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
Holiday
Stocking stuffers for grownups
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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 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
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
Homemade gifts: 11 easy mixes for drinks and sweets
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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 mixes for drinks and sweets
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
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 save money on Thanksgiving dinner
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If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, it’s likely that you’ll be hitting the grocery stores in the next few days. Although the cost of a Thanksgiving meal is usually a lot higher than your average family meal, that is mainly due to the quantity of food you'll be cooking (especially if you have … [Read more...] about How to save money on Thanksgiving dinner
How to make tasty, ghoulish Halloween ‘fingers’
These creepy witch finger cookies are the perfect centerpiece for a Halloween party, but they are also tasty. The crisp, almond-flavored shortbread tastes even better after being stored, so make these ahead of time. Kathy Mayers of Portland, Oregon, developed this Halloween finger cookie … [Read more...] about How to make tasty, ghoulish Halloween ‘fingers’
Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
Planning a Halloween party but don't want it to bleed your food budget dry? We've got you covered tighter than a mummy's wrappings! Here are ideas for snacks and beverages for both kids and adults, so no one leaves your celebration looking like a skeleton. (For more Halloween party tips, … [Read more...] about Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
4 fun, cheap Halloween alternatives
Halloween can be a fun time for children and adults to dress up, stock up on candy and celebrate fall. Some families prefer to forgo trick-or-treating in favor of other activities. Some neighborhoods aren’t safe for trick or treating, and some families prefer to take the focus off the spooky and … [Read more...] about 4 fun, cheap Halloween alternatives
Bake an easy jack-o’-lantern cake for Halloween
When my sons were teenagers, they wanted to have a Halloween party at home. I made this cake that looks like a jack-o’-lantern but is pretty delicious to cut up and eat. The best part: You don't have to contend with seeds or pumpkin pulp! Start with the cake. You can do a pumpkin cake from … [Read more...] about Bake an easy jack-o’-lantern cake for Halloween
Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween is one of those times of year in which we can all revert to being kids. We dress up and enjoy a little extra candy and parties. Planning a Halloween party can be so much fun, and it's even more fun when you throw a Halloween party on the cheap. Choose one of these Halloween party ideas … [Read more...] about Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween movie night ideas
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Halloween is slowly creeping up on us, but the day isn’t all about trick-or-treating. It’s also about watching some great Halloween movies that make us laugh with the kids or keep us up all night hiding in horror under the covers. Here's what's ahead: Scary (or fun) Halloween … [Read more...] about Halloween movie night ideas
102 easy and cheap Halloween costume ideas for 2021
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Halloween will be here before you know it. There's no need to settle for the high-priced, mass-produced, store-bought costumes (although we have seen some clever and cute ones on Amazon). We've gathered up easy and inexpensive homemade Halloween costume ideas for you here. DIY your Halloween … [Read more...] about 102 easy and cheap Halloween costume ideas for 2021
