Your calendar has been hanging on your wall for a whole year now, and it's almost time to take it down. Maybe it was just a throw-away calendar from your insurance guy. But maybe it was a nice gift calendar you got from your sister. If it was, it’s a shame to throw away all those pretty pictures. So … [Read more...] about 18 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars
Christmas
How to use gift cards to save money
Gift cards and certificates are a favorite holiday or birthday gift for many people who want their loved ones to choose exactly the gift they want. Gift cards are high on the list of requested gifts, but many people forget to use them or never use the full amount. In addition, … [Read more...] about How to use gift cards to save money
9 cheap but thoughtful last-minute gifts
Budget-friendly last-minute gifts can shine – if they’re chosen thoughtfully and presented beautifully. Portable Chargers This year, with almost everyone plugged into some device or other, portable rechargers are a good bet. This one is compact, inexpensive, comes in five different colors, … [Read more...] about 9 cheap but thoughtful last-minute gifts
Make your own easy holiday gift bags
This holiday season save money and go green when you make your own gift bags out of newspaper. Better yet, while school is out, keep your children busy with this simple craft that has your wrapping in the bag. To make your own small gift bag (5 inches tall), you'll need a few items that are … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday gift bags
Cheap stocking stuffers for kids
Granted, the video game crowd is hard to impress but every kid deserves a goody-filled stocking on Christmas morning. To keep from breaking the bank on this beloved Christmas tradition, think cheap when you’re looking for stocking stuffers. Traditional stocking stuffers that are relatively … [Read more...] about Cheap stocking stuffers for kids
Restaurants open on Christmas Day 2020
Whether you've been naughty or nice, diners can cross a stress-free meal off their holiday wish list. A number of restaurant chains will be open for business on Christmas Day 2020, including low-cost and moderately priced options. As always, we urge you to call ahead and confirm, as some … [Read more...] about Restaurants open on Christmas Day 2020
Where to order ready-made Christmas dinner to go in 2020
Celebrate the holidays, or just the end of the year, by gathering around the table. If you're looking to avoid all the cooking that comes with these celebrations, consider ordering a fully cooked Christmas dinner to go so you can spend more time with your family than in the kitchen. You can … [Read more...] about Where to order ready-made Christmas dinner to go in 2020
6 homemade food gifts (with recipes!) that are cheap and easy to make
If you're looking for unique holiday gifts that won't break the bank, look no further than your kitchen pantry. We’ve pulled together several cheap and easy recipes for homemade food gifts that make especially thoughtful hostess and teacher holiday gifts. Honestly, anyone on your Christmas list who … [Read more...] about 6 homemade food gifts (with recipes!) that are cheap and easy to make
How to end the exchange of useless holiday junk
As the holiday gift-giving season approaches, we often are filled with a sense of dread: How will we ever find the perfect gift for everyone on our list, the time to finish our shopping and the money to pay for all the stuff we need to buy? Some Americans are saving money and sanity by … [Read more...] about How to end the exchange of useless holiday junk
Free, cheap and homemade gifts for pets
Even if you're on a tight budget, you can add your furry friends to your holiday gift list. Gifts for dogs and cats are inexpensive and super simple. You can even easily pull together homemade pet gifts from items that are already in your house. Food treats For a no-fuss dog gift, a fresh jar of … [Read more...] about Free, cheap and homemade gifts for pets
10 rules for regifting without guilt
Regifting has gotten a bad rap, mostly because it’s often done carelessly and without consideration of the person who receives the regift. We’ve all heard stories about regifts with the name of the original recipient left in the package – or the gift presented to the person who originally gave … [Read more...] about 10 rules for regifting without guilt
10 cool gifts for kids
Retailers want you to believe that the toys under the Christmas tree should be large and expensive. But if you've ever seen a kid more excited about the box a gift came in than the toy itself, you know that sometimes the cheaper, smaller gifts are the favorites. Plus, a few less expensive gifts can … [Read more...] about 10 cool gifts for kids
Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
Do you have a child in school? Whether you have a preschooler, elementary school student, middle schooler, or high school student, you likely are thinking about getting end-of-year or Christmas gifts for your child's teachers. But what are the best gift ideas that teachers will love and won't break … [Read more...] about Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
16 cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Every year before Christmas, our mailbox fills with holiday cards from family and friends. I hang them on the refrigerator or banister during the season for display, but once the holiday decorations come down, I’m always wondering what to do with the old cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about 16 cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Affordable practical gifts for 2020 your friends and family will love
We’ll never forget the story of the practical gift that saved a family -- literally. A young man’s gift to his parents -- a smoke detector -- sat under the tree when a fire broke out in the house in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the giver had put batteries into his gift. Even though it was … [Read more...] about Affordable practical gifts for 2020 your friends and family will love