"Crafty gifts for the frugal"
Gifts don't have to come from the department store to be appreciated. You can create fabulous gifts for every occasion. Examples:
Wedding/housewarming gifts:
How about a coupon caddy and some of the extra coupons, rebate forms etc you have on hand? Plus a few recipes that use some of the foods. Most newlyweds have lots of expenses and would really appreciate anything that would help them save money.
Two of my favorite wedding gifts: Christmas decorations - My husband and I were married in November and of course had no decorations of our own. A thoughtful neighbor gave us a string of lights, a box of ornaments and a tree top to get us started. You can make many of these at home and create a gift that will be remembered for years to come. Another gift I remember especially came from my maid of honor. She had married a few months before me and remembered all the things that she didn't get and needed. Things like potholders, clothes basket, toilet bowl brush, dish towels, dishrags, and such. It was perfect! Many of those you can make yourself from scraps or buy cheaply at the dollar stores and decorate for the newlywed's kitchen.
Women's gifts
How about putting all those samples to good use? Create a pouch or envelope type holder for a variety of samples that would be useful for traveling or added to a purse. You might also add a few candles to create a romantic bath time.
A cook would love to have a variety of new menus and recipes (this is also good for students, newlyweds etc) so create a recipe book using your computer and favorite cookbooks. Be sure to acknowledge the recipes from cookbooks. You can also include some of the main ingredients to create these as well. Many of the homemade mixes for cookies, quick breads etc work well as gifts too.
Not a cook? How about a book of restaurants with take out service. Include sample menus from them and phone numbers, hours of operation etc.
Men's gifts
Many men find the idea of having a first aid kit handy in their truck or car good but never seem to take the time to create or purchase one. Do it for them. You can use bits and pieces of things from your home medicine chest clearly labeled and put in small plastic bags or sample sizes you can purchase at WalMart or similar places. Find a waterproof container of some kind and put everything together with an inexpensive first aid manual. You may be able to get this at a local Red Cross or Home Extension office free.
Children's gifts
Kids are some of the hardest and the easiest to buy gifts for.
Teens will enjoy gift cards, free music and ringtone downloads from all those 'freebies' you have been accumulating. There are lots of free templates for post it notes and other things at www.mardarsprintables.com you can use to create a special gift too. Personalized things are always welcome.
Preteen girls would enjoy some of the shampoo and other samples you have received in a special gift box or basket. Something that is just for them and shows that you know they are growing up will be appreciated.
You can make homemade playdough in a variety of colors and scents for toddlers and other children as well. Try making wooden blocks from scrap lumber too. Just sand the edges well and paint in a variety of bright colors. You can make a small wooden wagon to put them in too.
There are lots more things that can be made or created from items you have at home or things you accumulate while refunding and couponing. Think about it. Choose items that are meaningful for the recipient and you will have a surefire winner.
Mary Keyser
Colored bath salts
Epsom salts, a jar w/lid (use clean mason jars, baby food jars, or even spaghetti and jelly jars) and food coloring are all you need, although a funnel will make your job easier. First fill the jar you would like to give with the epsom salts, and then pour it out evenly into 6 small cups.
Add food coloring to each cup, stirring (and adding more color if needed) until you get the desired shade. Remember you can mix colors (i.e. blue+red to get purple) if you like, and consider whether you would like pastel or stronger colors (pastel usually looks more appropriate for bath salts). You may also add essential oils to scent the bath salts. Lavender is especially nice for the bath.
Allow the salts to air-dry for 20 minutes or so, then use a funnel to add the colors, one at a time, back into the jar. Press each layer lightly with the back of a spoon before adding the next. (Or, if you want a more organic feel, let the valleys and hills remain.)
This project is especially nice finished off with an organza ribbon and a silk flower. Make sure to create a gift tag so the recipient knows what is in the jar!
Two websites for Gifts in a Jar.
http://organizedchristmas.com/index-gifts-in-a-jar
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/giftinajar/index.shtml
Epsom salts, a jar w/lid (use clean mason jars, baby food jars, or even spaghetti and jelly jars) and food coloring are all you need, although a funnel will make your job easier. First fill the jar you would like to give with the epsom salts, and then pour it out evenly into 6 small cups.
Add food coloring to each cup, stirring (and adding more color if needed) until you get the desired shade. Remember you can mix colors (i.e. blue+red to get purple) if you like, and consider whether you would like pastel or stronger colors (pastel usually looks more appropriate for bath salts). You may also add essential oils to scent the bath salts. Lavender is especially nice for the bath.
Allow the salts to air-dry for 20 minutes or so, then use a funnel to add the colors, one at a time, back into the jar. Press each layer lightly with the back of a spoon before adding the next. (Or, if you want a more organic feel, let the valleys and hills remain.)
This project is especially nice finished off with an organza ribbon and a silk flower. Make sure to create a gift tag so the recipient knows what is in the jar!
Two websites for Gifts in a Jar.
http://organizedchristmas.com/index-gifts-in-a-jar
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/giftinajar/index.shtml
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