Gift Guide

Last-minute stocking stuffers for grown-ups

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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 Last-minute stocking stuffers for grown-ups

Easy recipes for homemade food gifts

We’ve pulled together several easy recipes (and many variations) for food gifts that make especially thoughtful hostess and teacher holiday gifts, or for anyone on your Christmas list who enjoys something homemade. Most of these homemade food gifts are fairly easy to make (some much easier than … [Read more...] about Easy recipes for homemade food gifts

Homemade gifts: 11 easy ideas for drink & sweet mixes

There is nothing more heartfelt than a one-of-a-kind gift you make yourself. So many different types of gifts lend themselves to being handmade — candles, soaps and, of course, edibles and drinkables. Most folks on the receiving end of such gifts appreciate the thought and time it took to create … [Read more...] about Homemade gifts: 11 easy ideas for drink & sweet mixes

15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores

If you have a bunch of folks on your holiday gift list, you know how fast even small items can add up. This year, why not stuff a stocking for each person on your list instead of buying a gift that needs to be wrapped? First, you need some stockings. You can get inexpensive ones at the dollar … [Read more...] about 15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores

Forget romance! 13 really practical holiday gifts

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We like giving the “perfect” gift as much as the next person, but the “perfect” gift often is likely to be: a) pricey. b) dependent on the recipient’s taste, which may be finicky. c) all of the above. The bottom line is that it’s so easy to get it wrong. Therefore, we often opt for … [Read more...] about Forget romance! 13 really practical holiday 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

10 best kitchen gifts under $25

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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 kitchen gifts under $25

Thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget

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Holiday shopping can make you feel as if the "reason for the season" is emptying your wallet, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways to save money on holiday gifts, entertainment and dining out through the holidays. Sign up for Living on the Cheap daily emails so you'll get the … [Read more...] about Thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget

Free, cheap and homemade gifts for pets

Even if you're on a tight budget, you can add your furry friends to your gift list. Presents for dogs and cats are inexpensive and super simple. Some are easily pulled together from items that are already in the house. Food treats For a no-fuss dog gift, a fresh jar of peanut butter is a … [Read more...] about Free, cheap and homemade gifts for pets

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?

15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas

Looking for DIY and handmade Christmas gift ideas? We found tons of handmade gifts that are easy to make and special to give. From edibles to handmade bath products, all of these Christmas gift ideas provide an affordable way to celebrate the holidays and to give gifts that are unique and … [Read more...] about 15 quick and easy handmade Christmas gift ideas

Homemade soup gifts will warm the heart

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 a soup mix to someone who may not have the desire to cook for himself can be a wonderful gift to warm both … [Read more...] about Homemade soup gifts will warm the heart