Cheap Christmas Gifts

Christmas is finally here! Hopefully all your gifts and presents are wrapped and ready to go!

The Christmas Elf wishes you peace, joy and happiness for the upcoming year. Have a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year!

Tags: christmas

I heard about this idea for a children’s Christmas gift and it blew me away! Yes, it is homemade but even those who aren’t that artistically inclined can do this and have fun with making this gift!

How about creating a homemade costume box for kids this Christmas? Simply go and find or reuse a large over-sized box. Then decorate to your heart’s content. Glue on colorful fabrics, letters, designs, glitter and sparkles. Think of cartoon characters or hobbies that the kids like and press these pictures onto the box as well. After you’re done with decorating the box comes my favorite part… you get to fill it with goodies!

Raid Goodwill or other thrifty vintage stores and collect all types of clothes, accessories and other assorted items that would be perfect for costumes or dress up play. You can look for dresses, tutus, striped shirts, cargo slacks, vests, sunglasses, necklaces, hats, scarves, etc! The kookier the items the better and it doesn’t matter if they’re in perfect condition since they’ll be reserved for play time anyways. Throw all these items into the box and you have a gift that any kid is sure to adore! The best part is – this gift will provide amusement throughout the year and prove to be useful during themed parties or even other holidays like Halloween.

While you’re out, if you happen to find some good quality plain t-shirts that aren’t costume material and perhaps too plain as a gift, consider dressing them up with stencil designs and create your own homemade t-shirt print. See how adding a few simple green clovers to this plain white tee makes it super cool!

Tags: clothing, cool, homemade, jewelry, thrift store, toy

Outdoor vendors are popping up with fresh Christmas trees everywhere. Indoors, stores are lining their shelves with artificial versions that look just like the real thing. Happily, families are heading out to give a tree a home – happily that is until they’re shocked by the astronomical prices on some of these trees. On top of gifts, wrapping, holiday food and entertainment, it seems that Christmas trees also come with a hefty price tag. Fresh, live trees are upwards of $70+ and artificial trees can cost anywhere from $100-200-even 300. And then there are always decorations to consider.

So how do you get a cheaper Christmas tree?

Well, if you’re looking for something artificial that will last you a couple years then I recommend the large retail stores like Target, Sears, Wal-Mart, etc. They have good-looking Christmas tree options from as low as $50! That’s phenomenal savings for an artificial tree. The key on snagging one of these bargain trees is to purchase it early. It’s a huge advantage to keep an eye open as early as Black Friday for when they go on sale.

However if you’re late in the game for these artificial tree deals (or if you simply prefer the look and smell of the real version), don’t worry. The good news is you can keep waiting. For live, fresh Christmas trees, the best deals come a couple days before Christmas. All of these outdoor vendors will be trying to give homes to the last of their stock since after Christmas, not many will be wanting an evergreen in the middle of their living room. Real bargains come at this time since trees are sold at tremendous discount prices. The closer to Christmas day, the cheaper they will be.

The trade-off with this option is that of course, you have to be patient enough to wait. You won’t have a Christmas tree up in your home until much later, but you’ll be saving a ton of money. Also, keep in mind that these trees have been passed over by other customers for varying reasons (slight discoloration, smaller size, etc) so they won’t be perfect. But really, decorations do wonders and adding them will create the perfect Christmas tree for you.

Remember this Charlie Brown Christmas clip? It’s the one where all of the Peanut gang take Charlie Brown’s beat-up and sad looking tree, spruce it up, and suddenly it dazzles.

Finally, now that you have a Christmas tree, why not save even more money on decorations? Try out these cheap Christmas decorating tips!

• Melt candies together into Christmas shapes and put around the tree. Peppermint and butterscotch are delicious.
• Use ribbon to make bows all around the tree.
• String popcorn to create a classic garland look.
• Use crepe paper in red and white to make more holiday garland.
• Use old gift wrap, back on cardboard and cut into holiday shapes.
• Family photos!

Tags: candy, christmas tree, gift wrapping, home decorating, ornaments

For those celebrating Christmas, we all know that December is the most expensive month of the year. It’s a time when most of us overspend on presents, wrapping paper, entertainment and food since we’re spending a lot of our time with family and friends enjoying the holidays. And make no mistake the Christmas season is a jolly good time for laughter and cheer – the only small problem is when January rolls around and the laughter and cheer fall flat as we moan over astronomical credit card bills and empty budgets.

Make a new Christmas resolution and don’t let this happen to you any more! Follow my budget-friendly tips and you’re guaranteed to keep your Christmas costs down this season. Some of the tips work best after this holiday season, but if you follow them, you’ll definitely be ahead the game on savings for next Christmas!

**Christmas Elf’s budget-friendly tips:**

1. Write a list of all the people to whom you intend to give Christmas presents. Keep this list reasonable (I personally keep it to close friends and family); it’s okay not to give gifts to everyone. Next, write down the maximum amount you’re willing to spend on each person. This gives you a good idea of how much you’ll be spending on gifts total. Adjust until you’re comfortable with the expenditure and most importantly keep to the budget as you’re shopping.

2. A good way to make sure you don’t overspend is to leave your credit cards and checks at home. Bring only the specified amount you’re willing to spend in cash to your shopping trip.

3. So avoid credit cards at all costs. They’re too much of a temptation to overspend.

4. See if you can swap tangible gift exchanges with friends in favor of spending quality time together instead. For example, make a date for tea and you can each bring refreshments or special treats. This gives you time to talk and really show how much your friendship means.

5. Keep a closet of small assorted gifts collected during sales throughout the year. This stash can be used for Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchanges. It prevents you from running out last minute to grab these gifts, likely paying more than you need to. You’ll have all your future holiday parties covered.

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Tags: gift wrapping, gifts, homemade

Every Christmas, it seems that toy stores tell us that there’s a new series of hottest toys available to give our little ones during the holidays. They top every kid’s “must have” list – but you have to wonder if your child really wants the toy, or if they simply want one because it seems all their friends are asking for it too? With these type of hot-ticket toys, parents can bet that the fad won’t last and there will be some other new toy to takes its place next month. Sadly with these coveted toy gifts, their playing power lasts only a couple days before kids get bored and stop playing with them in favor of their old favorites – so what toys are these that kids always turn to?

Old classics of course. I’ve put together some ideas for classic Christmas gifts for kids this season. The best thing about these classic gifts is that they tend to all be very inexpensive, especially in comparison to most toys bought in toy stores. Try choosing one of these special gift ideas for a child this Christmas – I guarantee they won’t be disappointed by these classic picks. They’ll be playing with them for years to come.

• Puzzles… not all puzzles are boring. Spice up this gift by picking a picture of your child’s favorite cartoon character or hobby. Putting the pieces of the puzzle together can be made into an activity where you get to spend time together talking with your child too. And if you’re up for the challenge, there are 3-D puzzles now available for you to complete which are very impressive looking when finished.

Disney-themed jigsaw puzzle

• Play dough… what child doesn’t like getting their hands dirty and creating something new? Play dough is a great gift that promises endless hours of entertainment that is a new playing experience every time. Choose exciting colors of dough for your kid to mold and sculpt with, as well as a few fun cookie cutter shapes.
• Crayons and coloring books… these provide creative entertainment for kids beyond plane and road trips. For younger kids, stick with the fat crayons which also come in different scents to match the color. Older kids will enjoy thinner crayons with more varieties of different color shades. This is the perfect present for developing artists.
• Bubbles… kids love bubbles. It’s just a fact that defies explanation. Make the bubble bottle even more fun by getting outrageously big wands or wands with kooky designs/shapes. The best part is this gift is practically free since it’s so simple and fast to make your own bubble solution.
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Tags: books, christmas, classic, dollar store, stocking stuffer, toy

Let’s be honest – everyone loves to decorate their homes in red, green and white during the holiday season to get the Christmas feel in the air. In addition to the staple Christmas tree, most even like to add a few other holiday touches like lights and indoor decorations to envelop your home Christmas cheer. Ideally everyone wants this, but in reality Christmas decorating can get pricey. Not many want to spend extra on decorating a home for a month or so when so many other things need to be paid for.

Well I’m here to offer very cheap (if not free) ideas on how to decorate your home this season so you won’t be busting your budget. These 10 ideas are inexpensive, but they make such a dramatic and elegant holiday statement for your home. Guests to your home this Christmas won’t believe how you could do so much with so little!

1. Everyone needs a wreath for your home, so why not make your own? Go out and grab a couple branches from a suitable evergreen and tie them into a circle shape with string, rope, whatever works. You can make a large one for your door and smaller ones for the dining table to encircle candles. Spray paint or add flowers and pine cones to make even prettier! These wreaths will also lend a natural earthy and fresh aroma to your home.

2. Make couch pillows more festive by wrapping them with holiday ribbon to look like presents! You can pin on bows or glue rhinestones to give them extra flavor.

3. Raid your local Dollar Store because you won’t believe the amazing finds you’ll discover for dirt cheap. Some items may look a little tacky at first but it’s nothing a little craft-y TLC won’t fix.

4. Dig out those boxes and boxes of holiday greeting cards use them as decorations around the house. Simply line them up on mantles or coffee tables, or if you’re feeling more artistic mount them on boards in a collage.

5. Frame holiday gift wrapping paper and hang it on the wall. You’ll be surprised how elegant and artistic this can look.

6. Pile ornament balls in a pretty shallow dish or bowl. I think clear bowls work best.

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Tags: $10 or less, candy canes, dollar store, holiday cards, home decorating, homemade, ornaments, wreath

During the holiday season, everyone is used to the idea of making a list of individuals to get presents for. In the midst of today’s frugal economy if your budget this year allows for this celebrated tradition, then may the merriest wishes be sent your way It’s always a pleasure to be able to give a unique gift to each special person in your life! However, I know some folks this year may be thinking their budgets are not giving them too much room for this customary Christmas gift-giving tradition… so why not try something new? I’ve thought up some new holiday gift-giving traditions you can try this year with your friends or family – all of them guaranteed to save you big bucks on Christmas shopping!

Secret Santa

Typically a gift-giving game used in the workplace, why not make it the new family or friend gift exchange tradition as well? Everyone participating in gift giving should have their names placed in a hat. Then the idea is who you give to and how buys for you is determined by drawing names from the hat. The name you pull from the hat will be your gift recipient that you need to shop for. Secret Santa ensures that every individual receives one nice gift, and every individual only needs to buy one nice gift as well. What makes this so much fun is that who you’re shopping for should remain a secret the entire time up until Christmas day. Secret Santa is so much fun and saves you so much money! The only difficulty is that you may find it hard not to buy presents for those you feel closest to on top of your secret gift recipient.

Books-only Exchange

Exactly like it sounds, consider only buying books for one another this Christmas. Books are fantastic gifts because paperbacks usually always range under $10. Restricting the type of presents to books challenges gift-givers to really consider the personality of the recipient and what their interests are. Christmas shopping stress will also be greatly reduced since you’re essentially going to spend all your time at Barnes & Noble or some other book store. This is the perfect gift exchange tradition for any group of avid readers.

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Tags: $10 or less, books, holiday cards, secret santa

I’ve entered full throttle mode on my Christmas gift shopping. On my frolics online to secure presents, I’ve come across these 10 gifts being sold on websites that I thought were absolutely phenomenal. At $5 (and sometimes less!), you get an incredible bargain deal for a really classy present that someone is sure to enjoy. Depending on how many friends and family are on your gift list this year, try to buy enough items to earn free shipping (since shipping costs are the only minor bummer about online shopping). However with careful planning, I was able to secure free shipping more than a few times. I haven’t been able to take advantage of all these cheap deals yet, so you can help me!

1. For anyone on your list who’s into retro-cool items, check out this absolutely adorable Fire department pen holder ($4.15). It will keep office writing utensils organized and has such wonderful detailing that it’s sure to brighten up any work space. It looks more like a mini sculpture than a pen holder!

2. I can’t believe this Air flow seat cushion is only $4.75. It’s great for use in the office, home or in the car. The special mesh design on the cushion is made to keep you cool and support your back.

3. If you have an acquaintance who likes unbearably cute kitchen items then this Apple cup and saucer ($3.70) is perfect. It adds color and fun to any kitchen since the cup is shaped like a big red apple. And at that price, honestly you cannot find a better unique cup design.

4. This Midnight Moon Oil Warmer ($3.70) is made of glazed porcelain and uses small tea lights to slowly warm your aromatic oils. Aromatherapy fans will love the special design and oil warming strategy. Even when not is use it adds a little elegance to any living room or bedroom.

5. I was so impressed with these handcrafted Peacock earrings (at only $2.35 per pair!) I bought 2 for my girlfriends and a pair for myself. The color of the handmade beads are a wonderful whirl of blues and greens that exactly match a peacock’s plumes. The earrings are big enough to make a statement but small enough to still look elegant.

6. This Glass Rose Candleholder ($4.90) reminded me of something out of “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s absolutely breath-taking and hard to believe it’s old-fashioned blown glass for that price. This gift kicks home decorating up a notch.

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Tags: $5 or less, books, home decorating, jewelry, pictures, scented