This annual Mother's Day or Christmas or birthday conversation is so predictable it's aggravating: “Mom, what can I get you?” "Oh, I don't need anything!" She means it. Most mothers really don’t need anything. But handing her an overpriced store-bought card and saying “Thank you for being my … [Read more...] about What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
Christmas
Great gifts for organic gardeners
Home gardening is a popular pastime across the country. Here are our gift ideas, especially for those who practice vegetable gardening and organic home gardening. We’ve selected the best gardening gift ideas costing $25 or less (prices accurate at the time of publication). Our gift ideas … [Read more...] about Great gifts for organic gardeners
DIY spa day gift basket
What do you get the woman who has everything – or the woman you don’t know very well? A spa day gift basket is an easy gift because everyone likes to be pampered. Tired moms, overworked teachers and dedicated friends all deserve some me time and the opportunity to relax and indulge in self … [Read more...] about DIY spa day gift basket
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+
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
10 best budget-friendly kitchen gifts
As an avid cook who feels at home in the kitchen, I'm familiar with lots of kitchen tools and gadgets. This list of affordable kitchen gifts will make life easier for the home chef on your holiday list. I own most of these items myself and use them often enough to know that they're worth the … [Read more...] about 10 best budget-friendly kitchen gifts
18 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars
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 … [Read more...] about 18 ways to reuse and recycle old calendars
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
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, has universal compatibility, and … [Read more...] about 9 cheap but thoughtful last-minute gifts
Restaurants open Christmas Day 2021
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 2021, including low-cost and moderately priced options. As always, we urge you to call ahead and confirm, as some … [Read more...] about Restaurants open Christmas Day 2021
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
55+ restaurant and retail gift card deals for 2021
The holidays are the best time to buy gift cards for loved ones or even yourself — especially for popular restaurants and retailers. Not only are gift cards at the top of just about everyone's wish list every holiday season, they're an even better choice because of all the bonus … [Read more...] about 55+ restaurant and retail gift card deals for 2021
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
Is it ever OK to give used presents?
Frugal shoppers often wonder if they can give a used item as a gift. The answer is yes, but there are caveats: The gift must be a good value or an heirloom, and the recipient must be OK with it. I have given and received used presents. Several years ago, my husband bought me a secondhand … [Read more...] about Is it ever OK to give used presents?
Old-school, no-tech gifts for kids
Technology is great, but when it come to younger children, it has not-so-great aspects, including the creation of ecowaste, negative effects on children's attention spans and problems associated with social media use by preteens. And, less importantly but of more immediate significance, the … [Read more...] about Old-school, no-tech gifts for kids