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Classic and cheap Christmas gifts for kids

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

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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10 Cheap Christmas Decorating Tips for your Home

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.

christmas pillow present

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.

framed wrapping paper

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

ornament balls bowl

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