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
Holiday
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
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 food gifts to handmade bath products, all of these holiday 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
10 great gifts for under $10
Does your Christmas gift list stretch from here to the mailbox? Do you need to buy for aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as your immediate family? That can add up to a hefty credit card bill come January. We have some ideas for great gifts you can get for under $10 – where … [Read more...] about 10 great gifts for under $10
Give homemade soup as a gift to 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 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
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
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
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