Filed under: Gift Ideas, Shopping, tips | Tags: free christmas gifts, frugal, frugal gifts
Here’s a great idea that can save you some money for the people on your Christmas list this year.
When you’re shopping for your usual products and items, keep an eye out for special deals such as Buy One, Get one Free, Or get this item FREE after a purchase. Some places also give cash back rewards after certain purchases.
Now, where can you find these deals. Start online. Search “Buy one, get one Free ___!” Magazine Subscriptions offer such deals as well.
Keep an eye out for newspaper and magazine ads for specials. Many department stores have a FREE gift offer at their cosmetic section if you buy a certain value of products. I like it how stores like Anchor Blue and Rue 21 offer reward bucks back good for your next purchase.
Talking about bucks, try shopping at CVS and getting a CVS card. Every week, they have specials that you can get items that have reward bucks good for your next purchase. Some items even end up free. And the cool things is that they also accept coupons too. Other stores that do the same progrmas include Rite Aid and Walgreens.
~kristine cruz-munda
Here are a couple of cool unique presents, or even just for your own collections. You can go to the following websites and make personalized items. I think it’s so awesome that you can now do these on your own!
1. My MMs-- This one is what I’ve seen around the longest. People have been using them for party favors using the dates and names of he event. Just today, I saw an add saying you can even put your picture on it. How cool is that?
2. My Fruit Rollups-There are preloaded images available for you to pick and choose from. Then you can personalize the sentiment on the roll up for your special occasion.
3. My Jones Soda- I’ve always been a fan of their soda. It’s very unique how each label is a photo submission from a fan. Now you can order you own 12 packs case with your photo on the label. Yay!
4. Kellog’s Cereal Box- How come I haven’t seen this before? I think this is the most genius way to make your kids not skip breakfast? Imagine, your face in a cereal box, next to Tony the Tiger!
5. Shutterfly Photo Adventure book- There are many websites offering services to personalize a storybook with your child’s info in it. I like Shutterfly’s version better because you can also include the face of the child in the story.
6. Cafepress- I love Cafepress! It’s an oldie but goodie. You can always find something for every topic. Or if you want something specific, make a design of your own!
~kristine cruz-munda
The other day, I saw a flier that said “Christmas in July Sale!” Then I realized, there’s only five months left till Christmas. We better start planning on gifts this year. Have you? If you need some ideas, here are a few tips on scoring the best value for your money.
1) Use company discounts to establishments your work may give you. Some may have discount movie tickets, discount to retailers, themeparks, etc.
2) Use coupons and rebates. Aside from saving using coupons, you can even get free stuff if you use rebates and cashback offers.
3) Use credit card rewards for presents. Rewards vary from Starbucks cards to Macy’s Gift cards to hotel gift cards.
4) Use search engines for coupon codes before checkout at online stores. You can save either on your total purchase or you shipping.
5) Subscribe to money saving websites for current listings of sales and special deals. Try Babycheapskate or Freebies4Mom.
1. Remake his favorite meal from a restaurant at home.
2. Take out his car and fill it up with gas
3. Get some car maintenance done for him (get the tires rotated, get an oil change, get the car detailed, etc.)
4. Make a youtube playlist of all his favorite songs and music videos.
5. Give him a box of refills for his razors.
6. Put some favorite family photos in his phone memory card.
7. Give him a shopping spree to his favorite hardware store or electronics store.
8. Buy his favorite Meat and dessert.
9. Join him in his hobby. If he likes bowling, golf or swimming, go with him.
10. TIVO his favorite TV shows for him.
11. Make him a card and write out a personalized message.
Hope these were helpful. Fathers deserve much appreciation for the things they do for our families. Your present need not be fancy or expensive, just spend time with your father and enjoy each other’s company. He’d love that!
posted also on A Happy Mommy
Mother’s Day is coming up, what an awesome day to celebrate our beloved Moms together in one day. I’ve listed ideas below for affordable Mother’s Day presents for your mom.
$15 and under Gift ideas
1. A bunch of flowers- you can get a nice bunch from local grocery stores like Vons, Ralphs or even at Costco and Home Depot.
2. A bag of her favorite cookies/candy- Find out her favorite type and flavor. You can find them already wrapped for gift giving. If not, make sure you put a nice bow on it.
3. A beautiful card and balloons- You can make your own card or put a picture in it to make it extra special.
4. A calendar or a gift book- A nice calendar of her favorite things is a great present. You can also get gift books at Barnes and Noble or Borders.
5. Stationery or a notepad- Beautiful paper sets are always available at either the stationery aisle of your local gift shops or stores.
$25 Gift Ideas
1. An orchid plant- Trader Joe’s carry beautiful orchids at affordable prices
2. A manicure or pedicure- There are plenty of Nail Spas available you can choose from locally.
3. Cellphone accessories (if she has a phone)- You can buy anything from cellphone charms to cellphone cases to help dress up her phone.
4. Candles- Everyone loves candles. Make sure you find out her favorite kind.
5. Sterling Jewelry- Many beautiful sterling jewelry is available at this price range.
$50 to $100 Gift Ideas
1. Bath Kits- Bath Gift Sets relieve stress. Don’t forget to ask what her favorite scent so you can pick the right one.
2. Floral Bouquets- Many florists offer beautiful bouquets at this price.
3. Food Basket- There are many options available for baskets ranging from cookie baskets to fruit baskets. There’s something for every mom out there.
4. A Facial or Massage- Give the gift the relaxation to your special mom. She will appreciate the pampering.
5. Restaurant Gift Certificate- This is a perfect gift to give your mom time off from cooking and cleaning the dishes for at least one meal. She’ll love the night out as well
~kristine cruz-munda
Filed under: Gift Ideas, tips | Tags: $10.00, children presents, Gift Ideas
Times are much harder nowadays than ever. Fortunately, it is still possible to find wonderful presents for children under $10 they will surely enjoy. Here are a couple of ideas to make Christmas shopping for children more affordable.
1. Buy seasonal accessories- Many stores sell glove and beanie sets between $8-$10.00. Some of them would even include a scarf. With all the sales going on nowadays, you can even find sweaters for $10.00 or less. Just keep an eye out for the child’s favorite character of color.
2. Arts and Crafts Kits- A few examples of these kits are jewelry making kits for girls, play dough, coloring kits with books, mini figuring painting kits, spin art, etc.
3. CDs or DvDs- It is still possible to find inexpensive, quality CDs and DVDs. You can go to Rite Aid, Walmart or Target for a wide selection. If you still can’t find the exact one you’re looking for, you can always try Amazon.com. You can get free shipping if you order enough items, or some vendors will sell you a product for about $5.00-$6.00 and ship it to you for less than $3.00.
4. Story Books/ Activity Books- You can find really great ones under $10.00 at the Bargain bins of Barnes and Noble or Borders. For the money you’re willing to spend, you might even be able to buy 2 books with your money.
5. Building Toys- From brand name toys like small Lego sets, to Konex, many toys are available under $10.00. They are mostly available at Target stores or KB toy stores.
6. Action Figures/ Dolls- Boys will appreciate a Spider man action figure while little girls will enjoy playing with a Barbie Doll. These are classics, and they are sure to please any child.
7. Snack Gift Package- You can always put together a snack pack and put it in either an inexpensive lunch box or plastic container. You can include some Fruit roll ups, Granola bars, Yogos, raisins, etc.
8. $10 Fast Food Gift Card- For child, a $10 fast food gift card can go a long way. Besides, they will enjoy being able to spend their own gift card the next time they go out.
9. Bath Sets- There are gift bath sets containing foam soap, a bubble bath and a toy for about $8.00 a piece at drug store chains. They have cool themes like Tinker bell, Shrek, Superman, etc. And lately, they’ve been advertising “Buy one get 2nd one half off.”
10. Slippers- There are a wide variety of comfortable slippers. There are many plain colored ones for the child who doesn’t like too much design. But there are also plenty of themed ones for children who likes characters like Hello Kitty, Elmo, Bob the builder, etc.
11. Pillows- Character or designed pillows are perfect for children. You can ask the parents what their bedroom theme is to give you an idea. If the little girl likes flowers or clouds, make sure you pick one in the right color scheme. Or if the little boy’s room is decorated with stars, or the solar system, a rocket ship pillow might be perfect for him.
12. Throw Blanket- There are plenty of throw blankets you can purchase for under $10.00. Some blankets even go on sale for three for $10.00 at certain stores like Big Lots or Walmart during the holiday season.
13. Outdoor Play Toys- These kind of toys are perfect to keep the children active during the holidays. You can get balls, a hula hoop, boomerang, Frisbee, etc.
14. Game Boards- Many toy stores or even drug stores sell game boards for a really good price. Connect Four, Checkers, Card games, and Snakes and Ladders are classic favorites. But of course, there are plenty of other ones that you can choose from.
15. Pajamas- Keeping a child warm in cozy pajamas is a great idea for a Christmas present. For younger children under age 5, stores like Carters or Children’s Place always have a good deal on pajamas. For older children, Target, Kmart and Walmart always have a fine selection to choose from.
Filed under: Gift Ideas, Gift wrapping tips, tips | Tags: covering prices on gifts, tips
Here is an example of a problem about giving away inexpensive presents.
You can still see the price!Here’s my solution:
Also, you can put small stickers on the dollar price. Or you can punch a hole on the price.You can leave it as is or…
…Decorate with a label, ribbons, both =)
Filed under: Gift Ideas, silhouette cut outs | Tags: cut outs, gifts, silhouette, unique, unique gift idea
Here’s a unique gift idea, Custom Silhouette Cut Outs of your loved one.
You can give them framed as a present. Or you can also make it as a special addition to your scrapbook pages. Another way of using them would be putting them inside ornament frames to hang on the Christmas tree.
Just email me a photo of your profile.
A regular black (bust only) silhouette 5×7 portrait is $18
Select a size of your portrait: 5×7 ($18) or 8×10 ($30)
Choose: Black Silhouette on White, or on a colored background (plus $5)
Choose: Bust only silhouette or Full Body Silhouette (plus $10)
Shipping and handling: $5.00
Frames and other extra options available.
Emailme for more information
What do you give someone who probably owns every paper they find at a scrapbook store? Here are a few ideas.
1. Paper Flowers
2. Adhesive
3. Paper Punchers
4. Fancy Chipboard Letters
5. 12×12 container for paper or unfinished projects
6. An exacto knife
7. A subscription to a scrap booking magazine
8. Buttons
9. Ribbons
10. A book of sayings
11. A gift card (and coupons) to their favorite craft store
12. Markers
13. Decorative chalk
14. Acrylic paints
15. Paper Cutter
Filed under: Gift Ideas, cheap | Tags: 1 dollar, cheap, gift, ideas, Shopping
Let’s admit it, Christmas can get pretty pricey. Just make sure your spend wisely so you don’t have to go over your credit card limit. It is possible to spend 1 dollar (plus tax) for a present and have your recipient enjoy it too.
Here are a couple of things I’ve seen at Dollar Stores, dollar bins at some stores, or even discount stores like Big Lots. The following are wonderful gift presents if you find them, just make sure you package them nicely so they won’t look cheap.
1. Candles
2. Stationery Kit
3. School Supply kit for kids
4. Nice Figurines
5. Chocolate bars (sometimes you can get more than 1 for 99 cents)
6. Slippers
7. Fashion Jewelry
8. Calendars
9. Pen Sets
10. Planners
11. Mug (you can add candy inside)
12. Holiday Socks
13. Books (children’s books, puzzle books, even some novels)
14. Puzzles for kids
15. Retro DVDs
16. Cookie Mixes (you can make the cookies at home and give them to two or more people)
17. Pocket manicure set
18. Fancy Soap
19. Potpourri
20. Beanies
21. Scarves
22. Stuffed animals
23. Desk office supply set
24. Cell phone accesories
25. Mini dry erase boards
