Vistaprint - Custom Christmas Stockings $7.99

 

Watch your children's eyes widen with excitement after seeing their name on their own red plush Vistaprint stocking hanging from your mantel. After all, children and adults alike are sure to love having this memorable holiday keepsake every holiday season. Christmas stockings are easy to customize, fun to show off, and always add the perfect personal element to gift giving. Simply choose a name and font to begin creating a holiday gift that you'll enjoy for years to come and thats as unique as you.

And for only $7.99 plus FREE shipping, now you can shop once and deliver cheer to everyone on your holiday list. Just one of the many reasons to shop at Vistaprint this season.

York Photo - 4 x 6 Custom Softcover Book Only $1

Order your 4x6 Custom Softcover Book for $1 PLUS 40 Free Prints. 

 

Great gift idea for Christmas!

Vistaprint - $2 Kids T-Shirts

$2 Kids' Tees at Vistaprint!  You can find kids' T-shirts everywhere. But why go generic when you can be completely unique? Show your kids how special they are with their very own personalized T-shirts - you can even let them join in on the fun!  

Turn your T-shirt order into craft time! Let your little ones choose a favorite from over 100 designs and add a silly saying, or even a favorite photo. Our design studio is easy to use and offers a variety of customization options.  Your kids with love wearing their new creations, not only because they designed it, but also because they're super comfy. This high-quality, 100% pre-shrunk cotton material can also handle the toughest of tykes. See for yourself with this special $2 kids' T-shirt offer.  Shipping Starting Price:  $4.14 Another great Christmas gift idea!

Christmas Is Less Than 5 Months Away!!

Its that time of year again.  Christmas is less than 5 months away. This is the time that I start planning for Christmas.  I feel like it is never to early to plan ahead.  Planning ahead helps keep me organized and on budget.   There are a couple of things that I do every year that helps me organize, stay on budget and plan ahead.

1) Make a Christmas list. I list names of everyone that I am buying for along with any gift ideas.

 

2) Make a Budget - Decide how much money you can or want to spend at Christmas.  I always add an amount of how much I can spend for each person on my list.   Add each total up and make sure it is under or equal to your budgeted amount.  Sometimes I have to adjust my numbers. 

 

3) List any gift ideas I may have for each person. If I find something during the year at a great price, I will go ahead and purchase it and save for Christmas.  This really helps me stay on budget. 

4) Think about any donations, toy drives, Shoebox Ministries that you are going to participate in. I always donate to toy drives and do (4) shoesboxes every year. With back to school sales currently going on, now is a great time to buy items for your shoeboxes. It is amazing how many things you can put in a shoebox for very little money.

5) Go through my gift closet. I buy things throughout the year that I find awesome deals on and place in my gift closet for birthdays and Christmas. I go through my items and see if there is anything that I can label for a certain person on my list. By doing this last year, I was able to make 5 people off my list immediately.

6) Gift Baskets - I make gift baskets every year for my mom and mother-in-law. I started out doing a stocking for them every year but the stockings never seemed to be big enough therefore the gift baskets began.  Last year I did theme baskets for each, kitchen theme and they both loved them.  I am still working on a theme for this year.

Note: If thinking of doing this, you can find awesome baskets at the Goodwill Store for almost nothing.

6) Gift Wrapping -  I checked my gift wrapping storage this morning.  I have enough wrapping paper, bows, tape, gift tags and gift bags.  I do need to purchase some tissue paper. 
7) Christmas Card List - I have a Christmas card list that I use every year but I always review it and see if there is anyone that needs to be added. This way I always know how many total cards I need to purchase. I always do photo cards with pictures of my children.  Since I have to order these, I usually try to have a picture ready by the first of December so I can order and have them back in plenty of time to mail before Christmas.

8) Plan a Menu - If I am having any get togethers or family functions at my home during the holidays I try to plan my menu ahead of time so I can take advantage of grocery store sales. There is certain things that I make every Christmas and then I also like to try new recipes. I have even planned my menu by the grocery store sales ad. This is another great way to stay on budget.

If you do anything else to prepare for Christmas early, besides what I have listed, please share. I am always looking for new ideas.

Still Available - YorkPhoto.com - $1 Grocery Tote Bag

Get a custom grocery tote bag for just $1 when you use code: YORKTOTEAD. Plus, get 40 Free photo prints when you register. Does not include shipping.

I think this would make a cute Christmas gift!

Thrifty Craft - Thrifty Gift to Include in a Birthday Card

I often send birthday cards to family and friends on their special day.  I really wanted to include a little something special in my friends card this year but I didn't want to spend a lot of money.  I finally decided to make her a bookmark.  I had all the items needed to make this bookmark = NO money spent. 

Items Needed:

Cardstock - Solid Colors and Patterened
Buttons
Ribbon
Glue
Scissors
White Writing Pen
Decorative Punch

So, what do you think?  Do you think she will like it?

A Christmas Gift Idea

This would make a great gift for your spouse or for grandparents.  Now is a great time to start shopping for Christmas.

FREE Customized T-Shirt - Just Pay Shipping and Handling

VistaPrint is now offer a FREE customized t-shirt - just pay shipping and handling.  This would be a great gift for a graduate.  Click here to order.

Rite Aid - 75% Off Clearance Items for Gift Closet

While I was out yesterday taking Payton to the dentist and dance, I ran by Rite-Aid to check out their 75% off Christmas clearance.  I have been waiting for them to mark down these items.  I really wanted to add a few to my gift closet. I love any kind of gifts that have to do with pictures.

This is what I purchased:

2 - Photo Coasters - Reg. 5.99, Marked Down to 1.49
2 - Revolving Photo Cubes - Reg. 5.99, Marked Down to 1.49
1 - Photo Snowglobe - Reg. 3.99, Marked Down to .99
1 - Photo Travel Tumbler -Reg. 3.99, Marked Down to .99

Total OOP - 8.58
Savings - 34.50 

Thrifty Christmas Gift or Hostess Gift

Lowes Hardware currently has Amaryllis and Paper Whites marked down 40%.  They were originally 9.98 less 40% = $5.99 plus tax.  They come in a velvet gift box complete with bow. You can choose the color and kind you want.  The velvet gift boxes are available in gold, silver, or black.  Nice gift at a great price.

I picked up 3 yesterday.

Thrifty Christmas Gifts

Every year I stress over what to buy 2 teenage girls on my Christmas list.  I think teens/tweens are the hardest to buy for.  This year I came up with what I think is an awesome idea that I got almost nothing.  I really think they will enjoy it. 

"Date Night" Gift Basket
Includes:
$10 Pizza Hut Gift Card (Free - Ordered through Mypoints.com)
3 FREE Movie Rentals for $1 (Ordered through Groupon)
2 Popcorn Containers (Stacked Together, used as the "basket" - $1 Dollar Tree)
2 Bags of Popcorn (Pulled from my Popcorn order from the Boys Scout program that I order from my nephew every year - .90 per bag)
- Miscellaneous Candy (Pulled from Stockpile)

I made a card to include from my scrapbooking supplies that states:

"Date Night" Gift Basket
Enjoy a free dinner on us, movies and snacks!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
(Also included on the card was the redbox instructions for using their code for the FREE rentals.)

To make it look festive, I pulled a piece of tissue paper around it and added a bow.

Total Spent - Less Than $5


"Kitchen" Themed Gift Basket
Each year I always make my mother-in-law a stocking.  I usually just pull items from my hygiene products stockpile.  This year I decided to do something different.  I chose a "Kitchen" theme and this is what I came up with.

Basket - Purchased at the Goodwill for .50, brand new still had the tag on it
Grocery Bag - .50 Walgreens
Gain Dish Detergent - FREE
Scrubbing Sponge with Abrasive Side - FREE
These items came from a gift basket that I won from amother blog giveaway:
Recipe Card Box - FREE
Spoon Rest - FREE
2 Cooking Utensils - FREE
Rolling Pin Recipe Card Holder - holds recipe will cooking - FREE
Italian Dipping Sauce Mix - 2.50
Olive Oil - not pictured, still need to purchase - Under $5 with coupon
Basket Liner - Christmas cloth napkin that I bought a 4 pack last year on clearance (.50)  - .13

I will put this in a Christmas bag that I already have.

Total Spent - Less Than $8

Do you make gift baskets for Christmas gifts?  If so, what kind do you make?

(If the parents of the teenagers are reading this, shhhhhh don't tell what your daughters are getting!  LOL)

CHRISTMAS IS LESS THAN 5 MONTHS AWAY!!

I have officially started planning for Christmas. It is less than 5 months away and I feel like it is never to early to plan ahead. This year more than ever I feel like I need to really start planning early, since I am not working. I admit I use to not have a budget and would spend way too much money at Christmas. I would often use my credit cards to purchase gifts but those days are over. There are a couple of things that I do every year that helps me organize, stay on budget and plan ahead.

1) Make a Christmas list. I list names of everyone that I am buying for.

2) List any gift ideas I may have for each person. Not only does this help me stay on budget but it also helps me look for things on sale or clearance.

3) Think about any donations, toy drives, Shoebox Ministries that you are going to participate in. I always donate to toy drives and do (4) shoesboxes every year. With back to school sales currently going on, now is a great time to buy items for your shoeboxes. It is amazing how many things you can put in a shoebox for very little money.

4) Go through my gift closet. I buy things throughout the year that I find awesome deals on and place in my gift closet for birthdays and Christmas. I go through my items and see if there is anything that I can label for a certain person on my list.

5) Gift Baskets - I make gift baskets every year for my mom and mother-in-law. I started out doing a stocking for them every year but the stockings never seemed to be big enough therefore the gift baskets began. I usually fill them with everyday items that they can use that I have gotten for FREE or almost FREE from CVS and Walgreens. I have never spent over $10 in them each year and they make such great gifts. This year I am going for a themed basket - Kitchen. I already have a few items for each and can't wait to add more. I have so much fun making them.

Note: If thinking of doing this, you can find awesome baskets at the Goodwill Store for almost nothing.

6) Gift Wrapping - I have a gift wrapping area in one of my storage closets that I organized early this year. I need to look through my wrapping paper, gift cards, bows, tissue paper etc to see if there is anything I need. Here again, I can look for things on sale. I also buy wrapping paper and gift bags on clearance after Christmas and this helps me remember what I have purchased.

7) Christmas Card List - I have a Christmas card list that I use every year but I always review it and see if there is anyone that needs to be added. This way I always know how many total cards I need to purchase. Since my babies came along, I was doing photo cards and the sales you often find around Christmas don't last long. Last year I got my Christmas cards for almost nothing.

8) Plan a Menu - If I am having any get togethers or family functions at my home during the holidays I try to plan my menu ahead of time so I can take advantage of grocery store sales. There is certain things that I make every Christmas and then I also like to try new recipes. I have even planned my menu by the grocery store sales ad. This is another great way to stay on budget.

If you do anything else to prepare for Christmas early, besides what I have listed, please share. I am always looking for new ideas.

THE CUTEST NIGHT LIGHT LAMP

While searching for way overdue new table lamps, I came across the cutest night light lamp for Payton. She definitely needs one for her room. I have to leave the hall light on at night. This would ideal for her. Isn't it so cute?

This may be something I could add to her Christmas list.

THRIFTY FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEA

Artscow.com has customized photo playing cards for a mind blowing price of $3.99* including international delivery. This offer is applicable to the complete range of playing cards, including single and multiple designs on different shaped cards.

Coupon code:
PLAY399CARDS
Expires on: 05/12/2010

Thrifty Christmas Gifts

You never know what you will find when you visit the dollar store. The closest one to me is The Dollar Tree. You never know what you will find in there especially around holidays. Some of my favorite Christmas ornaments were purchased there. The Dollar Tree is always on my list of places to go around Christmas. This is a great place to find a frugal/thrifty Christmas gifts, especially if you have to buy for lots of people. Below is a list of things I have purchased in the past as gifts.


Ornaments
Picture Frames
Picture Frame Stands - (Love these and they usually sell out fast)
Books
Cookbooks
Dishes
Glassware
Scrapbooking Supplies
Kids Books
Puzzles


Have you found any neat gifts at the dollar stores??

FREE Photo Books - Christmas Gifts??

ArtsCow.com - Fall Sale

10 FREE Photo Books - Coupon FREE10XBOOKS

Please click here to register and new customers will also receive 400 FREE Prints.

Thrifty Christmas Gift Idea

Oprah does "My Favorite Things" giveaways and this year for Christmas I am going to do "Maria's Favorite Things" for Christmas gifts for my co-workers. Of course, there will not be 1000's of dollars involved but I thought it was a neat idea.


I have set an $8 limit for each person. I have 2 ladies to buy for. Below is what I have so far.

Soapsoft Spa Radiant Exfoliating body wash (I love love this stuff) - FREE
Shower Gel Scrubbie - .50
Fingernail File - 4 Sided with 6 Different Textures for your nails - $1.00
Kitchen Magnetic Note Pad - Can't live without these .50
BBW Lotion - FREE with purchase
Chap Stick - FREE

I have spent $2.00 so far on each lady. From now until Christmas I am going to use items that I love and that I can get for FREE or almost FREE from CVS, Walgreens, etc to fill up their basket.



Don't forget the way you present a gift is important. I plan on using a basket with a Christmas ribbon that I already have and maybe use a Christmas dish towel as a basket liner.

Family Fun Magazine - Easy, Cheap, Craft/Gift Idea

A few months ago, I posted a free offer for a subscription to Family Fun magazine. Every month, I look forward to the neat, thrifty craft ideas. Some of these would make great gifts for kids, tweens, teens, and adults. This one of my favorites from this month. A Desk to Go has been added to my craft file. Click here for printable instructions.

Click here for a FREE Family Fun Subscription.

Christmas the Frugal Way Blog

Angie from Thrifty Florida Mom and her sister-in-law are teaming up to produce a "Christmas the Frugal Way" blog starting Saturday, August 16 through the Christmas season. Be sure to check it out. I'm sure they will come up with wonderful tips and gift ideas.

Frugal Gifts for Christmas

Its not that far away.......134 days to be exact!! I look forward to Christmas every year. Last year, there was so much going on, last minute things to do, and it seemed like Christmas was over in a blink of your eye and I didn't get to enjoy it as much as I wanted to. This year is going to be different. I have already made me a Christmas list (4 names already checked off), started a gift container in my storage closet (where I keep all Christmas gifts together), and decided on what I am going to make as gifts this year. I always try to give grandparents and aunts/uncles something just from Payton. I have decided this year that they are getting Snowman Soup. I also do (8) gifts for my husbands 97 year old grandmother to give her nurses and nursing assistants. They are getting Snowballs in a Jar. I always do Shoeboxes for the Samaritian's Purse - Operation Christmas Child and I have 4 completed already.

With the economy and wonderful gas prices, I am cutting my Christmas budget in half this year. No one is getting left off my list but I am not going to spend an outrageous amount either. Christmas should be to celebrate the birth of Jesus and for the kids to enjoy Santa. Below is a list I came up with for great inexpensive/frugal gifts. I have found lots of ideas online, magazines, and by just thinking of the person who I need a gift for. I love to give useful gifts. I guess I get that from my grandma who always spoke her mind no matter what and would tell you if she didn't like her gift. I have heard her say countless times "Well, whatcha get me that for? I don't have anywhere to put it." That was just her way and I loved her for it.

Inexpensive/Frugal Gift Ideas:

Framed pictures of your kids.
Gift Baskets - Theme Baskets are a Great Idea. Two of my favorites are "Family Night" and "Everyday Use". Family Night could include popcorn, candy, popcorn bowl, drinks, $5 movie rental gift card etc. Everyday use baskets can include lots of themes - cleaning supplies, hygiene products for the family, breakfast basket (recipe with ingredients and a kitchen utensil), dinner basket etc.

Magazine Subscriptions - You can find great deals online.

Gift Certificates for some kind of service/favor you will perform - babysitting, house cleaning etc. - FREE

Hand Stamped Notecards - Buy plain ones at a discount store and add some personal touches.

Create a Music CD.

Dollar Store Items - Ornaments, Greeting Card Set, Socks, Small Tools Books, Toys etc.

Homemade Cookbooks from your favorite recipes.

Homemade Christmas Goodies.

Homemade Christmas Ornaments.

Make a personalized Doormat.

Make a Blanket out of fleece.

Make a Rice Wrap.

Donate to a charity in a persons name. Some charities give you a Christmas card indicating a donation has been given.

Decorate Plain Tea Towels with Paint Pens - Use a stencil.

For co-workers - Take them a homemade lunch in a lunchbag.

A bottle of wine - Some great wines are very inexpensive. Pick up a couple of wine glasses at the $1 store.

Gift Cards - Signup at mypoints.com and earn points for reading emails, taking surveys, online shopping through them to earn free gift cards. If you would like to sign up for this, please let me know and I can send you a referral and earn extra points. Then we you sign up, you can in return earn points for referring others.

Purchase wooden ornaments/decorations from AC Moore or a craft store and let you kids decorate them.

Let me know if you have any other great ideas. I will update often and be glad to add.

**Any item that I have listed above to make, just search the internet for instructions to make.

**I also think that the presentation of your gift is very important. You can get very creative with bows, wrapping paper, name tags.