22 Cheap Holiday Gift Ideas
Filed under: Archives, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Projects, Saving Money
Cheap holiday gift ideas are sometimes hard to come by.
With gas prices being at an all time high, real estate in a slump, people losing their jobs, and the holidays just around the corner, it may be necessary to curb spending, and revert back to finding creative, cheap holiday gift ideas.
Listed below are 22 cheap holiday gift ideas.
1) Knit a scarf or hat, or make one out of fleece.
2) Bake a cake, cookies, bars, bread, or pie. Wrap it with cellophane and ribbon, for great presentation.
3) Make a “jar” gift. Stack the dry ingredients for a simple cookie or soup recipe, in a jar. Attach the recipe, and top the jar with a pretty piece of fabric
4) If a young child needs a specific article of clothing, check with your local fabric store for material and a pattern, and sew it yourself.
5) Make hand/machine sewn pillows. Attach pretty buttons, fringe, or other embellishments to customize it to the “recipient’s decor. Quilted pillows are also an option.
6) Create a photo collage in a pretty inexpensive collage frame
7) For bird lovers, make a pine cone bird feeder.
8.) For those who like to read, purchase a gift card, and attach a bookmark to the package
9) For the cook in your life, sew an apron, and even matching towels. Towels can be made out of cotton table cloths. One large table cloth will yield at least a dozen towels. As an added embellishment, sew ribbon on the towel. Potholders are inexpensive to make, as well.
10) For young children, fill a basket with coloring books, crayons, and other goodies, from your local dollar store. With toy recalls being a major concern, check the CPSC’s (Consumer Protection Safety Commission) website for the current list.
11) For that “someone special”, create a “coupon book”. Use your computer to create coupons for such things as a back rub, foot massage, pedicure, manicure, car wash and/or detailing, ….the possibilities are endless. Get creative! Use humor. Include drawings or photos.
12) Coupon books would also be great for children to give to their parents or grandparents. They could include coupons for chores they normally don’t do.
13) For a family member or friend, frame a favorite picture. Choose a frame that will match their decor. Try processing the photo in black and white, for something different. For free photo editing, try Picasa.
14) Instead of buying gifts for everyone in a large family, “pick names” and set a budget. Plan a fun filled evening, for your gift exchange.
15) At work, draw names for a “secret Santa”. Buy for one person, set a budget, and pick a day to exchange gifts and reveal who’s “Santa” you were.
16) Burn a CD with favorite photos or music. Wrap it in a plastic CD holder.
17) Give the gift of tea or coffee. In a napkin lined basket, place a box of tea or a bag of coffee, a cup, and a package of biscotti.
18) For those who still prefer to hand write letters, buy a pretty box of stationery, and include a pretty pen. Maybe even some stamps.
19) Shop discount stores for pretty baskets of lotions and soaps. Pick a scent that the recipient likes. If you’re real creative, make handmade soaps. Attach a tag and wrap with a pretty ribbon.
20) Candles are great inexpensive gifts. Buy a candle and matching candle holder.
21) Movie tickets are inexpensive. Give a friend or family member two tickets, and a coupon for “free babysitting”. That would make for a great “date night” for parents who don’t get out much.
22) There are many beautiful ornaments on the market. Buy a pretty ornament, and an ornament holder from your local craft store.
Any gift can be made even prettier, by using beautiful ribbon. Buy a big roll at a discount store, and use it for all of your packages. Just pick a color that will match an array of holiday papers.
Wrapping paper can get expensive, but by using an alternative, you can save even more money. For ideas on cheap wrapping paper, read a previous article of mine, titled: Cheap Wrapping Paper.
Take time to wrap your gifts with love and care.
Find a box your gift will fit into. Line it with pretty tissue.
Wrapped boxes create a beautiful present. Attach a hand written card, for greater impact.
A cheap holiday gift idea, that’s well thought out, and beautifully wrapped, can hold more meaning than an expensive store bought item.
Who can put a price on that?
For great themed gift ideas, see: Last Minute Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas
Cheap Gift Idea
Filed under: Archives, Children's Crafts, Gift Ideas, Projects
Often, we need an inexpensive gift idea. Whether we want to make one, or have our children make one, knitting a scarf is one great cheap gift idea.
To knit is easy. If you don’t know how, ask your mother, grandmother, or a friend. More than likely, one of them, knows how to knit.
If no one in your circle, knows how to knit, you can go online, and find a site that shows you the basic knitting stitches. You could also pick up a book at your local bookstore, or go online to Amazon.com, and pick up a book such as: How to Knit: The Definitive Knitting Course Complete with Step-by-Step Techniques, Stitch Library, and Projects for Your Home and Family
The supplies for knitting a scarf are basic… knitting needles and yarn.
With knitting needles, the larger the number, the larger the needle. The smaller the needle, the tighter the stitch. Knitting with larger knitting needles, results in a looser knit scarf, which is also faster to complete.
Yarns for knitting come in an array of colors. Be creative. Mix two or more yarns to create a unique design. Or, take a solid color yard, and mix it with a fuzzy yarn. The result will be much different, than if you used a single strand of yarn by itself.
When using more than one yarn, pick colors that either compliment each other, or contrast each other.
Yarn and knitting needles are available in most craft stores, as well as in variety stores like WalMart.
Anyone who receives a scarf, that they know you knitted by hand, will be touched and grateful for the time, thought and effort you put into the gift. They will have an original, hand knitted by you.
Knitting is a hobby that can be done anytime you are sitting. Whether you are on an airplane, watching TV, or just relaxing, it’s easy to pick up your knitting project, and continue on. Knitting also keeps your hands busy, so you are less likely to be munching on food.
Who knew, knitting was good for the diet? 
UPDATE: For more ideas, see: 22 Cheap Holiday Gift Ideas
How To Make A Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Filed under: Archives, At Home, Children's Crafts, Projects, Recycling
Feeding the birds is a fun hobby.
It’s easy to make a cheap pine cone bird feeder. A bird feeder, the birds will truly enjoy.
1) Gather some dried pine cones.
2) Attach a wire, string or ribbon to the top of the cone. Make a loop in the wire, string or cone, as you are going to hang the bird feeder in a tree. You could use a hot glue gun for this. (Parents, please supervise young children when a glue gun is being used. They get very hot!)
3) Roll the pine cones in peanut butter (or smear peanut butter all over the pine cone, with a spoon)
4) Then, roll the peanut butter covered pine cones in bird feed
That’s it!
Hang your homemade bird feeder in a tree. Or, hang it on your porch.
Get yourself a pair of inexpensive binoculars, or your camera, and start bird watching.
This would be a great project for children to participate in.
Bird watching would also be a great way to teach children the species of different birds.
Pick up a book on birds, and have them learn more, about the birds that are coming into your yard.
Making these cheap bird feeders will also teach children about recycling (pine cones).
The bird feeders would make great gifts, as well. Wrap them is plastic wrap, place them in a gift bag, and share them with others who may enjoy bird watching.
How about making pine cone bird feeders for a bazaar? Or, to raise money for a great cause? Or, for show and tell, for a school project?
Simplify Your Life – Find Your Creativity
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Cleaning Tips, Organizing, Projects
The easiest way to simplify your life, is to get rid of clutter.
Clutter can be everywhere. In your closets, on your counter top, in your office, in the children’s rooms, in your garage, in you car…the list goes on.
Too much clutter can overwhelm you. It can make you tense and irritable. It can be embarrassing. And, clutter can also stifle your creativity.
I once heard a story of a women who wanted to simplify her life. She first got rid of her husband, then proceeded to get rid of most of the furniture in her home (he picked it out…she hated it), and then moved onto her closets and cabinets. Even though her home was nearly empty of “stuff” , she was happier than she had been in many years. She felt lighter, and her creativity, which had been dormant for many years, began to resurface.
Now, I’m not suggesting that simplifying your life, means getting rid of a spouse, but, getting rid of clutter can result in a feeling of “a ton of bricks being lifted”
But…where do you start?
It doesn’t matter what room you start in, just start.
If you are feeling too overwhelmed, start with a small area. …maybe a drawer, cabinet, or bathroom.
Remove all items from your selected area. Find another area where you can sort through these items. This can become a time consuming process, so allow sufficient time.
Take items you haven’t used, or don’t like, and get rid of them.
Create three boxes or bags. Label them as:
Trash
Donate
Keep
One thing that I do, since we have an annual neighborhood garage sale, is to create a fourth box, for “garage sale” stuff. I keep this box in the garage, and throughout the year, add stuff to it, when I am doing “mini” decluttering projects. Read my previous article How To Have A Successful Garage Sale, for great garage sale tips.
If you change your decorating scheme, and have a mixture of different motifs, throughout your home, this is a great time to pack away (if you still like them), items that aren’t matching your current decor.
For example, I love the Victorian era, but am currently not using that theme in any of my rooms, so I have packed away all of my Victorian decorations. I know I will revive that theme at a later date, so instead of getting rid of my fine Victorian pieces, I have them stored away.
Hint: When deciding whether to keep or get rid of makeup and/or lotions, remember, they do have a shelf life. Lotions can start smelling rancid, and mascara, only has a shelf life of 3 to 4 months. For a complete list of shelf life for beauty products, see this article at Real Simple.
Once you have removed all items from the area your are decluttering, proceed with cleaning that area. Scrub the counter tops, wipe out the cabinets, sweep the floor. Do whatever it takes to get that area clean.
After your area is clean, start putting things back, one by one. As an added bonus, when you begin to put things back, you may end up tossing or donating, even more.
Proceed to throw the trash in the garbage can. As soon as possible, take the “donate” box/bag to your favorite charity drop off. Get it out of your house.
Decluttering can be contagious. Just about the time you finish one area, you will be motivated to declutter even more.
Before you know it, your whole house will be decluttered.
As an added benefit, you will feel “lighter”.
Don’t be surprised if your creativity kicks in, too.
Best Home Improvements To Make
Filed under: Archives, At Home, Home Improvement, Projects, Selling A Home
If you are remodeling your home, for yourself, or with the thought of resale in mind, making the right home improvements, can add value to the price of your home and attract more buyers.
Approach home improvement project on an “as needed’ basis. Some homes won’t require any remodeling, but may need something as simple as a coat of fresh paint either inside and/or outside.
If your home is older, the following are possibly some of the best home improvements you can make, to receive the biggest return on your money.
1) Repair or replace the roof – Use reputable roofing contractors
2) Repair, replace or repaint the siding – Call for quotes from licensed siding contractors
Kitchen remodeling often gives you a good return on your money. Stick with a budget. Overruns are easy to encounter.
3) Replace or repaint the kitchen cabinets. Painting is the least expensive option, followed by replacing or refacing the doors and drawer fronts of your kitchen cabinets. Home improvement stores offer many choices for new kitchen cabinets. Obviously, custom cabinetry will be the most expensive option.
4) Replace the kitchen counter top. Laminates are the least expensive. Other alternatives include concrete, granite, butcher block, tile, solid surfacing, glass, plus many other stone products.
5) Replace kitchen appliances. Currently stainless steel is popular, however, using white appliances provides for a clean look. Colors can”date” your kitchen. Choose carefully. Look for appliances with the energy star label.
6) Replace kitchen flooring. Vinyl is the least expensive. Other options include hardwood or tile.
7) Perform either a major or minor remodel to the bathroom(s). Check with a local bathroom contractor, hire a handyman for simple repairs and upgrades, or even do it yourself.
Homes with more than one bathroom are more desirable.
8.) Repaint, all rooms, as needed. Painting contractors may offer a discount if more than one room is being painted. However, painting is a fairly easy project so it could be added to the do it yourself list.
Keep in mind, if a buyer is looking at a new home, it will have a coat of fresh paint. Painting is an inexpensive way to update a room, and give it a clean look. Consider painting rooms that need freshening up, or rooms that are not painted in neutral colors, especially if you are thinking of selling your home.
Be aware, that following the current trends in major home improvement projects, can be risky. Trends can “date” a home. Neutral colors will appeal to most buyers. If you like the trendy colors, keep it to your decorating items…i.e. bedroom comforters, bathroom towels, rugs and/or window treatments, etc. These are items you can easily, and inexpensively change, in the event you decide to sell your home.
Anytime you are doing a remodel or making improvements to your home, take time to do research, and find out what buyers are currently looking for in a home. Most home improvement stores offer brochures which show what’s popular.
Even though you may not be thinking of selling your home anytime soon, try to take on your projects by keeping “resale” in mind. We never know where life will take us, therefore, it is wise to spend those remodeling, home improvement dollars on timeless projects.
When contemplating a home improvement or remodeling project, prior to selling your home, consider the current real estate market. Will your remodeling project reap extra dollars for you, or will it only help you to sell your home faster. In a slow real estate market, the competition is great. Be an informed seller. Talk to a real estate agent. You may even consider getting a home inspection, and avoid “surprises”. Do research online.
Want to know how to “stage” your home for potential buyers? Read my previous article, titled: How To Stage A Home For Sale
10 Uses For Duct Tape
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Projects
You’ve probably heard that duct tape has many uses. With the durability and stickiness of duct tape, it’s become a common household item.
1) Just recently, I removed a splinter from my foot with duct tape. It worked great. This could also work, if you stepped on a small piece of glass.
2) Duct tape is also great for repairing the bottoms of suitcases that take a beating at the airport. Use black duct tape, and the repair will go unnoticed.
3) For a construction business, duct tape is a great way to tape up the ends of pipe. This helps to keep the pipe clean, until it’s final connection. Duct tape also closes up the pipe, so no small animals can get into the pipe.
4) Duct tape is great for wrapping around the handle of hammers, shovels, or other tools. It give you a better grip, plus, if the handle is made out of wood, stops you from getting splinters.
5) Duct tape can be used to tape up a book binding that’s beginning to fall apart. Use clear duct tape, or a coordinating color.
6) Use duct tape to reinforce sporting equipment, such as tennis rackets or hockey sticks.
7) I’ve heard that placing a piece of duct tape over a wart, will help to make the wart disappear. Hopefully, the wart isn’t on your face. 
8.) Duct tape would be good for repairing a vinyl seat, whether in your car, or in the kitchen.
9) Often, you’ll see duct tape used to temporarily repair a broken tail light.
10) Duct tape could also be used to fix a rip on a tent.
If you do a search for “uses for duct tape”, you’ll find many. Some are pretty silly (like making clothes out of duct tape), but many are well thought out. Who knew that a simple product, like duct tape, could create such a buzz.
Now that there is a variety of colors of duct tape, the possibilities seem endless. A creative person could get pretty artsy with colorful duct tape.
Do you have a favorite use for duct tape? Drop me a comment, and share your idea with the world.
No tags for this post.Revive Wicker Furniture
In order to revive wicker furniture, the furniture should be in fairly good shape. One method to reviving wicker is to paint it. The only problem with painting, is that the paint will eventually wear off, especially if you leave the wicker furniture outdoors in the weather.
I didn’t want to deal with chipping paint, so, I decided to experiment and revive my wicker furniture with an oil based stain. The original wicker was a blond color, with green wicker trim. I applied two coats of walnut color stain, and the wicker furniture now looks like new.
When staining, use a thick drop cloth. It is preferable to stain outside, as the fumes from the stain are pretty stinky. Wear disposable gloves (like the surgical kind), clothes that you don’t mind getting stain on, and keep your feet and arms covered. I was using a brush to apply the stain, and ended up getting an “over spray” on my feet and arms. I was able to get some of the stain splatters off with nail polish remover, however, the rest will just have to wear off. Keep in mind, the drying time for oil based stains is fairly long, so when handling your furniture, put your gloves on, and place the piece that’s drying on some type of drop cloth, or a piece of cardboard. (You certainly don’t want to get stain on your carpeting)
I found that by staining my wicker furniture, it not only seemed to recondition the wicker, but it was a very inexpensive way to have “new” furniture. For two chairs and a small table, I used a half of a quart of stain. Stains come in a large array of colors, so you could stain your wicker to match any decor. Add a coordinating cushion, sit back, and enjoy your “new” furniture.
I plan to use my wicker furniture outside, so I’ll apply a coat of polyurethane to it as well.
No tags for this post.Life Saving Tips
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