I got an email today about their Signature collection (the body washes, lotions, and sprays).
The collection is buy 3, get 3 free right now. The lotions and washes are $10.50 each, making it 6 for $31.50 before tax/shipping. The spray I originally added, I didn't realize was $14.50, so I ditched that, because of course, THAT one didn't ring up free.
Then, there's a coupon code- 20holiday
It takes 20% off the total, and knocks shipping down to $3.00 flat.
The total in my cart right now is $28.20 after shipping, but before tax.
But, for 6 Christmas gifts, it's not a bad price. These are the full size bottles.
Showing posts with label frugal gift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frugal gift. Show all posts
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Felt Magnets
Do you ever just sit at your craft area, staring at the items, and hoping for inspiration? No? Oh.. uh... me neither. Nope.
A few nights ago, I was messing around with some magnet and trying to come up with something that I can use as an add in to the homemade gifts I've made for this year. Each person is getting an ornament, as well as the regular gift item I chose for that person or family.
As I played around, I decided to make snowflakes out of puff balls on the magnet. But, I wanted to hide the magnet, so I dug through my felt, and pulled out navy blue felt with sparkles. When I started working with the pom poms, I realized I didn't have enough to make them this way, and didn't especially like how they looked anyway.
The pom poms got tucked safely away. What I found when I tucked them away was my stash of glitter glue. I wound up drawing snowflake designs on squares of navy blue glitter felt, which was glued to squares of magnet.
A frugal craft- the magnets were free promotional magnets I save through out the year when I get them. The felt was on hand, as well as the glitter glue. I made both silver & gold glitter.
They will make a nice add on to the gifts, at no added cost to me. Like I said- a frugal gift, indeed!
A few nights ago, I was messing around with some magnet and trying to come up with something that I can use as an add in to the homemade gifts I've made for this year. Each person is getting an ornament, as well as the regular gift item I chose for that person or family.
As I played around, I decided to make snowflakes out of puff balls on the magnet. But, I wanted to hide the magnet, so I dug through my felt, and pulled out navy blue felt with sparkles. When I started working with the pom poms, I realized I didn't have enough to make them this way, and didn't especially like how they looked anyway.
The pom poms got tucked safely away. What I found when I tucked them away was my stash of glitter glue. I wound up drawing snowflake designs on squares of navy blue glitter felt, which was glued to squares of magnet.
A frugal craft- the magnets were free promotional magnets I save through out the year when I get them. The felt was on hand, as well as the glitter glue. I made both silver & gold glitter.
They will make a nice add on to the gifts, at no added cost to me. Like I said- a frugal gift, indeed!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Frugal Snowflake Crayons
This morning, I perused my dashboard of blogs I follow, and saw that Mad in Crafts had a new post about a frugal stocking stuffer. I love frugal anything, so I was drawn immediatly to her blog.
Those of us with kids know how much kids love to color, and how easily crayons break, and that no matter how much glue or tape they implore us to use, those crayons are never going to be the same as a whole crayon. I'm sure many of you have seen or even used the trick to melt crayons down into a muffin pan, so that they can be reused, right?
Well, Mad In Crafts took the idea, and exchanged a plain muffin pan for a snowflake shaped silicone muffin pan! The end result? A stack of adorable snowflake shaped crayons for kids.
They are frugal, easy to make, and as she said- they'd be a great stocking stuffer! I must have 10 boxes of crayons in my school supply drawer. I buy them up in bulk when they are only $.14 just before school starts. I'm already contemplating making white ones with small bits of color in them.
Thanks for the awesome idea!
Those of us with kids know how much kids love to color, and how easily crayons break, and that no matter how much glue or tape they implore us to use, those crayons are never going to be the same as a whole crayon. I'm sure many of you have seen or even used the trick to melt crayons down into a muffin pan, so that they can be reused, right?
Well, Mad In Crafts took the idea, and exchanged a plain muffin pan for a snowflake shaped silicone muffin pan! The end result? A stack of adorable snowflake shaped crayons for kids.
They are frugal, easy to make, and as she said- they'd be a great stocking stuffer! I must have 10 boxes of crayons in my school supply drawer. I buy them up in bulk when they are only $.14 just before school starts. I'm already contemplating making white ones with small bits of color in them.
Thanks for the awesome idea!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Frugal Gift Idea: Printed Ornaments
Last year before Christmas, I discovered a site called ArtsCow, which is a US based company, but they ship their products out of Hong Kong. It's similar to photo sites- you upload a photo, pick a product, place the photo on it, and voila! A nice gift item!
Last year, I was able to get double sided round ceramic ornaments for $2.99 each, with free shipping. I put the kids on one side, and on the other side, I made a "card" from paintshop pro that just said (in fancy script & colors, of course): "Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from The Herber Family, Christmas 2009"
The grandparents went nuts for them! They all loved the gift, and it cost me very little.
The site does great prints, too. I've ordered all my prints there (usually for free with low shipping), and have loved how they have come out.
Right now, they are running a promo for the ornaments again- $1.99 for a single printed side, or $2.99 for a double printed side! If you order by November 30th, they are promising that you will receive your shipment before Christmas. This offer expires on the 29th. Use the code: XMASONMT
Oh- and just for signing up, you'll see a TON of credits for free products in your account! Last year, I scored free decks of personalized cards, dog tags, ornaments, and prints!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Cheap Disney Blu-Rays!
I'm excited by this deal, and even though I don't think we need them, I must say- I want them!
At Target this week, apparently, some of the Blu-Ray copies of UP are on sale for just $19.99. This is not the 2 disc set, which is listed in the ad for $22.99. Monster's INC is also on sale in Blu-Ray form for $19.99, again, not the 2 disc version.
In addition, Disney has a coupon for $10 off UP on Blu-Ray, and $8 off Monster's INC on Blu-Ray. Now, the Monster's INC one is for upgrading from DVD to Blu-Ray, so you do need to input the UPC code from the back of your current copy of Monster's Inc on DVD to get the $8 off coupon.
Then, to sweeten the pot, Target has a coupon for $10 off if you buy BOTH of the movies together. This means that in the end, you'll get both movies on Blu-Ray for only $11.98- under $6 each!
Good Luck!
At Target this week, apparently, some of the Blu-Ray copies of UP are on sale for just $19.99. This is not the 2 disc set, which is listed in the ad for $22.99. Monster's INC is also on sale in Blu-Ray form for $19.99, again, not the 2 disc version.
In addition, Disney has a coupon for $10 off UP on Blu-Ray, and $8 off Monster's INC on Blu-Ray. Now, the Monster's INC one is for upgrading from DVD to Blu-Ray, so you do need to input the UPC code from the back of your current copy of Monster's Inc on DVD to get the $8 off coupon.
Then, to sweeten the pot, Target has a coupon for $10 off if you buy BOTH of the movies together. This means that in the end, you'll get both movies on Blu-Ray for only $11.98- under $6 each!
Good Luck!
How To: Making A Stuffed Furry Snake
Yesterday, I didn't do a lot of crafting, but I did manage to get a few projects done. As Christmas draws near, I am looking to shore up the Christmas stash, and find gifts to make for people that are both frugal, and nice. One of the things I did yesterday, was make a stuffed furry snake out of left over fake fur boa. I used this in re-fashioning a sweater for Gillian. Sadly, I have no before photos of this project.
The fur was already sewn into a tube shape, and since I had cut a section off, it was a long skinny open tube, perfect for a pet snake. I made eyes out of black & white felt I picked up over the weekend, and a long red tongue out of red felt. I sewed the eyes on first, then stuffed it, added the tongue to the opening and sewed it shut.
When it was "done", it just felt too bare, so I glitzed it up a bit. Using some sparkly green costume fabric, I fashioned a bow. Now, while this may seem like the easy part, let me explain just why it wasn't.
I love glittery, sparkly, slippery, shiny fabric for costumes. However, my sewing machine has never, ever agreed with it. It doesn't matter the settings or needle, the machine balks at sewing it. I only buy it when it's a remnant, but it's still an impossible dream for me.
In order to fashion the bow, I used hot glue. I folded the ends to the middle, width wise (narrow), then put a strip of glue on one side, and folded it together again, making a long skinny strip. Once that was done, I folded it into a simple bow shape, and was actually able to sew down the middle to secure it, before cutting the loose ends off.
I attempted to sew the middle together, to gather it, but that was a failure. Instead, I used a regular needle & thread to go through the fabric once, then I just wound the thread around it, over and over, and tied it off. Lastly, I hot glued a purple flower shaped rhinestone to the middle and called it good.
I also added rhinestones to the eyes, so it's a pretty, sparkly furry snake. It obviously is not good for small children prone to eating things, as the rhinestones can pop off, but it'll make a good gift for the 7-8 year old range my family is swamped with. Counting all 3 sides of my family, there were 5 little girls born from August 2001 to August 2002. Actually, I think there were 6, come to think of it.
Anyway, these will make a cute little add in. I am toying with the idea of a cute, removeable skirt. I have some various laces that make for a quick, easy, & dressy skirt.
The fur was already sewn into a tube shape, and since I had cut a section off, it was a long skinny open tube, perfect for a pet snake. I made eyes out of black & white felt I picked up over the weekend, and a long red tongue out of red felt. I sewed the eyes on first, then stuffed it, added the tongue to the opening and sewed it shut.
When it was "done", it just felt too bare, so I glitzed it up a bit. Using some sparkly green costume fabric, I fashioned a bow. Now, while this may seem like the easy part, let me explain just why it wasn't.
I love glittery, sparkly, slippery, shiny fabric for costumes. However, my sewing machine has never, ever agreed with it. It doesn't matter the settings or needle, the machine balks at sewing it. I only buy it when it's a remnant, but it's still an impossible dream for me.
In order to fashion the bow, I used hot glue. I folded the ends to the middle, width wise (narrow), then put a strip of glue on one side, and folded it together again, making a long skinny strip. Once that was done, I folded it into a simple bow shape, and was actually able to sew down the middle to secure it, before cutting the loose ends off.
I attempted to sew the middle together, to gather it, but that was a failure. Instead, I used a regular needle & thread to go through the fabric once, then I just wound the thread around it, over and over, and tied it off. Lastly, I hot glued a purple flower shaped rhinestone to the middle and called it good.
I also added rhinestones to the eyes, so it's a pretty, sparkly furry snake. It obviously is not good for small children prone to eating things, as the rhinestones can pop off, but it'll make a good gift for the 7-8 year old range my family is swamped with. Counting all 3 sides of my family, there were 5 little girls born from August 2001 to August 2002. Actually, I think there were 6, come to think of it.
Anyway, these will make a cute little add in. I am toying with the idea of a cute, removeable skirt. I have some various laces that make for a quick, easy, & dressy skirt.
Wal-Mart vs. Amazon: The Great Price War
A few weeks ago, Walmart & Amazon engaged in a price war over hardcover books, each trying to undercut the other, until brand new hard cover novels were around $8 each, instead of $20+.
This morning, I was looking over Walmart.com, and I noticed something that I am certain is another price war, but one that I'm eager for- you can pre-order new release DVD's for under $10 each. They are currently priced at $9.98. The titles include:
G-Force
Star Trek
Four Christmases
Santa Buddies
Harry Potter
My Sister's Keeper
Angels and Demons
Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian
Terminator: Salvation
Julie & Julia
These 10 titles would be a great pick up for Christmas, as many of them are $19.99 to $29.99 as new releases. There are several I have been wanting to see, and am considering, so we'll see! After a cursory glance at 2 titles on Amazon.com, I will note that they are indeed in a price war, as Amazon.com has them listed at $10.00 even.
If you wait a day or two, I imagine you'll see them drop even more.
This morning, I was looking over Walmart.com, and I noticed something that I am certain is another price war, but one that I'm eager for- you can pre-order new release DVD's for under $10 each. They are currently priced at $9.98. The titles include:
G-Force
Star Trek
Four Christmases
Santa Buddies
Harry Potter
My Sister's Keeper
Angels and Demons
Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian
Terminator: Salvation
Julie & Julia
These 10 titles would be a great pick up for Christmas, as many of them are $19.99 to $29.99 as new releases. There are several I have been wanting to see, and am considering, so we'll see! After a cursory glance at 2 titles on Amazon.com, I will note that they are indeed in a price war, as Amazon.com has them listed at $10.00 even.
If you wait a day or two, I imagine you'll see them drop even more.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Family Gift Idea: Game Night
My friend Sarah over at Sarah's Deals posted a pretty slick deal yesterday. This is primarily good for the younger kids, but it's a great gift idea, especially those that buy for a lot of kids!
Toys R Us is having a Hasbro game sale right now, with several preschool games marked only $3.99. When you buy $25 worth of Hasbro games, you get a $10 gift card back. In addition, you can get a $2/game rebate (limit 1 per game title- so you can't buy 3 of the same game title, and get $6, you'd only get $2) back in refund from Hasbro.
The gift card activates 6 hours after making the deal (presumably so you have to come back to the store a second time). That frees you up $10 to buy another gift at TRU.
The math would require the purchase of 7 games at $3.99 to hit the $25 mark. Once you did, you would get $10 off your next purchase, and then a rebate of $14 back, making your total purchase only around $4 for 7 games. That's pretty much buy 1 get 6 free!
There are also some $7.99 & $9.99 games listed, which means buying less to hit the $25 mark, but saving less, as well, since the rebate would go down. To buy the fewest, at the cheapest price, you would want to buy 2 of the $7.99 games, and 1 of the $9.99 games to equal $25.97. You would get a $10 gift card back, and a $6 rebate, making it just shy of $10 for 3 games.
The more expensive games are geared at older kids- Clue, Boggle, Scrabble, Mouse Trap, Yahtzee, etc.
Thanks for the great deal, Sarah, and good luck shoppers!
Toys R Us is having a Hasbro game sale right now, with several preschool games marked only $3.99. When you buy $25 worth of Hasbro games, you get a $10 gift card back. In addition, you can get a $2/game rebate (limit 1 per game title- so you can't buy 3 of the same game title, and get $6, you'd only get $2) back in refund from Hasbro.
The gift card activates 6 hours after making the deal (presumably so you have to come back to the store a second time). That frees you up $10 to buy another gift at TRU.
The math would require the purchase of 7 games at $3.99 to hit the $25 mark. Once you did, you would get $10 off your next purchase, and then a rebate of $14 back, making your total purchase only around $4 for 7 games. That's pretty much buy 1 get 6 free!
There are also some $7.99 & $9.99 games listed, which means buying less to hit the $25 mark, but saving less, as well, since the rebate would go down. To buy the fewest, at the cheapest price, you would want to buy 2 of the $7.99 games, and 1 of the $9.99 games to equal $25.97. You would get a $10 gift card back, and a $6 rebate, making it just shy of $10 for 3 games.
The more expensive games are geared at older kids- Clue, Boggle, Scrabble, Mouse Trap, Yahtzee, etc.
Thanks for the great deal, Sarah, and good luck shoppers!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Frugal Homemade Christmas Ornaments
I have yet to start making ornaments this year, but have been looking for ideas all over the place. I've found some really cool, inexpensive ideas that I can't wait to try out! Here are the links, and a description of each ornament.
Yarn Stocking Hat Ornament- This is an ornament even kids can make- in fact, my older daughter did make one in the 2nd grade! You need 2 things- yarn & either a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll. Oh, and scissors. ;)
Felt Star Ornament- This one might take a bit more patience, but I think older kids could still easily make this one, and it looks really neat. You need felt strips, glue, and scissors.
Reused Christmas Bulb Reindeer- Super cute, and super easy for even the little ones. You'll need pipe cleaners, glue, and googly eyes.
Glitter Ornaments- Easy Peasy. While more intricate patterns will require more patience and a steady hand, this is something even the little ones can make. You'll need glass ornament bulbs (clear works great, but this can be done on colored ones, too!), glue, a paint brush, and glitter.
Reindeer Puzzle Ornaments- These might work on school age kids and up, or might be a great group project. You'll need puzzle pieces (shop 2nd hand, and save money!), brown paint, paint brushes, small round red or brown pom poms, googly eyes, glue and ribbon. You can use other paint colors to add designs, as the original poster did. These would also make adorable pins by gluing a pin finding to the back, instead of a ribbon to hang it by. Small and lightweight, these would work great as a present topper.
These are all simple crafts that even people who aren't crafty can make. No sewing involved! Just some time and a little patience.
I would love to see any homemade ornaments you may have done, so feel free to share your links with us!
Yarn Stocking Hat Ornament- This is an ornament even kids can make- in fact, my older daughter did make one in the 2nd grade! You need 2 things- yarn & either a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll. Oh, and scissors. ;)
Felt Star Ornament- This one might take a bit more patience, but I think older kids could still easily make this one, and it looks really neat. You need felt strips, glue, and scissors.
Reused Christmas Bulb Reindeer- Super cute, and super easy for even the little ones. You'll need pipe cleaners, glue, and googly eyes.
Glitter Ornaments- Easy Peasy. While more intricate patterns will require more patience and a steady hand, this is something even the little ones can make. You'll need glass ornament bulbs (clear works great, but this can be done on colored ones, too!), glue, a paint brush, and glitter.
Reindeer Puzzle Ornaments- These might work on school age kids and up, or might be a great group project. You'll need puzzle pieces (shop 2nd hand, and save money!), brown paint, paint brushes, small round red or brown pom poms, googly eyes, glue and ribbon. You can use other paint colors to add designs, as the original poster did. These would also make adorable pins by gluing a pin finding to the back, instead of a ribbon to hang it by. Small and lightweight, these would work great as a present topper.
These are all simple crafts that even people who aren't crafty can make. No sewing involved! Just some time and a little patience.
I would love to see any homemade ornaments you may have done, so feel free to share your links with us!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Looking for an Xbox 360 for Christmas?
My husband is positively drooling over this, and I've been assured that it is indeed a fantastic deal (not that we'll take part!). This weekend on Saturday, Walmart is going to have a special sale on many items (including a more budget friendly $29 DVD player). The big item that has Nick drooling, though, is a $199 XBox 360. Ok, so that's the regular price, right?
Well, everyone who buys one will be receiving a $100 Walmart gift card, on the spot! That's basically a $99 popular video game system! There is a minimum of 10 units per store, but be warned- they'll likely go fast. The sale starts at 8am, but if you are going after something, get there early!
Happy Shopping!
Well, everyone who buys one will be receiving a $100 Walmart gift card, on the spot! That's basically a $99 popular video game system! There is a minimum of 10 units per store, but be warned- they'll likely go fast. The sale starts at 8am, but if you are going after something, get there early!
Happy Shopping!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Frugal Video Games: 6 WII Games for $30!
This was first posted on Gather, which referred to a blog, which referred to another blog.
Here's the deal-
WII Games are on sale this week at Target, Buy 2 games, get 1 FREE! Great deal, right? It gets better. For starters, there isn't a limit, so you can buy 6 or even more all at once, on 1 transaction.
To make the deal sweeter, there is a coupon on Target.com (which is useable ONLY in store, NOT online!) for buy 2 WII games, get $10 off.
http://sites.target.com/images/2009HolidayCoupons/holiday_coupons_print.html
So here's what you do- Pick out 6 games for $14.99, and print out 3 of the $10/2 coupons. The register will do the rest of the work.
6 Games@ $14.99 = $89.94
2 Games@ FREE= -$29.98
3 Coupons@ $10= -$30.00
Total = $29.96!
That's just under $5 per game, or a savings of $10 off per game! This can be done with any games, but obviously, the price will adjust depending on what games you find. There are even a few older titles for only $9.99, so you could probably shave the price down just a bit more.
This hasn't been tested by me, but has been tested by others. Hubby's already plotting how to get 6 cheap games. ;)
UPDATE:
I had to go to 2 different Target's before I found one that had a decent selection of the cheap games, still, but I found one!
I purchased 5 of the $14.99 games, and 1 of the $19.99 games. 2 of the $14.99 were free, and they accepted all 3 $10 off coupons! Now, to decide who gets what for Christmas...
Good luck!
Here's the deal-
WII Games are on sale this week at Target, Buy 2 games, get 1 FREE! Great deal, right? It gets better. For starters, there isn't a limit, so you can buy 6 or even more all at once, on 1 transaction.
To make the deal sweeter, there is a coupon on Target.com (which is useable ONLY in store, NOT online!) for buy 2 WII games, get $10 off.
http://sites.target.com/images/2009HolidayCoupons/holiday_coupons_print.html
So here's what you do- Pick out 6 games for $14.99, and print out 3 of the $10/2 coupons. The register will do the rest of the work.
6 Games@ $14.99 = $89.94
2 Games@ FREE= -$29.98
3 Coupons@ $10= -$30.00
Total = $29.96!
That's just under $5 per game, or a savings of $10 off per game! This can be done with any games, but obviously, the price will adjust depending on what games you find. There are even a few older titles for only $9.99, so you could probably shave the price down just a bit more.
This hasn't been tested by me, but has been tested by others. Hubby's already plotting how to get 6 cheap games. ;)
UPDATE:
I had to go to 2 different Target's before I found one that had a decent selection of the cheap games, still, but I found one!
I purchased 5 of the $14.99 games, and 1 of the $19.99 games. 2 of the $14.99 were free, and they accepted all 3 $10 off coupons! Now, to decide who gets what for Christmas...
Good luck!
Frugal Family Gifts
This year for Christmas, I am focusing on gifts the entire family will get use out of, as opposed to gifts for individuals. The kids are still going to get some of their "own" small things, but for the most part, I'm doing family gifts.
Here are some ideas on things that can be gifted to a family:
*Family Passes*: Museums, Theme Parks, Zoos, Aquariums, and more! Family passes can be pricey, but they give you a "free" activity you can do any time you want. And, to sweeten the pot, so to speak, many family passes can be used at multiple places.
For instance, buying a zoo pass at John Ball in Grand Rapids will allow me to take the kids to Potter Park in Lansing, or the Saginaw Children's Zoo in Saginaw- and get me in half price at the Detroit Zoo & Binder Park. It will also get us in for free or discount at over 100 other zoos nation wide. That's great come vacation time! And, it'll cost me just $50.
*Family Game Night*: Board games are coming back in style, probably due to the economy being pretty low right now. Keep the overall ages of the kids in mind. If you have 3 little kids, Candy Land & Chutes & Ladders will go over well. If you have 1 little kid, 1 9 year old, and a 12 year old, you may have to get a bit more creative.
For us, we're getting 3 board games, so the kids will each get their own game, and then a 4th game to give to the parents. The games will be put with all the games, so that we can all enjoy them. Additionally, I'll be giving the kids each a snack item and some soda (both treats for them) to use for the first Family Game Night with the new games.
*Family Movie Night*: Pick up a family friendly movie, a box of microwave popcorn, some popcorn seasoning, and a box or two of movie theater candy, and you have the makings for a fun night snuggled up watching a new movie.
*Night Out*: I'm not sure yet if we're doing this one. For this, the kids will each be getting a small gift card to some place for dinner, probably fast food. They will also each be getting a gift card for a matinee to a movie. We can eat out, and see a family movie, which can be pricey otherwise. This way, it's a gift to them.
*Dinner Time Fun*: I am not sure I'll do this yet, but here are some ideas. Find or make an apron for each person of the family with their name on it if it's plain, or use a fabric that really kind of shows who that person it. Add in their own silicone spatulas, measuring spoons, and maybe a mixing bowl. For a gift to the whole family, get a cookbook. Then, have the kids take time to mark down which recipes they want to try. Every week, designate one night to be
Family Dinner Time Fun. Either alternate who picks from their list each week, or have each kid pick something from their list each week, for a larger meal. Have the kids help with the preparation!
*Reading Night*: Pick a book that the kids will enjoy, such as Harry Potter, or Eragon, Super Fudge, Babysitters Club, Chronicals of Narnia, etc. Something you think will appeal to the kids, though, and capture their attention. Give the book (or books) to the family for Christmas, and maybe the movie if it's one that has a movie. Then, schedule a night to read together as a family.
You could take turns reading, and helping the younger children read. Include some construction or drawing paper, crayons, a notebook, and a pen or pencil. Each night when you've finished reading a chapter or two, have everyone just write down their favorite parts to keep in the notebook. When the book is finished, have everyone draw something from the book for an art project.
*Puzzle Night*: Buy a puzzle or 2 at the dollar store, and then, find a place to set them up at, and take your time as a family putting them together.
Good luck! Many of these ideas are both fun and FRUGAL!
Here are some ideas on things that can be gifted to a family:
*Family Passes*: Museums, Theme Parks, Zoos, Aquariums, and more! Family passes can be pricey, but they give you a "free" activity you can do any time you want. And, to sweeten the pot, so to speak, many family passes can be used at multiple places.
For instance, buying a zoo pass at John Ball in Grand Rapids will allow me to take the kids to Potter Park in Lansing, or the Saginaw Children's Zoo in Saginaw- and get me in half price at the Detroit Zoo & Binder Park. It will also get us in for free or discount at over 100 other zoos nation wide. That's great come vacation time! And, it'll cost me just $50.
*Family Game Night*: Board games are coming back in style, probably due to the economy being pretty low right now. Keep the overall ages of the kids in mind. If you have 3 little kids, Candy Land & Chutes & Ladders will go over well. If you have 1 little kid, 1 9 year old, and a 12 year old, you may have to get a bit more creative.
For us, we're getting 3 board games, so the kids will each get their own game, and then a 4th game to give to the parents. The games will be put with all the games, so that we can all enjoy them. Additionally, I'll be giving the kids each a snack item and some soda (both treats for them) to use for the first Family Game Night with the new games.
*Family Movie Night*: Pick up a family friendly movie, a box of microwave popcorn, some popcorn seasoning, and a box or two of movie theater candy, and you have the makings for a fun night snuggled up watching a new movie.
*Night Out*: I'm not sure yet if we're doing this one. For this, the kids will each be getting a small gift card to some place for dinner, probably fast food. They will also each be getting a gift card for a matinee to a movie. We can eat out, and see a family movie, which can be pricey otherwise. This way, it's a gift to them.
*Dinner Time Fun*: I am not sure I'll do this yet, but here are some ideas. Find or make an apron for each person of the family with their name on it if it's plain, or use a fabric that really kind of shows who that person it. Add in their own silicone spatulas, measuring spoons, and maybe a mixing bowl. For a gift to the whole family, get a cookbook. Then, have the kids take time to mark down which recipes they want to try. Every week, designate one night to be
Family Dinner Time Fun. Either alternate who picks from their list each week, or have each kid pick something from their list each week, for a larger meal. Have the kids help with the preparation!
*Reading Night*: Pick a book that the kids will enjoy, such as Harry Potter, or Eragon, Super Fudge, Babysitters Club, Chronicals of Narnia, etc. Something you think will appeal to the kids, though, and capture their attention. Give the book (or books) to the family for Christmas, and maybe the movie if it's one that has a movie. Then, schedule a night to read together as a family.
You could take turns reading, and helping the younger children read. Include some construction or drawing paper, crayons, a notebook, and a pen or pencil. Each night when you've finished reading a chapter or two, have everyone just write down their favorite parts to keep in the notebook. When the book is finished, have everyone draw something from the book for an art project.
*Puzzle Night*: Buy a puzzle or 2 at the dollar store, and then, find a place to set them up at, and take your time as a family putting them together.
Good luck! Many of these ideas are both fun and FRUGAL!
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Gift of Time
Last year, I was active on a website that is sort of a mix between a blog, a forum, and a social network, called Gather. Actually, I'm still active there. Last year, people were concerned about Christmas. Many people were laid off, or hours were cut, and a lot of people around the nation found themselves worrying about how to deal with the costs of the upcoming holidays.
This is a post I made last November on Gather, which I still feel is a great gift to give, The Gift of Time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This year, many people have lost their jobs. Many have had to take cut backs in income. Even those who haven't are feeling a pinch with the raising costs of living, and the failure to accommodate the income accordingly- though, it goes hand in hand with the economic crisis. In a few years, maybe we can all look back on these lean times, and smile that we got through it, and learned to be a bit more resourceful and frugal at the same time.
But that's the future, and this is the here and now. In the hear and now, many people are struggling on how they will survive Christmas as frugally as possible. More and more people are looking to cut back their list of gifts, by excluding people, participating in gift drawings instead of all out exchanges, and many other solutions.
The list of people signing up for help is outstripping the prior years by a lot. More and more people are in need of assistance, and because of the longer lists, and less people being able to donate, people won't get nearly as much help as in years past.
Being creative is something not everyone is familiar with. Working online is helpful- very helpful when you can earn even 1 or 2 gift cards from Gather or other places, but it still takes more than that.
One of the most frugal, but most appreciated ways to provide a holiday gift this year is by simply giving of yourself- give the gift of time.
Here are a few ideas on things you can give through the simple gift of your time-
- Parents: Offer to babysit for friends or family with young children. Two or three hours of babysitting can easily run parents $20-30 these days. That's daunting enough to make a simple trip to the theater not doable. Or even just to let them go to the grocery store together without the kids.
- The Elderly or Sick: Offer to help transport back and forth between doctor's appointments. Sometimes, they don't have transport themselves, or don't want to drive in bad weather, and those appointments can be very important.
- Anyone: Offer to spend an evening or afternoon cleaning their house up- maybe limit it by rooms or hours.
- Anyone: A get together with a friend or family member- a night of playing cards together, or watching a rented movie, or taking the kids to play, etc.
- Anyone: Offer to make dinner for someone
- College kids, or people living on their own: Offer to send them a small baked goods care package when they want it
- Dog Owners: Offer to walk their dog for a week, if they live nearby
- Pet Owners: Offer to pet sit for a week- going over and feeding, watering, and letting dogs out, or cleaning litter boxes, etc.
- Anyone: A shoulder to cry on- offer an over worked parent, or a stressed friend a quite night and a shoulder to cry on when they need one.
- Women: An at home 'spa'. Bring buckets for warm water to soak your feet in, nail polish, soft music (or upbeat if you like!), a cucumber, and some scented candles. Relax together, paint your nails together, and giggle and talk.
- Anyone: A car wash when it's nice out
- Anyone with a yard: A lawn mowing when it's nice out
- A Teen: A ride to the mall to meet up with their friends, or a ride to the movie theater.
- Your Child: A free day off from chores
- Your Child: An afternoon of 1 on 1 time
The possibilities are endless- there are so many wonderful things you can do just by providing your time. And to a lot of people, your time is worth far more than a gift card, or a trinket, or a new sweater. It's priceless to the over worked, or lonely, or sick.
Sure, there are people who won't appreciate it, but those are the people who are far too materialistic for their own good.
I hope in reposting this, it will give some of you out there an idea. I think time spent with someone is far better than money spent. The memories can last a life time.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Make It Yourself- Gag Gifts
One thing many people worry about during the holiday season, is who they are buying for, who they can afford to buy for, and how much to spend.
I come from a large family. I'm the second oldest of 4 kids, with divorced parents. My mom is the oldest of 4 kids. My dad is the youngest of 11 kids. My step mom is smack dab in the middle of 7 kids. My husband is the oldest of 2 kids. His mom is the oldest of 3 kids.
All said and done, we usually hit more than our fair share of holiday parties each year, and I've always bought for a few select people, and tried to come up with something small for the rest of the people. Last year, my 'something small' was "Snowman Poop".
I got the idea on Budget101.com. It's easy to do, and costs pennies to make.
Snowman Poop
What You'll Need:
Mini Marshmallows
Glitter
Plastic Baggie- I used ziplock, because that's what I had, but it would look nicer with sandwich bags, tied with ribbon
A small note pad, or a printer with paper
First, put a small handful of mini marshmallows in the baggie, then sprinkle in a touch of glitter. Hold the baggie closed to shake it, then use a ribbon to tie it off. Please make sure to note that the snowman poop is NOT edible, due to the glitter.
Attach a small note with a poem:
Santa looked at his list,
Even checked it twice.
And he has seen that you
have not been very nice.
Since coal's so expensive,
Here's the scoop,
Santa's filling your stocking
with SNOWMAN'S POOP!
There are a lot of fun ideas at Budget101.com for similar, easy to make, cheap to make, fun gag gifts.
Grinch Farts
What You'll Need:
Green M&M's, Skittles, or other round green candies.
Plastic Baggie- I used ziplock, because that's what I had, but it would look nicer with sandwich bags, tied with ribbon
A small note pad, or a printer with paper
Fill the baggies, tie off with a ribbon, and add the following poem:
The Grinch went down to Who-ville
And loaded up his sleigh.
He couldn't resist the yummy smells,
And sampled along the way.
His tummy started to rumble,
Then it began to shout.
Just when he thought he might explode,
He blasted these mighty "toots" out.
The Perfect Man
What You'll Need:
Gingerbread Man Cookie, decorated and ready to eat
Baggie
Ribbon
Note pad or printer & paper
Bag each cookie individually, tie with a ribbon, and attach a note with:
He's quiet, he's sweet,
And if he gives you any trouble,
You can bite his head off!
The website has a lot of gag gifts, and not just Christmas oriented. Some of these would make fun stocking stuffers, or office gifts, or even just gifts to pass out at family parties for some fun.
Here's one I give to kids before Christmas Eve.
Magic Reindeer Food
What You'll Need:
White sugar
Red & Green Decrotive Sugar Crystals
Raw Oatmeal
Glitter
Baggie & Ribbon
I mix a small amount of the sugars, oatmeal, and glitter together in a baggie, and tie it up. When I give it to the children, I tell them that while Santa delivers his gifts, the reindeer get hungry, too. The magic food in the baggie will help them fly fast all night long. We sprinkle it on the front lawn on Christmas Eve.
These little gag gifts are fun, festive, and best of all- easy to make, and cheap to make. Even the kids can help you make these!
I come from a large family. I'm the second oldest of 4 kids, with divorced parents. My mom is the oldest of 4 kids. My dad is the youngest of 11 kids. My step mom is smack dab in the middle of 7 kids. My husband is the oldest of 2 kids. His mom is the oldest of 3 kids.
All said and done, we usually hit more than our fair share of holiday parties each year, and I've always bought for a few select people, and tried to come up with something small for the rest of the people. Last year, my 'something small' was "Snowman Poop".
I got the idea on Budget101.com. It's easy to do, and costs pennies to make.
Snowman Poop
What You'll Need:
Mini Marshmallows
Glitter
Plastic Baggie- I used ziplock, because that's what I had, but it would look nicer with sandwich bags, tied with ribbon
A small note pad, or a printer with paper
First, put a small handful of mini marshmallows in the baggie, then sprinkle in a touch of glitter. Hold the baggie closed to shake it, then use a ribbon to tie it off. Please make sure to note that the snowman poop is NOT edible, due to the glitter.
Attach a small note with a poem:
Santa looked at his list,
Even checked it twice.
And he has seen that you
have not been very nice.
Since coal's so expensive,
Here's the scoop,
Santa's filling your stocking
with SNOWMAN'S POOP!
There are a lot of fun ideas at Budget101.com for similar, easy to make, cheap to make, fun gag gifts.
Grinch Farts
What You'll Need:
Green M&M's, Skittles, or other round green candies.
Plastic Baggie- I used ziplock, because that's what I had, but it would look nicer with sandwich bags, tied with ribbon
A small note pad, or a printer with paper
Fill the baggies, tie off with a ribbon, and add the following poem:
The Grinch went down to Who-ville
And loaded up his sleigh.
He couldn't resist the yummy smells,
And sampled along the way.
His tummy started to rumble,
Then it began to shout.
Just when he thought he might explode,
He blasted these mighty "toots" out.
The Perfect Man
What You'll Need:
Gingerbread Man Cookie, decorated and ready to eat
Baggie
Ribbon
Note pad or printer & paper
Bag each cookie individually, tie with a ribbon, and attach a note with:
He's quiet, he's sweet,
And if he gives you any trouble,
You can bite his head off!
The website has a lot of gag gifts, and not just Christmas oriented. Some of these would make fun stocking stuffers, or office gifts, or even just gifts to pass out at family parties for some fun.
Here's one I give to kids before Christmas Eve.
Magic Reindeer Food
What You'll Need:
White sugar
Red & Green Decrotive Sugar Crystals
Raw Oatmeal
Glitter
Baggie & Ribbon
I mix a small amount of the sugars, oatmeal, and glitter together in a baggie, and tie it up. When I give it to the children, I tell them that while Santa delivers his gifts, the reindeer get hungry, too. The magic food in the baggie will help them fly fast all night long. We sprinkle it on the front lawn on Christmas Eve.
These little gag gifts are fun, festive, and best of all- easy to make, and cheap to make. Even the kids can help you make these!
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