I enjoy few things more than creating and giving homemade gifts. So many different types of foods — such as quick breads, cookies, candy and drink mixes — lend themselves to giving. But giving soup mix in a jar as a gift to someone who may not have the desire to cook for himself can be a wonderful … [Read more...] about Give homemade soup as a gift to warm the heart
Hanukkah
9 cheap but thoughtful last-minute gifts
Budget-friendly last-minute gifts can shine – if they’re chosen thoughtfully and presented beautifully. If you've waited too long, even Amazon may not be able to help get it there by Christmas, but you should be able to find these items in stores as well.Portable chargers This year, with … [Read more...] about 9 cheap but thoughtful last-minute gifts
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 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
When it comes time to choose holiday gifts, there are times you just don't want to buy any more things. Yet you want to share joy, make your friends and family happy and give them a thoughtful gift that they will enjoy all year.There is a way to do that. Memberships in museums or botanical … [Read more...] about 10 thoughtful gifts that keep on giving
50 white-elephant gift exchange ideas
White Elephant gift exchanges, or as some call them, Yankee Swaps, are about as popular as ugly Christmas sweater parties. Finding the perfect gift can be difficult because there are often a variety of people participating, and you may have to gear the appropriateness around the type of party: … [Read more...] about 50 white-elephant gift exchange ideas
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 … [Read more...] about Free, cheap and homemade gifts for pets
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 space … [Read more...] about 10 best budget-friendly kitchen gifts
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
Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2023
Some people enjoy thinking about what to buy for gifts, going out to buy gifts, getting home and wrapping gifts, going out to deliver gifts or mail gifts . . .I am not that person.Don't get me wrong. I love it when I happen to see something in a shop or online and think, "That would be … [Read more...] about Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2023
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
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, have the time to finish our shopping and come up with the money to pay for all the stuff we need to buy?Some Americans are saving money and … [Read more...] about How to end the exchange of useless holiday junk
10 best shopping apps for Black Friday deals 2023
Are you getting excited about all of the Black Friday deals that are headed your way? More likely, you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant sneak peeks, early bird deals and Black Friday email blasts flooding your inbox and mailbox this year.Don’t worry about missing out. Phone shopping … [Read more...] about 10 best shopping apps for Black Friday deals 2023
How to holiday shop for people who have everything
No matter what you do, December is a pricey month for most people. Not only are you buying gifts for the holidays, but you may have to spend on food, travel costs, holiday parties and Secret Santa at work. You might even have the added challenge of shopping for someone who has … [Read more...] about How to holiday shop for people who have everything
Last-minute 2022 holiday deals for shoppers in helping professions
If you're a teacher, medical professional, first responder or military servicemember, you've probably been too busy helping others to get a lot of your own holiday shopping done. So SheerID, a marketing company that creates personalized offers for these professions and more, has some special … [Read more...] about Last-minute 2022 holiday deals for shoppers in helping professions
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?