS My husband loves his new job and has now been there for over eight months! Praise the LORD!

Holly @ Crownlaiddown’s last blog post..Home

My best money-saving advice is this: Make a list AND STICK TO IT!!! Go through the sale circulars and plan out in advance where you are going to buy which things, and record what the advertised lowest price is. If they do not have it in stock, ask for a raincheck. Also, remember that Wal-Mart will match competitor’s prices, so why not save gas and just do all your shopping there?

Betsy K’s last blog post..Happy Thanksgiving, Y’all!

What a neat opportunity to bless someone this Christmas! My biggest tip is to remember that most kids don’t have any idea what something costs and they aren’t going to be adding up how much money you spent on them vs. big sister or little brother. So get them something they will really enjoy and don’t worry about making everything “even.” I know my 3 year old would be just as thrilled with a $10 baby doll as she would a $50 doll and probably even more thrilled with a box of art supplies that I got on sale after back to school time. And my second tip is that kids get overwhelmed by too many things to open Christmas morning. Don’t get carried away with buying too much. They’re really ok with about 3 things.

Samantha’s last blog post..Giving Thanks

Don’t leave the house hungry and know what’s for dinner. We can bargain hunt for all the best deals, but then blow all our savings and more on one meal in the food court.

Kristy’s last blog post..Sniff

One word: COOKIES!

I buy wrapping paper at the end of the year each year and save it until the next Christmas. Last year, I scored big, rolls that were extra wide at Target for 80% off – or something like that.

We also try to make as many gifts as possible. And breaking up a “gift set” of multiple similar items to make several smaller gifts is a trick I’ve used for years.

Keri (Auburn Gal Always)’s last blog post..Getting My Merry On

Easy- pay in cash. Dave Ramsey’s class is great- pay in cash now, so you a) don’t pay more later in interest, and b) you can afford more later. I know it’s hard, but hands down worth the work.

Olive’s last blog post..did it again

WOW. This would be such a HUGE blessing to our family right now!! Thanks for the chance to win.

My best tip from the past few years is to start your Christmas shopping (for the next year) with the after-Christmas sales. I’ve been doing this for a few years now and it’s awesome. I love to hit places like Hobby Lobby and buy great craft items that I can make for gifts the next year. So, it’s something fun and personal because you made it, and you got the whole kit at something like 75% – 90% off!! Can’t beat it!

Lora’s last blog post..A Holiday Tradition

Hey!!

I’m very specific about Christmas gifts and don’t do a whole lot of browsing in-store. This year after I had my list, I went to the shopping sites such as http://www.bizrate.com or http://www.shopzilla.com and entered in the exact product info that I was looking for and through those was able to purchase the item at the lowest price on the web.

Also check ebay first…I found several things well over half-off retail (new) on ebay.

Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt’s last blog post..I did it!!

I decided to really cut back the spending this year. My son has way too many toys that he doesn’t play with anyway. On my mom’s side of the family, instead of buying gifts for everyone, we all made a donation to a children’s charity. Only the kids get gifts.

We decided when our children were very young that we wanted Christmas to be completely about Jesus and His Birthday. So our Christmas celebration is not about Santa Claus and it isn’t about presents, but it is a birthday party for Jesus. Since Jesus got 3 gifts, our children get 3 gifts as well. By doing this, we are able to really cut down on spending and the kids have realistic expectations about what they are going to get. I also find that by limiting the number of gifts, the holiday season is so much more relaxed and enjoyable. It frees us up to spend time together and to make special memories together which is what kids really want for Christmas anyway.

My best money saving tip? Be creative! If you’re crafty, use that to your advantage. If you’re a good cook? Do that! Don’t just think that the mall is the only place to go. Sometimes, you don’t need to go any further than your kitchen table! For the elderly people I sit with, who all say ‘Don’t get me anything for Christmas, honey!’ I plan on making homemade soup kits with lots of veggies, so not only are they getting something made with love, but it’s nutritious too!

My money saving tip this year was to get together with all my “mommy friends” and their kids for a playdate instead of getting together to exchange gifts. Really, the kids don’t need more stuff and us mommies just enjoy spending time together!

I went to a pottery store and in their “seconds” room bought several pie dishes that were “flawed.” Most had a bubble or a tiny chip, nothing too bad, and at times added to the character of the dish. Baking yummy pies and wrapping up with a bow….perfect gift- something yummy and fattening AND useful in the future.

Cindy-Still His Girl’s last blog post..‘Tis the Season

i make my own christmas cards. i take our family picture then add stuff too it like text and a border on photoshop. then i print them at the cheapest online photo print shop and mail them out.

What a great and awesome giveaway!

I have found that doing a photo calendar for the grandparents has been a great way to save some money. A lot of times photo services like Shutterfly and Snapfish will offer discounts if you do more than one. I also buy wrapping paper and other seasonal things after Christmas.

I have blogged about this at
http://www.twiaa.blogspot.com

Rebecca’s last blog post..For the Record – Food Network has become my new BFF

I buy very few Christmas presents; but I do like to give little gifts, especially around the holidays. I bake cookies and gift-wrap them on hand-painted plates, I make truffles and fill coffee mugs with them, etc. For a store bought treat I love to buy the bath gift sets at the bargain stores (I just bought two at Big Lots). I open the boxes and divide the contents into individual gifts, packaged in cute little gift bags with leftover Easter grass.

Sarah Valente (kingdom twindom)’s last blog post..Are You Gonna Need Another Seat?

Starting last year I give only gifts that are needed or wanted. No grabbing something useless just to fill the stocking. I tend to do all my shopping in one trip. Making a list really helps. Also last year I gave to every Santa bucket in town and some homeless people – anyone I saw that needed something. It was my gift to myself. And so I cut down on the gifts to all the family to spread it around. They didn’t mind and I told them all what I was doing. I have 5 grandchildren so it was hard, but they have plenty. I felt like my money went further and Christmas was a lot more meaningful to me. That was my most fulfilling Christmas ever I think. And this year I have started the same thing. Happy Birthday Jesus.

Marie

We limit our gift list and have even recently pared it down a bit further. The best gift I can get is time with my family and loved ones. With our children we set limits and stick to them. We never buy on credit. Some of our gifts to family are photos, which the grandparents like the most anyway.

Heidi’s last blog post..It’s officially December!

Make toys with items you already have lying around. I mean, I had a great time with stilts made of large cans and rope, and kick the can is still fun.

Also, turn the holiday season into together time without focusing on gifts. Play games and hang out, and stay in and bake. Gifts are great, but I’d rather spend time with the people I care for.

I added you to my blog also…
http://www.gemstonecreations.blogspot.com/

money saving idea= not going crazy on the gifts for the relatives! we all agreed this year to get gifts for the kiddos in the families and not the adults. YES!

Instead of struggling to find gifts for the people on your list who already have everything…consider making donations to worthy causes. Pick your favorite charity, and give a gift in the name of that “difficult to buy for” relative.

I think making homemade treats (breads, jellies, ect.) is a special way to remember friends and neighbors without breaking a budget. One of the sweetest gifts we got last year was from a friend that made homemade applesauce and a spice pack of their famous spaghetti seasoning. The gift also included a DVD of them while they were making the sauce and spice pack. This was especially meaningful since we no longer live near them and wouldn’t be able to see them for the holidays.

Um, well, this might not be useful this year… but I like to shop year round and just keep my presents for the holidays. that way when I find something on sale that I know so-and-so will like it’s done! I spread out my gift buying budget AND lower my pre-holiday stress level!

Krista’s last blog post..Blog Party Guidelines

we just buy gifts for the kids in the family.

paula’s last blog post..glad we only have the one

We make a list and check it twice. We give a lot of thought to the gifts we buy before going out to buy them so we’re not tempted by ‘deals’ and such and wind up with more than we need or planned.

Ruth ’s last blog post.."You can sing Happy Birthday to me"

We set up a Christmas savings account at the beginning of the year and put a small poriton of our paycheck into it each month. On November 1, we have our Christmas $ set asside in cash and then we budget how much we will spend on individuals throughout the holiday season. Even though it is too late to start that this year, still set asside a certain amount for Christmas and STICK TO IT! Even if it means some handmade gifts need to be on your list. And, then go to the bank and set up your Christmas savings account for next year!!! Merry Christmas!

Troye’s last blog post..Thankful Day 30

I think a good way to save money is to bake something homemade for a gift for those who are so hard to buy for. Why spend money on something that someone can’t use or really doesn’t want, everyone loves something yummy and it’s the thought that counts.

I didn’t have time to read through all the others so I hope this one hasn’t already been posted.

Every year, I take my kids out to some interesting place in November. It can be indoors or outdoors. I then take photos of them for Christmas Cards. (I used to have to purchase film in the cost, but with digital that’s all history!) I then take my digital card to WalMart and print out enough for my Christmas cards. I make cards or if the budget is especially tight that year, I will just print 4×6’s and insert them in Christmas Cards I’ve purchased on sale. I’ve been doing this for 16 years now and everyone loves to get the new picture each year. It especially keeps your faraway friends and family up-to-date on your kids’ growth!! If you don’t have children, you can take pics of you and your spouse, a pet, a favorite place in your city….anything that shows your personality and what you love.

Thanks for the chance to win!

I have a few money-saving tips…One, we have a large family with lots of grandparents and great-grandparents still. So, we spread our children’s wish list amongst the family. Also, we eliminate the gift-giving between adult siblings and aunts and uncles. There is always an overabundance anyway! Also, I prefer to give homemade gifts or inexpensive gifts that have meaning or remind me of the person. My best friend and I exchange several small gifts with a poem about something that happened that year that will make us laugh. The best part of the gift is the laughter! We look forward to it every year.

I will also be posting about your contest on my blog:
http://sufficientgrace-kelly.blogspot.com

Kelly’s last blog post..Give Thanks

I have cut my gift list down substantially. Instead of buying gifts for all the cousins, we exchanged names and each cousin gets one gift. I still had a couple of friends that our kids exchanged gifts. We cut that out and decided to have a girls night out instead. I’m also trying to teach my 4 year old about St. Nicolas rather than Santa. Hopefully then he won’t be focusing on the presents, but on the true meaning of Christmas.

I think Christmas is extremely difficult in our culture. Every time you turn on the tv, open the newspaper or listen to the radio you are told of all the things that you need that will make your life better, fuller and your children smarter. And if you don’t buy said item then your children are destined to a life of being “dumb as rocks”. I know so many people that have gone in to debt at Christmas (and we are talking big debt year after year) because of feeling the need to give big gifts.

So last year we chose to give our kids just three gifts. Something to play with, something to read and something to wear. We warned them several months in advance of the change so that they weren’t devastated. It was amazing to watch them carefully edit their lists to the things they really wanted vs everything they saw. We were hoping to teach them a lesson about how Christmas isn’t all about gifts and greediness and ended up saving money in the process. Both my husband and I felt great after Christmas with no holiday debt hangover.

We are doing it again this year! It is fun to carefully find one special gift instead of buying just to buy!

Heather’s last blog post..Trick or Treat

Our kids look forward to opening their stockings on Christmas morning because that was the only thing they could get into and open before mom & dad got up (and give us a little more sleep!) They are now grown and married and will not all be home for the holidays. So, instead of giving them gifts under the tree this year, I am focusing on stocking stuffers this year and toning down the cost of gifts. Instead of stockings, I will make pillowcases that have the theme of their profession or hobby (golf, music, etc) and will use those instead of stockings. And will ship to them so they can open on Christmas morning.

My way to save money during the holidays and save on stress too is to agree not to buy gifts for our immediate family, but instead to have everyone chip in money and use that for a special day spent together as a family! You will remember that forever, while presents are easily forgotten.

I have done more online shopping this year. Most sites have free shipping or run specials and there is no impulse buying!

Andrea Braun’s last blog post..Dasher, Duster, Prancer, Vixen

SHOP WALMART! I bought a big wheel for my son $30 cheaper at Walmart than anywhere else in town or online. Along with that, plan all year. We put back $20-40/month for Christmas all year.

My best tip I’ve used for years – buy YEAR ROUND! I keep a box of gifts in the garage (a huge storage box I got at Wal-Mart) and I keep an excel spreadsheet of what is in it. Whenever I see anything on sale during the year that would be a good gift, I buy it and put it away. By the time Christmas roles around, you are done! No extra spending! No debt!

CPA Mom’s last blog post..Cheekeyes™ Wood Toys from Oompa Toys

I save a TON of money shopping for my family (husband & 4 children) simply by shopping at Wal-Mart. I also make a run for the clearance aisle the day after any holiday throughout the year for the really great deals. Also, by shopping on Black Friday I save another ton of cash. Unbelievably low prices galore. Some of the best deals are not in the advertised sale paper! Also, I shop Wal-Mart online and with the free shipping to my local store, I get what I need with free shipping!

Laura’s last blog post..

What a blessing this will be for someone!

One thing I try to do each year is buy Christmas cards after Christmas day. The stores usually have a lot left over, and they’re marked down A LOT. I can stick them on a shelf, and then next year, I’m ready to go!

Also, for my parents this year, we’re doing a photo collage of all the grandchildren (12) and great-grandchildren (22). I’m soliciting pictures and my husband and oldest are scanning them in. We’ll get them arranged and print it out on our printer at home. We’ll only have to buy photo paper and a frame!

Ranelle’s last blog post.."Momma, You Broken? Where’s You Batteries?"

One thing I do is make my own Christmas cards using cards I’ve received in prior years. I’ll either use the saying inside or the picture on the outside or maybe just part of the picture. It works like a charm and my cards are always unique.

This year is super tight for many of us. I have two sisters and a brother, and all of us are married. None of us can really afford gifts for all six of the others, so we draw names. This year, I got my sister-in-law, and my brother got me. To help save even more money, my sister-in-law asked me to decorate her house for Christmas in lieu of buying her a gift. It was fun to get to use different decorations than what I have in my house, and she loved having a different person’s perspective on her own house. Then my brother, a/k/a Mr. FixIt, came to my house and took care of some things that my husband, who is not all that handy, hadn’t gotten around to. So, my SIL has a nicely decorated house, and I have a closet light that works, a closet door that stays shut and a rail on my daughter’s top bunk bed.

Susan’s last blog post..Tall & Thin

This year it was decided that we wouldn’t give gifts among the siblings in my fam. My hubby and I have also decided to limit how much the kids get, too. We like to spoil them, but so does the rest of our family, so if they get a little less from us, it’s not going to be missed once they receive their gifts fom the rest of the family.

photomommy’s last blog post..Weekly Winners Nov. 23-29

I posted on my blog!

andrea Braun’s last blog post..Dasher, Duster, Prancer, Vixen

I think one of the best money saving tips for the holidays this year is having grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc give your family memberships to museums, botanical centers, the YMCA, and the like. Various members of the family can go then for a year for free, they usually have lots of great events during the year, and it is better than more toys. Especially with money getting tighter, this gives the kids (and adults) a place to go that won’t cost anything.

KellyH

I start shopping for the following Christmas RIGHT AFTER the current year Christmas. I try to hit up all of the after Christmas sales for wrapping paper and other decorations and ornaments as those are great gifts for people! Then all year long I look for different things on sale, Hallmark often has great sales on things in their 60% off section and I put everything up in the closet. When holiday time rolls around next, I pull out all of the things I’d bought during the year and usually I only have a couple more things to get and it doesn’t seem like I’ve broken the bank to get the gifts I need.

We also try to give gifts like magazine subscriptions and books so they can be shared among several people in the household. And we also do gifts from around the world through Hope Aid International (www.hopeaid.org).

Gin

Gin’s last blog post..Teen Jesus?

What a great giveaway! My best tip is really for preparation for the entire year leading up to Christmas. We’re big followers of Dave Ramsey in our house, and his philosophy is to save a little each month for Christmas and pay cash for everything. We decide what we’re going to spend for the holiday – break it up into 12 months, and put it aside for our shopping. The best gift is that we don’t have any bills in January that make us stress!

Here is the link to my post about the giveaway: http://kbhawkins00.blogspot.com/2008/12/500-giveaway.html

Kim H.’s last blog post..$500 Giveaway

I tweeted the giveway!

http://twitter.com/photomommy

photomommy’s last blog post..Weekly Winners Nov. 23-29

To save money I just hit the sales. But to teach my kids that they really do have all they need this year we are packing up half of their current toys and taking them to various shelters. I think it is my job NOW to teach them that christmas is not about getting and going overboard and even going in debt to make it a “good christmas” That smile on the little girls face when she gets a toy you dont even play with anymore, thats a good christmas. And we also have a huge yard sale, and the twist is it’s all free. I am a single mom of two kids and I struggle everyday but I dont allow any excuses to not be a giver and to teach that same frame of mind to my kids.

lori’s last blog post..good times good times

I have bought several gifts this year on Etsy. The prices are generally very reasonable and most of the sellers don’t charge you an arm and a leg for shipping.

Casey’s last blog post..I Survived

Great Giveaway! I will be posting this on my blog.

I save money by shopping early. I’m done already. That way I’m not impulse buying or buying on guilt or sales pitches. I avoid the mall this time of year. Those kiosk sales people harass you into buying stuff. Anyway. I make a budget and stick to it. Close friends and I make our gift to each other that you don’t buy each other anything and then do lunch after the holidays. I also send gift cards to family far away. Saves shipping and wrapping and worrying that they already have that. We don’t spend that much on the kids because we try to focus on the reason for the season and not the gifts. They are happy with the arrangement and we give generously to church this time of year to help families in need. We teach giving to our kids, not receiving.

Blessings

Joan’s last blog post..Monday’s Favorite Things

For our extended family we draw names for gifts, and set a price limit. In a large family this helps a lot!

I’m convinced that doing most of my shopping online saves money in the long run. Even with gas prices coming down (at the moment), it costs a lot to go putting about town, especially when you live in an area where there is a lot of traffic.

One thing I know for sure — it saves me from having to go from one store to another just to cross off one item on my list, weaving my way in and out of stores and parking lots full of people trying to do the same. So it’s definitely a stress saver, and that’s ALMOST as good as saving money during the holidays.

Jamie’s last blog post..I could talk about Black Friday… or I could poke my eyes out with the pie server.

For saving with gifts for our children we start by saving on the stocking stuffers. We purchase things like tic tacs, fun school supplies of their very own, cute socks etc.

Then for Christmas gifts we limit it to 3 gifts for each child to represent the three wise men.
1) Something practical (like new pj’s or slippers)
2)Something totally fun(small toy or interest)
3)Something to do (books, legos, hobby supplies)

Happy holidays!

Angie – heartchild’s last blog post..Not Me Monday

Clip your coupons and watch the ads. No reason to ever pay
full price for anything.
Also, if you have older children, in years past I would have to wait
till they got home from college to pick out some things, especially
clothing. The BEST buys on clothing are usually the two weeks before Christmas, if you can wait that long!

Instead of my 4 kids buying a gift for every sibling, they draw names. That way they get one gift from a sibling and they think it’s so cool!!

Even before the economy took a downturn this year, I was already preparing for a “homemade christmas”. Over the past few years I have been struck by the amount of useless “plastic” that is accumulating around my house and as my two toddlers are becoming more and more aware of gifts and traditions, we decided that this would be the year to implement our two gift minimum (one from santa, one from mommy and daddy) and that the gifts would be from the heart and made by our hands. And while I know I will be getting a love note from my husband (about the extent of his creativity), my children will be getting felt monster dolls and heavy-duty laminated books that I made about their favorite things right now. And I am applying this “handmade” thing all across the board. All our parents will be receiving hand-scrapped family trees and my six sisters will be receiving hand-sewn aprons (pray for my newly developed sewing skills) and a collection of frugal recipes that I have been collecting. Not only are these new traditions going to save us money, but they will also help us reconnect with the spirit of the holiday.

We cut back on christmas several years ago and requested the same from everyone. There was just no sense in having so much STUFF come in to our house, and all at once too!!

Also, to save money, and keep the STUFF down, we make gifts. We make yummy consumable gifts, like cookies and stuff

Lawanda’s last blog post..Happy Day After Thanksgiving!

I get a lot of kids clothes at yard sales, I shop sales and clearance, and I’m using coupons to try to add to my food storage. I try to make more of my own food and avoid fast food when possible, too. I’d LOVE to win a $500 gift card, that’s for sure!

Paige’s last blog post..Today’s the day

I wish I had some great frugal tip, but really for our family, it’s simply cut back. The kids are getting less this year. I’m searching all over to find it in it’s cheapest place.

Also, teacher and neighbor gifts will be hand made, or baked.

I am simply making a conscious effort to give love not stuff.

Making gifts is one way I’m saving money this year. Note Cards and personalized Christmas ornaments. Also, instead of buying everyone in the family a gift – draw names.

My family and I are saving money by dialing down the gifts. My sister’s family and I are exchanging hand-made ornaments instead of purchasing for each family member. Low-cost but high sentiment!

Juice’s last blog post..Eventful Weekend

Our family draws names and we limit the gift to a certain dollar amount. On Christmas Day we put the bags on the table and we each draw numbers. Number 1 gets to choose first. Then we just keep going. We can “steal” from each other. We have so much fun.

And, it’s fun to try to find a gift that everyone will want to steal!

I don’t have twitter but I’m going to mention you on my blog!

SherylDean

Sheryl Dean’s last blog post..HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This year, to save money we are getting the grandparents all the same thing. A photo calendar of our family (that I got super cheap with a coupon from SnapFish) and a gift certificate to dinner or the grocery store. 40 bucks for each set, and the great grandmas too, makes for a pretty budget friendly Christmas gift that will be enjoyed all year long.

One of the best and most economical gifts I’ve given is a week of meals. I made a week of meals for my mother-in-law, had them all packaged and freezer ready. I then wrapped one of her pans with a note inside explaining the gift and that all of the meals were in her freezer. She absolutely loved it and it was very inexpensive. I know as a busy mother of 4 it is a gift I would treasure above any sweater or bottle of perfume!

Plan early. I have a giftlist for everyone (birthdays/holidays) and I look out for deals and gifts throughout the year. That way I don’t buy last minute things.

Ann

We have a very large family… which can get expensive with gift giving. Our family is full of people who LOVE gift giving. We have made it a little easier on the wallet by having a “name swap” for all of the adults in our family. At Thanksgiving all of the adult’s names are thrown in a hat… everyone picks out a name of one person to give to. (Anyone who is not at the Thanksgiving is also included and the list of swaps is sent to all) We do a $50 gift limit… but to save even more you could make it less… or make it a home-made gift.

We do still all buy every child a gift. No one is willing to give up the magic of watching a child open their gifts.

Colleen’s last blog post..Commenting

I love to do Christmas baking, but my hips don’t love it when I EAT said Christmas baking. So, typically, I buy some cute cellophane bags and tie up with curling ribbon pulled into curly q’s.

Our family has agreed to make gifts for all the adults and only buy for the kids. Thankfully I can crochet and hubby is good with woodworking! Here’s the twitter link also: http://twitter.com/cristycapps

This year my husband asked that we do our shopping at the after Christmas sales. I’m looking forward to seeing how much we save from the items original prices. Fortunately the teens are agreeing – they will get a picture of the item in a box that we are going to purchase at the sales.

Lora’s last blog post..Memory Monday

This year I saved all my points from all my survey sites. Then before Christmas, I “ordered” all the checks and gift card rewards. The GCs I will use as gifts, the money I’ll use to buy gifts. Free money!

This obviously won’t work for the kids – but my husband and I agreed to wait until after Christmas to buy each other’s gifts. A – wait and see what our folks send. And B – sales!! I love sales!

We also just plain pared down our gift giving. Not as many people are getting bought for this year.

Jesica’s last blog post..Breaking the fast

Oh yes ma’am. That is a LOT of wal-mart dollars. Our family just keeps on growing, and Christmas is getting pricier and pricier. Lately we’ve taken to hoarding up all the Christmas junk we can get our hands on when it goes on sale after Christmas. We stock up on wrapping supplies, decorations, even gifts for next year. We are also HUGE fans of the dollar store. They really do have some GREAT toys, decorations, and stocking stuffers. For dirt cheap!

My MIL is big into quilting, so she often uses leftover fabrics to wrap presents, or wraps presents in something fabric-y that’s ALSO a present.

Also, for my dad’s side of the family, we generally give each other money or gift cards and head to the outlets after Christmas for deals. Makes your money go father, plus you ensure that people are getting what they want! : )

Erin D.’s last blog post..

My favorite Holiday Money Saving Tip is to simplify your list of gift recipients by getting together as a group to draw names. In my family, between my siblings and I, we have six kids – and more on the way! We all work in industries that are suffering in this economy, and are all tightening our belts this year. We decided that this year, instead of struggling to buy gifts for all of the kids, we put all the kids’ names in a bowl and chose the number of kids that we have to buy for. If we pick our own child’s name, we put it back and pick again. We raised our spending minimum because we felt that since the kids would be receiving gifts from fewer aunts and uncles, they should be nicer gifts.

Here’s how it worked. I have one child so I used to shop for my four nieces and one nephew. The spending minimum that we had decided on in the past had been $20, so for me it meant $100 in gifts. This year, because I have one child, I drew one name – my nephew’s – and have a $30 budget to spend on him, saving me $70! We all agree that with all the gifts the kids get from their own parents, grandparents, etc., they won’t even notice fewer gifts, and they certainly will not be deprived! In fact, with my $30 budget and frugal and creative spending habits, I was able to get my nephew quite a nice pile of gifts!

This method could work in any group. If you regularly buy for all of your coworkers, siblings, etc, narrowing things down by choosing names is not only a money-saver, but it’s more personal. It’s also fun to see whose name you get!

Carey’s last blog post..$500 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway!

I just got married in June and have been learning how to operate under a strict budget. This, along with the economic issues, has really been putting pressure on me to get creative with my first Christmas as a wife.

I have been buying since October for Christmas so it wouldn’t seem like it was hitting all at once but there are still quite a few things left to buy. I have really tried to find some creative ideas of things to make that wouldn’t cost me so much but would mean even more than another pocketbook.

My aunts LOVE for me to make things. So, instead of spending money on another gift that they might or might not like, I have decided to make them things. Lowe’s Creative Ideas (Lowes Hardware) sends out some neat ideas that are pretty inexpensive.

http://grahamcrakas.blogspot.com/2008/11/yay-for-projects.html

My older son is totally into sports, so when looking to give him a gift, it is usually sports related. To keep costs down we go through his past sports equipment to see what he has outgrown or doesn’t use frequently. We can then take these gently used items to the local sports equipment consignment/resale shop. For each item we’re looking to purchase we take in one gently used item to resell. We a) recycle, b) reduce sports equipment clutter in our house, c) get “new to us” equipment at a lower cost (compared to new), and d) further lower the cost by applying whatever we get from the item we take in for resale. WIN WIN WIN WIN!

lookingforlifeshumor’s last blog post..Felted Christmas Ornaments

A couple of money saving ideas I came up with this year involve decorating. First of all, plain garland (with or without lights) is ever so much less expensive than the decorated kind. Grab a few boxes of it (for the same cost as one box of the decorated kind), add a bag of cinnamon pinecones, some floral wire, and a couple of berry twigs. Cut the berry branches off and twist them on, wire the pinecones on, add a bow here and there, and voila’! I’m the least creative person on the planet and I was able to pull this off.

Also, avoid the premade bows. Find a bow-making video online. I was never able to make bows before, but this year watched the video until I pulled it off and saved a bundle on premade bows!

Rebecca’s last blog post..A Christmas Giveaway

This is a great site.. Love the domain name as well..

Erwin Tan’s last blog post..Secrets To Success Is To Fail

I tweeted the contest http://twitter.com/cutiebootycakes/status/1032551874

My tip is to not do christmas ON christmas. Every year we talk about doing christmas AFTER christmas. Think about it..its just a day or two later, and almost immediatly everything goes on sale at every store. You have your pick from tons of left over stock, returned and opened items, and can double your christmas for the same amount.

enjoy christmas the holiday it is and keep it with family and then make a new tradition to open presents on new years eve!
Trisha
momdot.com

Trisha’s last blog post..Contest Monday

My number 1 money saving tip is to look at all those grocery ads and find the store that GIVES away their turkey with a purchase. It’s usually only about $20 or so ….they usually also have tons of other goodies on sale for great prices at the same time. So stock up on the stuff you need and get a free or basically free turkey. You can do this as much as you want through the month and turkey is a great way to stretch your menu!
Saving you mega bucks….all year long!

Ann G’s last blog post..Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans

Well, I love a good bargain and enjoy finding ways to save money. So here are a few of my tips.

1. I read online about creating silouettes. You take a profile picture of your child/family member, blow it up, cut it out, flip it over and paint it black. Stick it on a white mat in a beautiful frame and you have a great giftl I am taking pictures of my nieces and doing this for my sister for Christmas. Also great for grandparents.

2. Walmart has some great picture frames for $5 and $3. Pick a frame with a lot of detail even if you don’t like the color. Spray paint the frame black or whatever color you like. Paint on top of the glass with chalkboard paint. Once dry write on it Merry Christmas, attach a bow and some chalk. This makes a great gift for teachers or anyone. My friend has one in her kitchen and writes messages to her family on it.

3. Baking – cookies, candy, etc. Everyone loves to get a little homemade goodness!

Thanks!
Laurie

Melodies of Mercy’s last blog post..Thankful

I recently hosted two, one at home & one at work, D*scovery toy parties to earn free toys for my daughter for Christmas & her birthday next year.

We save money by drawing names to give gifts in my husband’s family. Thank goodness, too, because there are 10-15 people!

Heather’s last blog post..Works for Me Wednesday & 24 Weeks

This SHOULD be a link to my twitter update:

http://twitter.com/ethansmama19/status/1032581032

Lauren’s last blog post..What’s My Motivation?

I love to find a bargain and save money. Here are a few tips that you might like.

1. I read online about making silouettes. Take a profile picture of your child/family member. Blow it up to the size desired. Cut it out very carefully, flip it over and paint it black. Put it in a frame on a white mat and you have a silouette. I am taking pictures of my nieces and doing this for my sister for Christmas.

2. Walmart has some great wood frames for $3 and $5. Pick one with a lot of detail on it. Paint it black or whatever color you like. Purchase some chalkboard paint and paint the top of the glass with it. Once it dries write Merry Christmas, attach a bow and some chalk and you have a great gift. This is great for teachers or anyone.

3. Baking – cookies, candies, etc. Everyone loves some homemade goodness!

Thank you,
Laurie

Melodies of Mercy’s last blog post..Thankful

I blogged about your contest on my website.

Thanks,
Laurie

Melodies of Mercy’s last blog post..Thankful

I am just plunging into the world of thrifty living- my hubby has been out of steady work for almost 8 months, so we have been learning from experiences how to save.
Christmas is going to be very tight for us this year, but we are making sure we stick to our budget by taking out only the cash we can spend (or the little we have stashed away). Once that money is gone- it’s done. Our kiddos are making Christmas Ornaments for lots of our family members and even some of their friends, that is also helping to keep costs down.
Our best advice is to plan a budget and STICK TO IT!! Free shipping deals, coupons, and sales are always good help too!!

Thanks so much for this wonderful giveaway- I know someone is going to be super blessed by this!!

Jenn W’s last blog post..15 Days of Christmas Giveaway- Nana Star

Thinking about this Christmas season and the gifts have been a bit stressful with money being tight. I really was fretting about teachers gifts! My son has his main teacher, special ed teacher, speech teacher and the list goes on. So, in the spirit of spending less and giving more meaningful gifts, I’ve decided to enlist my son’s help. We are going to be making some wonderful seasoned crackers and placing them in little air tight containers that he will decorate. These crackers are always a BIG hit and I figure his teachers get so much stuff, a consumable treat is always welcome! Here is the recipe just in case anyone is interested:
1 cup of vegetable oil
1 package original ranch style dressing (dry)
3 teaspoons lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 package (14 to 16 oz) of oyster crackers (or you can use Cheese Its)
Mix together first five ingredients. Mix in the crackers and toss until well coated. This does well in a large ziplock bag turned up and down a few times. Tastes better if made a day ahead!
Beware- these are addictive:)

If you have to make an animal outfit for your Church Christmas play, wait until after Halloween and snatch up costumes that are marked 70-90-% off. This year my daughter needs to be a sheep but I could only find a lion. No worries! Just glue cotton balls on the lion outfit and poof! you’re a sheep!

My tip is to buy as much as you can online and through a site like Ebates. You get money back, you don’t use any gas, you can get free shipping, and you have to watch for the sales!

This Christmas we are giving grandparents abstract paintings done on canvas that the kids made. Total cost for 4 Masterpieces? Around $20 after finding great deals on the supplies. Yup, that’s all and it’s something the grandparents will love and cherish! Homemade gifts are the way to go!

Janelle’s last blog post..Full to the Brim Kid’s Book Giveaway List (12/1/08)

A great gift for anyone with small children is the gift of baby sitting for an evening. Make a coupon redeemable for a certain amount of babysitting and give it out as gifts. Free babysitting is priceless!

I pre-determine a spending limit, get that amount in cash, and when I run out of cash, I’m finished.

Great giveaway!

Such a hard time of year, with a hubby in the auto industry, we are really feeling it, so curbing holiday spending is a must this year. Aside from just cutting down on the amount of gifts we give, we are focusing more on thoughtful, from the heart gifts, which is especially easy with grandparents and cute pictures of grandkids:)

brittany’s last blog post..MISSION MONDAY!

http://twitter.com/barefootfoodie/status/1032685658

brittany’s last blog post..MISSION MONDAY!

Fun giveaway!! We saved this year with cashing in a lot of our points via our checking account, we got a lot of gift cards. I also signed up at mypoints.com, and have earned points all year long and cashed in on those as well!

I blogged about this, you can find it here.

Jodi’s last blog post..$500 giveaway…

Shop all throughout the year! I tried that this year for the first time and it worked out great! By spreading the load out over 12 months (and scoring some great clearance items) I never missed the money I spent. Now, we can have a much less stressful and better financial Christmas this year!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

I set limits with my friends, say $10 or less. It helps with the budgeting, AND you really have to think about things that mean something.

1. Limit the number of gifts you give! – Our children get 4 gifts total – 3 from us because Jesus received 3 gifts and 1 from Santa.

2. Do a “secret santa” for adults in the family – put names in a hat and each adult draws one. You set a dollar amount and you buy for only 1 person.

Tina’s last blog post..Dear Lord….

I am actually putting my sewing skills to work this season and making aprons with pictures of my kids printed on special fabric. I can’t wait to get to the fabric store so I can get started!

Well, as far as money-saving, we’re celebrating our big family Christmas with hubby’s family in March, because that’s when we all can get together, so that will save money because we can all buy gifts for each other on CLEARANCE!

That’s not too great, though…so I have a space-saving technique if your house/apartment isn’t big enough for a whole Christmas tree- just use an artificial tree & leave a couple branches off the back side so you can back it right up to the wall- it still looks nice & takes up half the room! Or, if you have a toddler who might pull the tree down on himself and anchoring the tree isn’t an option, put some branches of the fake tree over your curtain rods & make them into a swag. Then put ornaments on, securing breakable ornaments with twist-ties (just in case little hands pull on the curtains!) Enjoy!

Carrie’s last blog post..The Turkey is IN the Oven

http://tinasgang.blogspot.com/2008/12/wouldnt-this-be-big-fat-blessing.html

Blog post

Tina’s last blog post..Dear Lord….

We save money by shopping the day after Christmas for the next year. So I get all of my wrapping paper, gift supplies and this year a new artificial tree with a zillion lights for half off or more. Yay for me being cheap!

Also I shop at Walmart for as much as I can…they often have the best prices.

Ashley @ mrs007.com’s last blog post..Thunder dumpling/Rump Ripper

I find that the best gifts are the ones that are made with love, and they just happen to be not only better made but cheaper than already made gifts. I know I love getting homemade gifts.

My daughter and I are knitting some gifts this year…
And for those far away relatives- it’s GIFT CARDS!
I used to spend SO much on shipping not to mention the gift wrapping and boxes etc….
Now, they get their gifts for the price of a stamp. Love it!

Becky’s last blog post..Thanksgiving

Growing up my parents never wrapped any of our gifts from Santa. We would have to line up at the top of the stairs and all four of us would walk down finding these piles of toys for each of us. It was amazing. My parents save a lot of money by not purchasing wrapping paper (especially since it’s just thrown away after a child rips through it). It’s more environmentally friendly and all the money they would spend on wrapping paper went towards more gifts!

What a great give away!

My best Christmas tip is to simplify and not allow the “hype” to suck me into a spending frenzy.
We make Christmas about Jesus and if I keep focused on him it’s much easier to not go crazy with everything else.

Well, my simplest tip is this: Do your holiday shopping at WALMART!

I love cooking so this year to save money I decided to bake some of my favorite Christmas treats for gifts. I bought some very inexpensive decorative ceramic bread pans and some pretty tins and I plan to make little loaves of pumpkin bread and peanut butter buckeye treats! It’s fun and I think they’ll really appreciate something tasty!

Boy, can I relate to the no job thing. My husband was out of work for 10 months last year & finally got one 10 days before Christmas……at a large pay reduction. So with 8 children, 2 at home, the rest out on their own & married we had to and have to watch the money on the gifts. This year the older children & their spouses are each getting a box of food from Angel Tree Ministries. For $30, you get enough to feed a family of four for a week. They will also get a gift certificate for meat at our local butcher shop. The little ones still at home are getting most of what they wanted thanks to sales. I still love to decorate for the holidays and have found thrift shops are a Mecca of discarded treasures. For candy and such, I watch sales and stock on the needed items.
We’re also foster parents and I like to give the parents a little something from us. A couple of years ago one of the foster children’s parents were in prison so I made ink handprints and put them on scrapbooking paper along with a little poem I found online. We were in court just a few days before Christmas and it was so wonderful to see the father sitting there tracing that little handprint.

We make a budget early and stick to it. Really stick to it. We try to find meaningful gifts that are in our range. Personalized stuff (monograms, or custom-made…like a hometown puzzle) are big winners with me.

Gail Sowell’s last blog post..Eek!

Trader Joes is a great way to save during the holidays. Also being a vegetarian help save money because meat is expensive. Trader Joes has great quality chocolate, olive oil, and wine gifts that we give to our families.

In order to save money I both make a list to make sure I don’t buy things I don’t need and try to make gifts. Both of these things have worked great through my college years so far!

I have several money-saving tips. One is that we have a large extended family of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents to distribute our children’s Christmas wish lists to. So, we are not the only ones purchasing gifts for our kids. Another is that adult siblings no longer exchange Christmas presents. I also prefer to give home made gifts or to give an inexpensive gift with meaning or something that reminds me of the person receiving the gift. My best friend and I exchange funny poems about things that happened that year that made us laugh. We include inexpensive props or photos to match the poem’s theme. The best part of the gift is the laughter!

I also posted about this contest on my blog:
http://sufficientgrace-kelly.blogspot.com
I thought I posted this earlier, but I don’t see it now. So I’m trying again.

Kelly@ The Beauty of Sufficient Grace’s last blog post..Contest

Set a budget… and when you make your gift purchases, use the VALUE of the gift not the price you paid.

Fro example: You’ve budgeted $50 to spend on your sister and you’ve found the perfect sweater for her… the price tag says $49.99 but it is on sale for $29.99… buy the sweater and do not feel as though you have to now spend another $20 on her. You can cross your sister off your list as your goal has been accomplished. You purchased a gift for her that is a $50 value… your sister doesn’t know what you’ve actually paid for the item.

Shannon’s last blog post..NEVER. AGAIN.

i like to make baked goods for gifts and put them in a cute container, especially for teacher gifts and neighbors. i also use the website http://www.bargainist.com to look for sales.

I am making most of my gifts this year. The materials definitely have a cost, and my time is valuable (to me!) but this year we wanted to do something different and more personal.
All the kids are getting the same thing–pajamas–in fabrics that suit each one. All the ladies are getting the same thing–aprons–also in individual fabrics. I made a photo book for my dad and I have a project I’m working on for my Sweetheart. The other holdout-buy-a-gift-guy is my BIL. No ideas there. I am also making smaller gifts for everyone from things I grew in my garden this year–lavendar neck wraps, herbal salts, lavendar sachets & hearts, preserves, etc.
I’ll package everything up nicely and hope everyone enjoys everything. Better get off the computer now and get back to sewing!!!

Kimberly’s last blog post..Advent Begins Today!

oh there are so many. use the comic section from the newspaper as giftwrap. make your own decorations, using cheerios, lifesavers etc.

brandy’s last blog post..priority club rewards

My money saving tip for the holidays is regarding holiday entertaining. Hosting dinners or parties, or even playgroups can get expensive. Here’s my solution. Get a bunch of your girlfriends, Mommy friends, or family together for a cookie exchange.
The way it works is each member brings 2 dozen cookies to share, you trade your cookies for your friends… that way you end up with a lovely assortment of cookies to enjoy while entertaining. I’ll be hosting my cookie exchange during a playgroup with some of my Mommy friends, which also has the added bonus of getting the kids together to play!

Happy Holidays!

P.S. I’ll be posting a link back to this great contest! Goodluck to all the entrants and thankyou!

Nicolle’s last blog post..Teacher’s Lecture Makes My Blood Boil

If you’re even a little bit crafty, make your gifts instead of buying them. Type in christmas homemade gifts in google, and you are bound to find something you can do. You will save so much money, impress your family, and give a gift that truly comes from your heart.

Katie (Perfectly Cloudy)’s last blog post..That feeling…

My post:

http://perfectlycloudy.blogspot.com/2008/12/need-500.html

Katie (Perfectly Cloudy)’s last blog post..That feeling…

My best money-saving tip – TIME and perspective. Gifts of events, or outings, or memberships to local children’s museums, etc. are so appreciated by families like mine with tight budgets. Also, check out: adventconspiracy.org, and rethink how you spend your days and your dollars during this season.

Thanks!

With two young kids, we save at the holidays by making lots of personal gifts for the grandparents. First of all, they LOVE the homemade stuff more than the store bought AND the kids have so much fun making & giving something that they have created. Fun ideas that we have tried: paintings with hand/foot prints (frame them), colored pictures/paintings framed, photo books/scrapbooks of vacations taken & photo calendars which you can find great deals on if you watch for coupons! Snapfish, Shutterfly, etc are always sending out great deals. Walmart has lots of fun craft items to make these gifts with too for very good prices!! And it is always easy to find picture frames cheap and on sale if you watch for coupons. Happy Christmas Craft Making and Saving!!

The best saving tip is only buy what’s on sale and if you have a coupon that’s even better :0)

Connie

A couple of years ago a friend and I were talking about Christmas presents. She and I agreed that no one REALLY needs another Yankee Candle or bottle of body wash.
I started asking my family and friends…”do you really expect a gift? Or is it just something we do?” As it turns out, it’s just a habit. No one really wants or expects a present. So we all decided just to buy for the kids (25 and under) in the family.
Christmas is much less stressful without all that buying AND it’s much less expensive.
Now, when I see something I know my family or friends will like, I buy it for them. Whether it’s December 25th or May 16th.

I love thrift stores. There is always something that is very gently used, and the kids will never know where it came from. I also love the dollar store. The toys break just as fast as the expensive toys. Why not pay a dollar for them? I think this year, I am going to write letters to people telling them why I love them and what I love about them. That would mean more to me than any gift ever could.

Some money saving tips:

1. Check out e-bay for video games and toys for the kidlets. This is where I get many of my son’s games, usually for less than 25% of the retail price!

2. Join your local “Freecycle” group (on Yahoo! Groups). This is a site where people post items they no longer need that are in good condiiton, then the first person to respond gets it. This is where a lot of my son’s clothes are coming from this year. So far this year, I’ve seen foosball tables, air hockey tables, TVs, books, clothes, all kinds of things that would be great gifts for the holidays!

Those are my two biggest money-saving tips. Hope they help!

Jenn’s last blog post..Time Out from Negativity

Instead of an “IOU” dinner, babysitting, etc. (which we both tend to forget about) I set a specific date… “On February 10, 2009 I will bring you and your family dinner for the evening”…then I bring the meal, the plates/dishes/side dishes and serve the family….. in times where it’s tough to go out to eat-even at a family style restaurant-it feels like a bit of a treat for the family, and gives weary parents a break before they have to tackle the rest of the obligations for the evening. Once the meal/dessert is finished, I take things home to wash up. I even leave containers of leftovers if there are some.

The plan is that I can schedule the gift for wellvafter the holidays or at a time when I know that I will have the extra funds to shop for the meal.

thanks!

I make my own gifts by cross stitching and knitting. To me it feels more special and saves me a lot of money and people love it.

Aisha’s last blog post..Charter Services and The Ultimate Deals

A great way to save money around the holidays is to give gifts of kindness. I plan to make gift baskets for each person on my list (all close family). I will make a batch of my late grandmother’s famous millionaire candies and include the recipe. I am having my 7 month and 19 month old boys help me make ornaments with their footprints and writing “Mistletoes” on it and the year with the date they stamped their little feetsies on there. That will go in the basket as well. In addition, I am getting prints made of our holiday photos and putting a 4×6 and/or 5×7 in the basket. On top of that I will do little coupons for “kind” things to do for each person that is in tune with their wants/needs. (For example: My mom is disabled and can’t walk around stores much so I will put a coupon in there for me to do her shopping for her). The possibilities are endless but I think these kind of gifts mean so much more and keep giving.

The best way to save money at Christmas time and not go overboard is not to buy things on your credit cards. We save money all year for Christmas and then use a debit card to buy our gifts. If the money isn’t there- we don’t buy it.

I also make baked goods rather than buying for some friends and neighbors.

Melanie’s last blog post..$30 ImagiTales Giveaway

A great thing to do to save money is to celebrate with like-minded friends by hosting a Chinese Christmas (or robber’s table, or any other name). You can get together at someone’s home for wine and cheese, and each person bring one gift with a limit of $15 or $20. This is a nice gift, not White Elephant. Some people even choose a gift card theme for the party – a very simple choice. Then each person goes home with a single gift instead of having to purchase one gift for each of the friends. This is a way to keep knick-knacks to a minimum and have an evening with your friends during the holidays. You can also have the get-together and opt to bring unwrapped toys or canned food for local holiday drives.

To save money for the holidays, I leave the hubby home when I shop!

JUST kidding.

My real money saving tip is that I recycle a lot of the tissue papers, ribbons, gift bags and boxes. My MIL always buys the fancy schmanzy H*llm*rk stuff, the kids NEVER notice if the wrapping coordinates with the tissue paper, and I scarf it up behind them on Christmas morning. Voila! I have almost all the wrappings and trimmings I need for the next year. I’ve gotten a reputation on the hub’s side of the family, but I’m not too proud to keep doing it.

The Gang’s All Here!’s last blog post..Just for Fun

My tip would be gift cards, even though it’s not always obviously saving money. At least when you get someone this from their favorite store, you know it will be well spent and enjoyed.

shop around, and do your homework, nothing beats it!

I save and recycle all my gift bags so I don’t have to purchase new each year, we do this for birthdays too… which really saves us big. We also reuse bows, ribbons, and gently used tissue paper.
We buy all our Christmas cards the previous year, after they’re on clearance and super cheap! I hand deliver those for people I know I’ll see before the holidays and only mail out those for my out of town friends and family.
Money is tight this year, so for friends and family I’m baking pies. I’ve also found a lot of great buys at going out of business sales and many retailers are currently offering free shipping, which really helps with gifts for our 2 kids! I also recommend the dollar store for any stocking stuffers. Young kids don’t care what something costs anyway… and the less expensive gifts can sometimes provide the most enjoyment!

Setting a budget, sticking to it. Do your research online & in ads for the best deals.

Ginny’s last blog post..Book Review & Giveaway ~ Purry Logic

I like to take pictures of my parents as kids. Take them to one of the photo machines and get them scanned and blown up. Find an old frame that looks tired and give it new life with spray paint. Add the new “old” picture and mount it in the frame. My parents are moved to tears when they get this kind of gift. I always make an extra print and add it to a special wall in our house too.

I have blogged about this good news…..

Go see!

Wanda’s last blog post..Hospitality Room

Tweeted http://twitter.com/momof2dancers

Ginny’s last blog post..$500 Walmart Gift Card

One of my favorite cost savings ideas at Christmas is homemade ornaments. I have made various forms of them with my kids since they were small. We buy an ornament kit, ( I used to order them out of the Sears catalog), now you can get them at the craft section in Walmart, and usually a kit for around $10 or $15 will net you at least 2 dozen ornaments. We have made the glass ones you melt in the oven, hand-painted wooden ones, beads, and you can give one to each person in your family, even extended family like cousins. Its also good for school teachers, Sunday School teachers, Friends, etc. I still have sunday school students who have kids of their own who say “Mrs. Kelly I still have that ornament you made me”. Perhaps one of the simplest and cutest is to buy a few yards of crocheted ribbon, in white green or red, and a contrasting color of pipe cleaner. Weave the ribbon at the seam around the pipe cleaner, tie it off at the end and you have a wreath! Use some small ribbon to put a bow on one end and make a hanger with ribbon on the other end. They are simple, cheap and very pretty on your tree, and small kids love making things like that. They also make pretty decorations of wrapped packages. Oh, another thing – my kids call me the “bow nazi” because I refuse to squash bows. We have recycled bows since 1983. It’s a treat to see who gets the oldest bow on their gift each year!

I also tweeted this giveaway. My user id is pricousins.

To save money this holiday I’m making 90% of the gifts. I’m making ornaments for the family, and felt food for my daughters. Unfortunately I have nothing to make for my 11 year old…he’s such a tween *G*

Sarah’s last blog post..New blog, and a review!

I also tweeted the contest:

http://twitter.com/SadieCass/status/1033439848

Sarah’s last blog post..New blog, and a review!

One money saving tip for this holiday is to make your gift giving both personal and affordable!

My Solution:

Give them Chocolate Fudge this Christmas!

Go down to your local wal-mart or walgreens stoore and purchase a heap of festive cookie tins and gift bags, take them home and set them aside as containers. TIP: (At walgreens gift bags will typically set you back about $1.00 or $2.00, so you may want to check it out).

Next, go on line and find you a quick and easy recipie for some heart warming mouth watering chocolate fudge.

Now, once you fudge is made, cooled and cut into sqaures, place a layer of wax paper on the inside bottom of the first tin and began filling it with fudge until it is full.

Finally cover the fudge with another peice of wax paper. Close and seal the rim of the cookie tin with clear tape. Insert into a festive holyday gift bag. Repeat until done and then give…..give….give…..!

This way each gift will value an estimated $5.00-$7.00 rather than spend that 10, 15, 20, 50 and even $100.00 bill on the gift ot gifts you purchase each year. With this money saving tip, spreading christmas cheer this holiday season can be even more afforable, meaningful and enjoyable than ever before.

Merry Christmas to all!

From Loleta, Christopher Dale, Christopher Josiah, Savannah Alyse and Christian Tyler!

Enjoy that fudge!

Bake, bake, bake. Brownies, candy, or cookies, it saves money and adults and kids love goodies.

I have one email address that I give out to websites and stores and they email me coupons for everything. I even get coupons from my local grocery store for 20% off my groceries.

Blogged about this fantastic giveaway! See http://driftwood-collector.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-giveaways-500-walmart-gift-card.html – and I am really blown away by the scale of this giftcard-a-palooza.

Robin’s last blog post..Holiday Giveaways – $500 Walmart Gift Card edition

We used to like to drive around different neighborhoods and look at all of the decorations. It’s better (& cheaper) than going to the movies and since it’s just a ONCE a YEAR happening, we always looked forward to it. There are also LOTS of free happenings going on this time of year, like Christmas concerts, tree & menorah lightings, etc.

My money saving tip for the holidays is to visit blogs and check our the savings they offer. Many of them have a discount/coupon page. Really awesome companies offer discounts to their readers. I have found free shipping or 25% off some of my favorite online stores.

Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

Mudpies And Mary Janes’s last blog post..Keep your gloves out of the lost and found

My extended family decided to save money on gifts for eachother by donating our ‘gift’ money to charitable causes. Each family unit decided what amount to give and to which charity. We will share our ‘giving’ stories as our gift to eachother on Christmas Eve. My husband and I are excited to talk with our boys about WHY this Christmas will be different — both frugal and giving beyond ourselves this year!

Cathy’s last blog post..Neighborhood Halloween Party

The Dollar Store. Seriously. Stocking stuffers get so expensive and really add up. And if your house is anything like mine, the stocking stuffers get tossed aside for bigger and better presents. $10 fills a stocking at the Dollar store. Fuzzy slipper socks, lip gloss, stuffed animals, candy, hair things, markers, floam, silly putty etc…$1 each.

ckbruce(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Christian’s last blog post..So much to be thankful for.

My tip would be to buy your kids less presents at the holidays, but also, throughout the year. Keep track of what they like throughout the year and then choose a couple meaningful gifts for them at Christmas, and not every week!

Heidi @ GGIP’s last blog post..Gift Giving Season – CdLS Blog Challenge

I use my free CVS or Wag things I get during the year in gift baskets. My parents, in laws , grandparents, etc get pictures of our kids framed. I usually go to a few photo places (Walmart, Picture People, etc) and get all the special holiday packages paying no more than $10 at etc place. That way I get different poises and clothing but never pay the high dollar for them.

We save money by making as many gifts as we can. The grandparents love it when the kids make them gifts. I also try and give baked goods and homemade gifts for teachers, delivery people and so forth.

We give the kids $$ and take them to the Dollar Store too so that they can pick up a few gifts for their friends. It’s not the gift but the thought that counts.

We try and recycle things. If we have a broken ornament we try and salvage the parts of it that we can reuse to create something new and different.

We make our own holiday cards too. We take a picture with our camera, print it out and make our own cards. The kids help to draw on them and decorate them too.

Thank you and to Walmart for a VERY generous and wonderful giveaway.

Kimberly’s last blog post..House 2 Home Winners!

I like to give inexpensive gifts: baked goods with chocolate treats, cards with photos of the family, and small gift baskets. I also try to find reasonable on-line deals with free shipping.

We hit up sales all year round and save up for the holidays, and also try to make a lot of presents. Instead of buying wrapping paper the kis decorate butcher paper and we wrap with that!

Marcy’s last blog post..A special Christmas Card

One thing our Sunday School class decided to do this year instead of having our usual ornament party is to have an IOU party where you create an IOU coupon of something you can do for the other person…such as babysit, cook a meal, wash your car, take you to Starbucks..you get the idea and then we will play the White Elephant game to see which coupon we can get. The IOU idea can be used in any form.

Its on my blog!
http://bashamtravel.blogspot.com/2008/12/now-this-would-make-your-weekyou-know.html

Melissa’s last blog post..Boo to the Flu…

I make my own holiday cards– so easy now with computer programs!– and I start at the clearance racks when I shop. I’m also a big fan of personalizing gifts– I can buy a photo frame, for instance, and paint on a phrase that I know will be inspirational for the recipient. Or I can buy tote bags or shirts and use transfer paper to iron on a picture that will mean something to the recipient. I know I love it when people take the time to make something or buy something that’s really meant especially for me.

Jenna’s last blog post..The best excuse I’ve ever received…

I always try to make up a detailed list of everyone I’d like to get a gift for and write my ideas for them down ahead of time before you start going to stores or shopping online – it makes it easier to figure out what you already have and what you really WANT and saves you from the last minute grabs when you’re walking through the store that add up so quickly!

One way I have been learning to save money is not original and it is certainly not very creative, but it is working. I am using coupons with my grocery shopping. I have a grocery store that allows 2 coupons for their buy one get one free items…that means that I can use 50 cents off the free item, too, making my savings much better. Just today I shopped and saved $80 on my grocery bill. I also watch for competitors coupons which my store also takes. The other way that I save money is by giving money away. Not only do I receive the tax benefit at the end of the year for giving to my chosen charities, but I also receive the joy of knowing that I have helped some one in need. We receive a huge boost in our IRS refund at the end of the year for sharing with others. Those are my ideas.

Jackie Sue’s last blog post..Our Gotcha Day

Hi, tried to subscribe, but keep getting error message…want to subscribe via email…also, my tip is everything is homemade AND shop all year long instead of one mad rush, that way, at this time of year, just pick up the real good deals, because you took care of everyone/everything else all year long, like the ant would in the fable…he was prepared…prepare all year long.

My money saving tips are:
Search for promotional codes to use for free shipping and percent off at online retailers.
Buy decorative tins at discount stores(Dollar Tree,etc) and fill with baked goods for gifts for friends/neighbors.
After the holidays, buy gift wrapping supplies when they go on clearance. It will save you lots of money on these items.

Amongst a few close friends, we did a clothing/toy swap.

We picked nice clothing, in excellent condition that the kids have outgrown and toys that they either didn’t play with anymore (or sometimes never played with) or outgrew.

All items had to be clean and look really nice and we didn’t worry about prices of items, just to get rid of things you didn’t need in your house and perhaps finding nice stuff to use as gifts for yours. Last year I was able to regift a gorgeous crystal vase for my mother in law.

It’s free gift-giving and a cleaning extraveganza at the same time.

Anissa@Hope4Peyton’s last blog post..Reason 246 I like to blog: The peeps are awesome!

Our money saving tip is this. Since we kids have been adults we draw names for Christmas. Each person only gets one present from one other person. That way you can spend a little bit more on that one person knowing you don’t have to buy for anyone else. It’s really fun to get creative with who you have. Over the years several gag gifts have worked their way in as well as a new present. We have a blast on Christmas Eve with the adults laughing over the gag gifts trying to remember who has them and enjoying each other’s company.

Rachel’s last blog post..Saddle Up Your Horses!

We save money by baking and making candy as gifts. There are really cute plates, bowls, and mugs at this time a year, and we fill them with home made candy, fudge, and cookies. Usually, around Thanksgviing lots of baking stuff goes on sale, so we stock up then, and start baking the 2nd week in December. Lots of cookie doughs freeze well, so we have them all made and frozen, and then one day is “assembly” day, and we bake them all and assemble trays etc. The next day e pass them out!

For closer family – this year we purchased “flour sack” dish towels, and we are embroidering them with days of the week. There are also some awesome ideas out there on blogs – fabric covered journals, post it note frames for your kids artwork for Grandparents etc. Use your imagination!

Lalycairn (at) gmail.com

I used to spend over $1000 at Christmas and this year I will be spending about $600 and I have more people to buy for. I had to remember that spending a lot of money on someone does not show them how much I love them and I am sticking to a budget. I also am shopping around. I have found that it is worth the time to do a little research on the computer to price shop instead of shopping at the last minute and just getting the gift no matter the cost.

Chrissy’s last blog post..Thanksgiving Vacation

The best way to save money during the holidays is to pare down your list of gift recipients and give handmade gifts when you can! (It’s especially cute when the gift is from a child!)

Re-gifting, ha!

Two things our family does to avoid holiday overspending:
1. We have a Christmas envelope that we stash money in all year. When holiday time comes around, we know exactly how much money we have to spend, and we can make a careful plan for how to use it. When the envelope is empty, our holiday spending stops.
2. We make a lot of gifts ourselves. This year we will be making photobooks for the grandmas, block puzzles for our nieces, stuffed animals made from socks and gloves, edible gifts for coworkers and friends, and Christmas-themed wall art using photos of our extended family. In these tough economic times, I think people really appreciate that you made something special, rather than just purchasing something (and Wal-Mart’s craft isle has a lot of great supplies to inspire creativity!).

We do a lot of crafting throughout the year and love to give something handmade, especially to the grandparents. I have a journal that I have kept for the past 10 years to help me o