Did You Go Overboard with Gifts?

Now that the gift wrap is off and the gifts are spread around under the Christmas tree, there might be a sense that you went a little bit overboard. If it isn’t the sheer number of gifts, perhaps it is the credit card bill or the drain on your bank account that tells you that  you might have done a little too much. For me, it is usually the couple of extra gifts that I have left in the closet, too embarrassed or overwhelmed to bring them out. Ah, isn’t it so easy to be Santa these days. Still, it … Continue reading

Thrift Store Treasures

If you are a single mother, chances are money is pretty tight around this time of year, well let’s face it, money is tight all year round! With the holidays right around the corner you may be feeling the financial pressure weighing on your shoulders. It’s hard to provide Christmas for your children when you are already struggling to make it on your own. However, there are lots of things that can make this time a little less stressful for a single mother. Yesterday afternoon Logan and I went to a local thrift store with some friends of ours. We … Continue reading

Free Holiday Gifts (and some under $5)

How many people can you knock off of your Christmas giving list without spending any more than $5 a piece? One, two, none? You might be surprised. With a little investment of a few hours, you might be able to get a gift for everyone on your list for free or for less than $5. Here are some ideas. Homemade Knitting Knitting a sweater or a scarf is an age-old way to give someone a nice personal gift, but yarn, especially that made out of wool can get expensive. Instead, buy a nice sweater or sweaters second hand and then … Continue reading

Why Cash Might Be the Best Gift

Some people feel uncomfortable giving cash as a gift. That was never a problem in my family. In every Italian-American family wedding I’ve been to, the bride carries around a little purse just for the purpose. The envelopes get oohed and ahhed over more than does the sauce maker or the set of bed sheets. I do understand, however, that many people aren’t comfortable giving cash. They often opt for gift cards instead. A recent survey shows that people like getting gift cards, too. According to the 2012 Holiday Consumer Spending Survey, about six out of ten people would like … Continue reading

Too Many Gifts

I love Christmas, I really do, but I can’t help but wonder how much longer it will be the holiday we all remember from childhood. Every year the stores bring out the decorations earlier and earlier. Christmas trees are up in the stores before the school supplies are even gone. Everything is advertised as that perfect gift for someone on your list. Have we forgotten what Christmas is about? All day long I hear people talking and read online about the shopping, shopping and more shopping. The amount of debt Americans take on every Christmas is staggering. I’m as guilty … Continue reading

The Best Dollar Store Gifts

Dollar store gifts can be inexpensive without looking that way. It is all in how you find the treasures and how you bundle or package them. With more and more Americans spending less and less this holiday season, it is important to find new creative ways to get great gifts for everyone on your list. You can do this through dollar and discount stores. First, take the time to visit a few different dollar or discount stores. They aren’t all created equal. You may find that some offer better deals than others, or offer specific kinds of great gifts. Take … Continue reading

Payless Has Gifts For Women For Under Ten Dollars!

Need a quick, and inexpensive gift for your sister, mom, or best female friend? Did you want to send a nice little gift to your child’s female teacher, but not want to spend a lot of money on it? Perhaps you need a few more “stocking stuffers”, for the women in your life, but are almost through your budget for gifts this year. Try Payless! They have great gifts for women that are $10.00 or less. The gifts you give should be given because you want to show someone that you care about them, or as a “thank you” for … Continue reading

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Thrift Store Bargains 2

As you wonder what to do with all of your leftovers, take advantage of other people’s leftovers, too…leftover stuff, that is. This is the best time of year to get wonderful merchandise for pennies on the dollar at your local thrift store. If you missed the first part of this topic posted earlier today, click here. You should also find a lot of toys, as parents, overwhelmed with all of the gifts, either donate brand new items in an effort to bring the gift giving under control, or donated older toys to make way for the new ones. I found … Continue reading

Practical Gifts for a Frugal Family

Giving great gifts is always a good feeling. If you are wondering what gifts might be most appreciated by a frugal family (or if you can think of ideas for your own wish list) you might want to take a look at the following ideas. Yes, they are all very practical gifts, although that doesn’t mean that a little pampering couldn’t be thrown in. For example, a gift of service could mean anything from a gift of lawn service done by the giver to a a series of hair cuts and styles done in a high-end spa. Take a look … Continue reading

Favorite Sources for Frugal Holiday Gifts (They aren’t thrift stores)

Have you started thinking about getting those holiday gifts? A friend of mine is already finished with her gift shopping. Ugh. I am just not that organized, although I have the best intentions. When shopping for holiday gifts, it is important to shop smart. This way, you can make your money stretch well, and you won’t be faced with high credit card bills in January. Here are some of my favorite places to pick up holiday gifts. Five Below This retail store has a mix of items, many of which make great gifts. For example, I usually find current software … Continue reading