Frugal Gift Giving
The shopping season is upon us. With Christmas fast approaching we are all likely considering how we can spend less but still give wonderful gifts. We’ve put together a list of ways to help you do just that;

Make your gifts. Who doesn’t love a personalized gift? Do you sew, knit, craft, cook? Why not make a few gifts? For example:
• Sarah is going to mix some spices together in a lovely container & match it with one of her favorite recipes.
• You could make a candy wreath using a wire coat hanger that you twist into a circle and attached colourful bulk candy with twist ties (be sure to hide the twist ties)
• Create a make-your-own-gingerbread-house kit. Bake up gingerbread in the shapes needed to create the walls and roof and put them in coloured cellophane bags with ribbons and have the other items for decorating the house, like brightly coloured candies such as Smarties and red swirl mints, in similar bags.

Have a secret Santa. Instead of buying for everyone, draw names from a hat and buy for only the person you drew.

Set a price limit. Have everyone in your gift giving circle agree to a price limit. For instance, Laura's family has a $20 limit per child.

Watch for sales. Plan ahead and watch for your gift ideas to go on-sale.

Group Giving. Invite a group of family members or friends to make a small cash contribution to a group bought gift. This is a good way to purchase more expensive items without having to spend more than you can afford.

Frame your child’s artwork. For the low cost of a picture frame and possibly some matting you can have a very special gift any grandparent, aunt, uncle or close family friend will love & treasure.

Give the gift of an experience rather than material things. Get creative! One idea is to make up a gift certificate for a winter wonderland adventure. Organize a fun day of tobogganing and snowman making on nearby hills/mountains (or some other winter activity) and have a cozy meal prepared for afterwards with apple cider, homemade soup, and Christmas cookies (like shortbread and gingerbread). You could make a blanket fort in your TV room and end the night watching Christmas/Winter Themed flicks bundled up in your fort drinking hot chocolate.

Labels: Christmas, Frugal, Gifts, Giving, Santa, Season, Shopping

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