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
Gift Guide
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
10 cool gifts for kids under $10
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When the payload under the Christmas tree yields plenty of expensive toys from Mom and Dad, how do other relatives compete? Especially when you have half a dozen, maybe a dozen or more, nieces and nephews and assorted children for whom to buy gifts? Maybe it’s time to go old-school. Get a … [Read more...] about 10 cool gifts for kids under $10
Practical holiday gifts they will appreciate
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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 Practical holiday gifts they will appreciate
50 White Elephant gift exchange Ideas
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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
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 … [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 … [Read more...] about Thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget
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
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
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
