Holiday's Fast Approaching!!!

Here are some easy gift ideas:

For teens or young women, I like the idea of stuffing a stocking with a bunch of trial size shampoos, conditioners, hand lotion, and the like. They can easily be picked up at Target or the dollar store for pocket change (and if you know someone who travels on business, they can pick some up in the hotels they stay at, too). They can be wrapped individually in the small left over paper from other gifts. An entire stocking can be easily filled for under $15 and the gift looks very put together when presented in a stocking. As a kid, I loved when my dad brought home the shampoos from the hotels--and trust me, the stuff in the business class hotels is even nicer now.

A great "grandma" gift is to layer buttons (these can be accumulated from odd shirts) or purchased at a craft store) on a cardboard cutout (under 2" x 2"). Attach a pin to the back, and grandma has a one-of-a-kind, wearable gift. Shapes can be a simple heart, cut from cardboard from the back of a notebook. Affix each layer of buttons with enough craft glue that they won't pop off. I still wear the one my son made 15 years ago when he made them for his grandmoms too.

And never pass by the dollar section at Target or other stores. Last year I was able to purchase a ton of kitchen stuff for my daughter's play kitchen--an apron, baking sheets, toy food, etc, to help create her own little restaurant. Now I'm treated to all kinds of meals (if she could only cook that way in the real kitchen!).

And don't assume the toy section will be cheaper--sometimes a "real" rolling pin from the dollar store is cheaper than the kiddie version--who knows why.

At our house, Play Doh rules, and there are ways to make it very cheaply, but I just wait until it's on sale (big sets often go on sale for $5-6), and stock up. Nothing beats opening the can and seeing the little blob in its premeasured shape (and they have colors like gold, silver, confetti--wow).

And never forget how cool a brand new box of crayons and a coloring book was. And if the kids are older, colored pencils and a cheap sketch book.

At our house, it's more than likely there will be a big plate of cookies for friends, family, teachers, and people we work with regularly. I've always wanted to just have everyone over for a cookie party, but never gotten around to it. Maybe this year. Keep it easy--coffee, tea, milk and cookies. Have others bring their homemade treats to share.

Happy holidays everyone!

I think the creative cost saving is to shop for the need of the people and your pocket. I believe people should give gift they can afford and try to keep it simple.

For me, this holiday is a kind of sad because I lost my only nephew during the summer, but managed to mailed packages and money to my nieces, siblings, mother, and parents in-law. I hope they receive the packages before the Christmas.

I am yet to buy gifts for my children, hubby, and former landlady. My husband's gift is very simple, either a pair of dress shoes or shirt, my children, a trip to the bookstore for books, and the landlady, a money order or check.

Thanks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Holidays To All :)

Everyone agreed no gift giving, only to grand children age 16 & under. Remember the reason for the season.

We get together and laugh, tell stories of holdidays past, family & friends are our gift to each other

I have a few creative cost-effective ideas. First, don't get caught up on the hype of the latest toy/product that's splashed across the airwaves. Instead, you ask your child what is the one gift they really want and name an alternate. If both of these items named are too costly for your budget, explain to your child that at this point we can not afford the item(s) that you have selected, however, show me an item that you would like to have that fits in the budget that you (the parent) have proposed. Children love when parents are honest, though they may not like that they're not getting their gift of first choice at that time they know they will receive something that is promising because it's something you don't have to break your bank over.

I have begun my Christmas shopping but over the course of a few years I have decided to give gifts that are meaningful like for two years I gave a picture of my family in a beautiful picture frame. My friends and family loved this gift because it lasts a lifetime instead of something tangible that will fade or have no use over time.

For my smaller children (age 2, 4, and 7 months), I'm investing in gifts that are educational. My children love to watch Brainy Baby, Classical Baby and my two and four year old loves puzzles. These products will help enrich their brain as well as help them reach their developmental milestone instead of buying another toy that I have to put in storage.

My advice for anybody when it comes to Christmas shopping is give from the heart and give something that will be beneficial for more than one day!!!!

I hope this advice will help someone. Also, I have a group discussion called "Getting the Best Education" please feel to come and join the discussion. I look forward to hearing from you!!!!!
-Wendy