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
Christmas
Stocking stuffers for grownups
Just as you’re never too old to rock 'n' roll, you’re never too old for a stocking from Santa. Chances are your stocking was the first thing you saw when you came into the living room on Christmas morning when you were a child, and now it can bring back warm holiday memories. While receiving … [Read more...] about Stocking stuffers for grownups
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
Affordable, practical gifts your friends and family will love in 2021
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 your friends and family will love in 2021
Free pet photos with Santa at PetSmart
Of course your dog has been a very good dog this year! Just listen to what he tells Santa. And you can capture the moment with a free photo of your pet with Santa at participating PetSmart locations. (Of course, your companion animal doesn't have to be a dog; if your pot-bellied pig, bunny or … [Read more...] about Free pet photos with Santa at PetSmart
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
Hate the mall? 5 places to shop for unique gifts
The holiday shopping season is well upon us, but if visiting a mall at this time of the year gives you heart palpitations, not to worry. No matter where you live, there are bound to be some cultural institutions with great gift shops. There, you’re likely to find one-of-a-kind items you won’t … [Read more...] about Hate the mall? 5 places to shop for unique gifts
Save money by daring to change holiday traditions
If you secretly wish that you could skip the whole holiday gift-giving chaos, you are not alone. A 2017 survey found that 33% of Americans would rather skip the holiday season than spend money on gifts. We can feel their pain. In fact, 54% of Americans are carrying some credit card debt, and … [Read more...] about Save money by daring to change holiday traditions
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 . To make your own small gift bag (5 inches tall), you'll need a few items that are probably already around the house. … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday gift bags
How to create and organize the perfect gift closet
Doesn’t it always seem to happen that you find the perfect gift for someone in July, but their birthday isn’t until November? You decide not to buy that perfect gift, then come November, you have no clue what to get that person. If you had a gift closet, you could go ahead and purchase that item in … [Read more...] about How to create and organize the perfect gift closet
Holiday travel tips for you and your dog
Holiday travel is mostly about visiting family, but when dogs are involved, both visitor and host will benefit by laying some ground rules. Boarding your pet or paying a sitter is expensive, but saving money could come at the cost of a human relationship. You wouldn’t want your holiday to be ruined … [Read more...] about Holiday travel tips for you and your dog
Turn Christmas leftovers into New Year’s Eve BBQ
No matter how delicious a holiday turkey is, after a day or two, eating leftovers gets old. Instead, why not try something different? Turn that leftover turkey into a dish that's a surefire hit at a New Year's Eve party -- or even a Superbowl Party. This recipe costs practically nothing, since you … [Read more...] about Turn Christmas leftovers into New Year’s Eve BBQ
FREE freezer meal plan from MyFreezEasy
MyFreezEasy wants to help you get ahead of the holiday madness by offering a FREE freezer meal plan in November 2020. The founder, Erin Chase of $5 Dinners, is throwing a free, virtual "Deck the Freezer" party from November 1-6, 2020. During the party you'll not only receive the recipes and … [Read more...] about FREE freezer meal plan from MyFreezEasy
How to make homemade vanilla extract
One of my goals for this year is to begin making holiday gifts in November, so I'm not stressing and rushing to finish up gifts mid-December. One of my favorite homemade gifts to give (and keep for myself) is homemade vanilla extract, but it takes time to develop so you need to start it … [Read more...] about How to make homemade vanilla extract
The Coupon Insider: Stretching gift cards
Gift cards remain one of the most wanted gifts, no matter the occasion. Even though they’re plastic, if you play your (gift) cards right, you can really stretch them beyond their value. The trick is to treat them like cash. Would you be so quick to spend a $50 bill sitting in your … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Stretching gift cards