| 13 months ago :: Nov 21, 2008 - 3:16PM #1 | |
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Hi all - our family is in the probably very familiar situation where we're finding it difficult to make ends meet this holiday season. We've got 7 kids and 6 grandkids and up to 10 other kids/relatives/friends to buy for this holiday season. One of the ways I've found to save a LOT of money is to buy generic! For example, I bought the generic Connect 4 at Menards for $4.49 rather than the brand name one for roughly $8. (I know, it doesn't sound like a lot, but when you don't have a lot to work with in the first place, hey!...any little bit will do.) We also got a letter from one of our loan companies saying "Merry Christmas - you can skip a payment" type of thing that we're taking advantage of too. I'm also trying to come up with more homemade items - like I bought a clearance sheet and blanket at WalMart totalling about $10 and am going to cut up old t-shirts my husband has "laid to rest" and making a t-shirt quilt. (go me and my creativity!:) Does anyone else have any other ideas on how to try to save this holiday season? Any little bit will do and any ideas and/or suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. |
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| 13 months ago :: Nov 21, 2008 - 5:17PM #2 | |
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Last year I decided to teach my little peeps about giving. This may not work for you, but for those with little kids it works great. We had a day together making sugar cookies. Rolling out the dough and decorating was great fun for them. I took pictures of them doing the task. using white paper sandwhich bags, let the kids decorate them as well. For each aunt, uncle and grandparent they got a bag that was homemade cookies and a photo of the kids in their aprons with happy smiles. My mother in law thanked me greatly for not buying her something to dust, and we were able to hit the whole family for less than $20. |
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| 13 months ago :: Nov 21, 2008 - 8:34PM #3 | |
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Bobbie, excellent idea!!!! This year, my side of the family is doing service projects for one another. We'll see how well it goes, but I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to be together without spending too much. I've made bath salts and fire-starters before. My sister-in-law knits scarves and hats for everyone. In addition, creating greeting cards for those scrapbookers out there that have all the right equipment is always a wonderful way to send along a useful gift. I always love receiving a bunch of thank-you notes that I can turn-around and use right away is such a welcome gift. Last year, my husband made a skateboard turn-pike for my brother-in-law. This year, he is planning on making a little knitting box or treasure-box for my sister-in-law. He also has plans to make a little cigar holder for certain family-members. Making christmas ornaments always works well too. I've made many different home-made varieties of christmas ornaments and these are great for grandparents and adults in the family. Last year, I made a large batch of spiced pecan nuts and packaged them in little jars with a ribbon. I gave this gift along with a lb of coffee and some chocolates to many of the adult-couples in our family. This year, I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do for many of the family members on my husband's side of the family. However, I'm certain that through clearance sales and comparison shopping, I can find the right gift for everyone. I'm not above painting for gifts as well. |
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