Frugal Mania

‘Tis the season to spend money, fa la la la la . . . or not! For frugal folks this time of year is both scary and exhilarating. While it’s fun to find great gifts for next to nothing, there is always the fear that it won’t work out. Let’s be honest, buying all of your gifts from the local dollar store is cheap. Of course, it’s doable, but many of the items are just not gift material. I believe in giving gifts that show good taste and are of good quality. Sure, you find add-ins and supplements to a great gift at the dollar stores, but a nice Christmas present does not consist of two glittery teddy-bear-in-a-Santa-hat figurines and a lavender scented candle from the Dollar Tree.

Still, Christmas gift giving does not have to be costly. Check out some of these ideas for inexpensive Christmas gifts.

1. Give food. For co-workers, teachers, the mail man, etc. try a gift of raw honey in a pretty, decorated jar. Homemade hot cocoa mix in a nicely decorated air-tight container is also a great gift. Cookie mix, pancake mix, a bag of gourmet coffee, a box of nice herbal tea, or a small box of good quality chocolates are also great Christmas gifts.

2. Give books. Remember my post about online book buying clubs? Now would be a good time to join and get several books for a very, very low price. When you are choosing your free or low priced books keep your friends and family in mind and pick books that they would enjoy. Remember to allow time for shipping. When buying Christmas gifts for your children remember that books should be an important part of a child’s life. Children can never have too many books, in my opinion.

3. Make a photo album. This is a great gift idea for grandparents. I made a scrapbook for my mother in law’s birthday one year. I included pictures of my boys alone, together and with her. Print pictures on card stock if this is an otherwise too pricey project.

That’s all I’ve got for today, but I’m keeping my eyes open for more frugal gift giving tips! Feel free to comment with your own.