The Budget Diet

Festive and Frugal Gift Ideas

Here’s a gift giving guide with unusual gifts that you won’t find in any ads, and these gifts are sure to please!

The Budget Diet girl’s gift guide includes: annual gifts, collections, semi-homemade gifts and fun things to do! Of course, all items are budget friendly!

Annual Gifts – gifts you can give year after year! Once you discover the perfect annual gift, gift giving is easy!

• Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificate – Our parents are in the downsizing stage of life, and they have made it clear that they don’t need any more stuff! Our answer has been to give them a mini-vacation at a Bed and Breakfast Inn. They know to expect the Bed and Breakfast gift certificate, but they are surprised each year by the destination. I call this an annual gift, and it’s one less gift idea we have to come up with each year! Good news, get a FREE $50 B&B Gift Card! with the purchase of a $250 gift certificate from BedandBreakfast.com – how’s that for stretching the gift giving dollar? Even better, have all your siblings split the cost! If your parents aren’t the bed and breakfast type, check out the Groupon Getaways on the right side of this page for some amazing travel deals!

Collections – start a collection for someone, and each year add to it! After the first year, it’s a no-brainer!

• Charm Bracelet – Start a charm bracelet for a pre-teen, and you’ll know exactly what to give her for years to come! Sterling silver charms can be purchased for as little as $5 from CharmFactory.com.
• Junior League Cookbooks – Ideal for a newlywed that enjoys cooking! Start her collection of Junior League cookbooks, and you can add to it each Christmas!
• Christmas Ornaments – Who doesn’t love a beautiful ornament? Start a collection of ornaments for a loved one, and add to it each Christmas. My sister-in-law started my daughter on the Reed & Barton crosses the year she was born! She now has 12 beautiful ornaments, and our tree will miss those ornaments when she is grown! Of course, the Budget Diet girl doesn’t recommend starting an expensive Reed & Barton collection, but how about a beautiful Waterford Heirloom ornament for less than $10 at Homegoods, T.J. Maxx or Marshalls or starting a collection of Angel ornaments? Christmas Ornaments are great for young girls and even better for newlyweds!

Semi-Homemade Gifts – it’s more than just the thought! These gifts will provide memories for years to come!

• Create A Cookbook – It’s an ambitious project, but once you’ve typed all the recipes in your computer…you’ll be able to print a copy for any occasion! You might start this project in the New Year, and you’ll be ready for bridal showers, graduations and next Christmas! Learn how to write your own cookbook for as little as $5!
• Photo Book – Did you have a big family reunion this summer or did you go on a family vacation with the whole gang? Put together a photo book, it’s a gift that will be treasured for years to come! Photo Books can be made for less than $10! Try Snapfish for photobooks.

 
Fun Things to Do – think outside the gift box! Some of my favorite gifts over the years have been gift certificates for fun things to do like a pedicure or a day at the zoo!

• Family Gift – Think about giving a family gift instead of individual gifts…who wouldn’t love a family trip to the zoo? To save on this gift, make sure to check Groupon since they specialize in discounts on fun things to do! I’ve seen golf outings, tickets to sporting events, day spa gift certificates and more on Groupon.
• Gifts with Activity – How about a children’s cookbook with a note for them to choose a recipe and come over to make it? Children’s cookbooks are available at Half Price Books for as little as $4! Do you enjoy scrapbooking or knitting? I’m sure there’s a little girl in your life that would love for you to take the time to teach them how to scrapbook or knit!

I hope this gift guide has helped you check some folks off your list!

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Image courtesy of: Master isolated images / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s day 9 of The Budget Diet’s Festive and Frugal Christmas Ideas, and today’s gift ideas are perfect for hostess gifts, teacher gifts or neighbor gifts.

Don’t get me wrong, a bottle of wine is a great hostess gift, but sometimes we want to give something more unique. The Budget Diet girl has come up with some unique and budget friendly hostess gifts for every type of party. Why don’t you give one a try this holiday season!

Hostess Gifts – Think breakfast!

The party was wonderful, your hosts had a blast, but a late night of cleaning made the morning come way too fast! Wouldn’t it be nice to leave them a breakfast hostess gift!

• Muffins or Homemade Pumpkin Bread

  try my recipe for Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling

• Fresh Bagels and Gourmet Coffee

• French Bread with Homemade Strawberry Jam

• Homemade Granola

• Ingredients
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit – craisins and golden raisins are yummy!
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
• 1/2 cup coconut (optional)
• Homemade Granola Directions:
• Preheat oven to 325.
• Mix together all ingredients except coconut.
• Spread on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
• Bake 20 minutes, stirring once.
• Add coconut and dried fruit, bake 5 more minutes.
• Remove from oven and cool completely.
• Give in an airtight container.

Hostess Gifts – No Cooking Required!

Look no further than your local T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Ross or Homegoods for inexpensive hostess gift ideas! The rosemary plant will have to be purchased from a garden center.

• Rosemary Plant

  smell great, looks great & it’s useful!

• Cocktail Napkins

  seasonal or silly!

• Candles

• Christmas Ornament

• Gourmet Foods

  Pasta with sauce or soup mixes will make dinner the next day nice and easy!

Hostess Gifts Ideal for a Family Party

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe:
• Ingredients:
• 1 cup non-fat powdered milk
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix Directions:
• Mix together all ingredients, put in a cellophane bag or glass jar and tie with a festive ribbon.
• Add a gift tag that says: To make 1 cup of peppermint hot chocolate – add 1 cup boiling water to 1/3 cup of peppermint hot chocolate mix.

• Orange Spice Tea Mix

• Orange Spice Tea Mix Recipe:
• Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant iced tea powder
• 2 cups Tang
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Orange Spice Tea Mix Directions:
• Mix together all ingredients, put in a cellophane bag or glass jar and tie with a festive ribbon.
• Add a gift tag that says: To make 1 cup of orange spice tea – add 1 cup of boiling water to 2 teaspoons of orange spice tea mix.

• Make a CD of your favorite Christmas music!

Hostess Gifts for an Girly Gathering

Your homemade hostess gift will help your girlfriend relax after the party!

• Homemade Sugar Scrub

  At a fraction of the cost! Did you know that sugar scrubs at Target are $10 – $15?

• Homemade Sugar Scrub recipe:
• Equal parts sugar and oil (olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil)
• Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender) for fragrance. Essential oils are available at most natural food stores.
• Mix together and put in a glass jar. Use a ribbon to attach a Homemade Lavender Sugar Scrub tag with instructions.
• Instructions: rub on in the tub or shower to moisturize, exfoliate and smooth your skin! Your feet will love it!

This holiday season, think outside the wine bottle! Please leave a comment to share your favorite festive and frugal hostess gifts!

Remember…

Be festive, be frugal!

It’s day 5 of The 12 Days of Festive and Frugal Christmas Ideas, and today you’ll learn how easy it is to make a record bowl!

A record bowl made from an old vinyl album is one of my favorite gifts for friends celebrating milestone birthdays, and a record bowl would be a great Christmas gifts. I’ve seen them in catalogs for $30, and you can make one for $2 or less.

Here’s a quick how-to, and in just minutes you’ll have a one of a kind gift!

Supplies:

Vinyl Record Album – thrift stores, garage sales, Goodwill and Half Price Books are loaded with vinyl record albums for less than $2! Choose one that’s perfect for your friend! How about a Bruce Springsteen Born to Run record bowl for the Springsteen fan in your life?
 
Oven-Proof Bowl – choose one that has a base slightly bigger than the record label.

Directions:

Heat your oven to 200 degrees.

Place an oven-proof bowl upside down on a cookie sheet.

Put the record on top of the bowl and make sure it is centered.

Place the cookie sheet, bowl and record onto the middle rack of the oven.

Set the timer for 8 minutes and then remove the cookie sheet from the oven.

The record will be melted into a bowl shape. If you need to adjust the shape, use oven mitts immediately push the vinyl into the desired shape.

If you’re having problems with the shape of your record bowl, then simply place it back in the oven and reheat it for about a minute and then try reshaping it again.

Let cool – this only takes a few minutes!
















The record bowl should not be used for food…just use it for mail or a catch-all.

 
Of course, The Budget Diet girl doesn’t want the good looking record jacket to go to waste, so pick up an inexpensive record album frame (about $5 on sale or with a coupon from Michaels), and you’ll have another great gift to give!

Make sure you don’t miss any of my festive and frugal Christmas ideas!

Free Printables

Affordable Homemade Gift Baskets

Gift Wrap a Pillow

Decoupage Ornaments

Today kicks off The Budget Diet’s 12 Days of Festive and Frugal Christmas Idea, and each day you’ll discover a festive and frugal gift idea or decorating idea.

If I had to choose my favorite festive and frugal gift idea, it would have to be free printables!

“What are free printables,” you ask?

It’s like having your own personal graphic artist, and in 3 easy steps you’ll have a great looking gift for next to nothing!

1. Do a web search to find a free printable that you like or use one of mine below.
2. Print using your home printer.
3. Frame in an inexpensive frame.

 
If you’re looking for a completely FREE gift, re-use an existing frame…remember, black spray paint is a miracle worker! Inexpensive frames are always available at The Dollar Store, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Big Lots, Michaels or Hobby Lobby (don’t forget your coupon).

Feast your eyes on a few of my favorite Christmas free printables, and if you like it…just click and print!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What’s not to love? Free Printables are festive and frugal gifts that are perfect for teachers, neighbors or just about anyone on your list. Don’t limit yourself to seasonal printables, there’s a whole wide world of free printables waiting to be discovered!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Please leave a comment and let me know which free printable is your favorite!

Did you know that December is the most popular month to get engaged?

Yes, Tis the Season for Diamonds, and Tis the Season for savings! If a diamond is on your Christmas list, you’ll be happy to know that Brilliance.com, a GIA diamonds retailer, sells diamonds for 30% – 50% less than traditional jewelry stores! Each diamond is hand-picked by a certified gemologist, and Brilliance.com offers a 30-day money back guarantee, free shipping and guaranteed lowest prices!

What are you waiting for? Start searching their loose diamond collection online today and create a custom ring for less. They even have a live chat service if you need help from a diamond expert.

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This is a sponsored post, and all opinions are 100% mine.

Happy Black Friday!

Let the shopping (or football watching) begin!

If tickets to sporting events, theatre or concerts are on your shopping list (or wish list), I’ve just discovered how to get tickets for less!

Two words: SCORE BIG

What is ScoreBig?
Get a free membership to ScoreBig and save up to 60% on sports, concert and theater tickets. Members always save at ScoreBig! There are never any fees added to the price of your ticket, delivery is completely free and every ticket is 100% guaranteed!

How does ScoreBig work?
Browse the selection of exciting sports, happening concerts and world-class theater tickets – all with guaranteed savings. Select the event you want to attend, then select a seating area and tell ScoreBig how much you want to pay for the tickets. They will let you know instantly if your offer is accepted. You will never pay more than your accepted offer, and you’ll always pay less than face value. I just did a quick search and discovered that I can buy Cirque duSoleil tickets for 50% off or Houston Texans tickets for 25% off!

10 things to know about ScoreBig

1. Every ticket on ScoreBig is 10%-60% off.
2. You decide how much you want to pay for tickets. You pick your price and get an instant answer.
3. They never charge any fees. The amount of your accepted offer is all you’ll pay.
4. Ticket delivery is always free.
5. They back all their tickets with a 100% guarantee.
6. They’ve got tickets for every budget, in every section of the house.
7. Membership to ScoreBig is completely free – with an invitation, of course.
8. Their prices make it possible to try new things and get out more.
9. ScoreBig is a great way for families to have fun together.
10. Whether you need tickets last minute or well in advance, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for on ScoreBig.

Click here for your invitation to ScoreBig, and give the gift of tickets this Christmas!

PajamaGram Comfort and joy:$25 for $50 worth of pajamas for the holidays from PajamaGram

Pay $25 for $50 worth of cozy pajamas, slippers, robes and more at PajamaGram.com. PajamaGrams come in a nearly endless variety of styles and prints. Even better, all pajamas include FREE gift packaging!

The countdown to Christmas is on!

Let the shopping begin!

This year, you will save money on Christmas shopping when you use my 6 savvy shopping secrets!

You’ll learn how to buy a dress at J.C. Penny that is normally $60 for only $27.20, and that’s not just because it’s on sale!  Read on and learn the secrets of a savvy shopper!

Plan Ahead, Make Lists

• Planning ahead gives you TIME, and time is required to shop for bargains!
• I love lists because they are one of the best tools for planning ahead and saving money.
• Lists will keep you organized – don’t you hate spending a day of shopping, coming home & realizing you forgot something?  Lists will prevent that!
• Lists will help you feel in control especially when you check them off!
• Important lists:  gift list, Christmas card list and meal/party planning lists.
• Be prepared, don’t shop without a list!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preview the Black Friday 2011 Ads 

•  You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving Day to look at the Black Friday ads…catch a sneak peek by visiting TheBlackFriday.com.  Some ads are already posted!
• Read the fine print!  If it says quantities are limited…don’t get your heart set on that deal unless you plan to be one of the first in line.
• Prioritize!  You can’t be at all the stores at once, so go for the big ticket items first to maximize your savings OR get your husband to turn off the football game and run few errands!
• Use the internet to compare prices before you hit the stores.  Sites like PriceGrabber.com allow you to search by product, compare prices and read reviews.
• Don’t forget your list!  It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy & make impulse purchases.

 
Buy Discounted Gift Cards

• Do you know that you can buy discounted gift cards to hundreds of stores & restaurants?  Even better, nobody will know that you didn’t pay full price!
• Here’s how – go to:
  
   
   
  Click on “buy a gift card”, browse the available stores and restaurants and buy cards for any stores you’ll be shopping during the Christmas season.
• Right now you can get a JC Penny gift card for 15% off!  I suggest using it when JC Penny is having a big sale and combine it with a coupon from their newspaper ad.  Yes, this is how you can buy that $60 dress for only $27.20.
• Discounted gift card inventory changes daily, so check regularly!
• If a gift card you want is sold out, you can set up an alert, and you’ll receive an email when that gift card is available.
• If you shop online, ecodes are available for some discounted gift cards.  Once you purchase these, they are immediately available for use.
• Here’s the catch…discounted gift cards take about 1 week to arrive, so order now & be ready to shop Black Friday!

 
Are You an Online Shopper?  Learn how to earn Cash Back

• Sign up for ebates.com (it’s free) and you’ll earn cash back on your online purchases!
•  Here’s how it works…
•  Let’s say I want to make a photo calendar for Christmas.
• Go to ebates.com and on the left side of the page, click on “electronics and photos” to see a list of stores, and how much cash back you’ll earn.
•  I discover that Snapfish is offering 20% cash back and a coupon code for free shipping.
• Click shop now & you’ll be taken to the Snapfish site.
• Every 3 months, ebates will send you a BIG FAT CHECK!
• Whenever you’re shopping online, get in the habit of making ebates your first stop!  They work with over 1200 stores, so they’ll likely have just what you need!

 
Learn The Outlet Mall Lingo

• Don’t assume everything’s cheaper just because it came from an outlet mall!  Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Ross & Homegoods frequently offer better deals.
• Do your homework first – you know the drill:  make a list and compare prices online before you hit the outlet mall.
• Learn the lingo that you might see on the tags…
• MFO stands for Made for Outlet which means it won’t be the same quality as their regular store.
• Irregular – means slightly imperfect, so inspect carefully!  Irregular items are usually a really good deal if you can live with the imperfections.
• Refurbished – these items have been inspected, tested and restored to their original condition.  Refurbished items are common  in electronics stores, and the prices are great!  Just make sure to ask if it comes with the same warranty as a new item (most do!).

 
Take Advantage of Daily Deals
If you’re not already paying attention to daily deal sites like Groupon and Eversave, today is a great day to start! Groupon has recently started offering nationwide daily deals on great gifts like a personalized children’s book for half price! Check out the Groupon Gift Store today and everyday during the shopping season!


 
Now you know the secrets of a savvy shopper, so go forth and save money!

READY, SET, SHOP!