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, Free $75 B&B Gift Card with Purchase! of a $250 gift card 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 $6.
• Junior League Cookbooks – Ideal for a newlywed that enjoys cooking! Start her a collection of Junior League cookbooks from across the country, 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! Right now, Shutterfly has photo books for 40% off!

 
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? 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

Christmas is right around the corner (Where did 2012 go??) and many of us have already started thinking about holiday gift giving. It is getting more difficult, it seems, to stretch the budget while giving well thought out, elegant, but, most of all, memorable holiday gifts.

Do you ever feel like you are a hamster on a wheel of ever growing consumerism around the holiday season?

I happened to be watching an episode on “Friends” where Monica, then out of work, decided to make cookies for everyone she would normally tip (e.g. the postman and the doorman) in her building. It wasn’t received well (though it did make for a hilarious episode). I remember thinking “Why have homemade gifts not only fallen out of fashion but been relegated to cheap and laughable?”

Luckily we spend our holiday season in Lebanon where the exchange of gifts is usually for the children. I, being the odd American, do give gifts of cookies, fudge, and preserves which are met with enthusiasm and usually begs for recipes. They are also met with grumbles from the ladies who promptly eat them all and then come to me for diet advice after the holiday season.

This year I have come up with a sinfully delicious recipe that won’t go straight to their hips and will give them silky smooth, baby soft skin, with natural, healthy ingredients (and edible) ingredients all for pennies on the dollar.

My Gingersnap Body Scrub is perfect for holiday gift giving combining the scents of the season with nourishing oils and exfoliating sugar and salt. How easy is that? Make it up in big batches and put it in pretty jars and wait for the “oohs and ahhs” to roll in.

Ginger is the key ingredient in this body scrub known for its energizing and warming properties. It is safe for eczema and psoriasis and fantastic for sensitive skin.

Gingersnap Homemade Body Scrub Recipe

1/4 cup coconut oil (this will be solid at room temperature)
2 tbsp. cocoa butter or shea butter (optional but adds a moisturizing kick)
1 tablespoon ginger, (do not peel, grate roughly)
1/4 cup cold-pressed oil (almond oil, argan, olive, or avocado are my favorites )
3/4 cup demerara, turbinado, or organic granulated sugar (unbleached)
1/4 cup celtic sea salt (coarse for normal skin, fine for sensitive skin)
1-4 drops essential oil (I used a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg)

In a small saucepan heat the coconut oil and ginger pieces over low heat. Continue heating for 5-10 minutes and then steep for about 20 minutes until ginger scent and juice has transferred into the oil. Remove from heat and press through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. (I skip this step most of the time because I like the exfoliation kick of the grated ginger.)

While the oil is still warm, add in the cold-pressed oil. Stir to combine and allow to come to room temperature. Stir in sugar and salt. Scent with essential oils as desired. Pack into pretty container.

To Use: Massage into damp skin and allow to sit 2-4 minutes. Using a washcloth covered in warm water, steam over face or stand in a steamy shower for a minute. Using the wet washcloth, wipe excess from skin. Rinse and repeat until oil is washed away.

Makes approximately 8 ounces sugar body scrub.

*The ingredients can be purchased online or at stores like Whole Foods.

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written by:  Jacqueline, The Detox Diva

Father’s Day, gifts for men…always a challenge!

Got gifts?

Need ideas?

Read on!

In my opinion, men are the most difficult to shop for, so I’ve come up with a solution that’s perfect for Father’s Day, Dad’s birthday or any special day for the man in your life! It’s called…A Day For Dad!
 
A Day For Dad

• Plan a day that revolves around all dad’s favorites…favorite foods, favorite activities, favorite movie & more!
• When dad opens his homemade Father’s Day card (in the morning) have a note with a clue about his first activity! Once he figures it out…let the fun begin!
• After he finishes his first activity, present him with clue #2!
• The day will continue with clues & fun!
• If your children are old enough, let them each plan an activity or cook one of the meals.
• Younger children will love making homemade Father’s Day gifts to give!

Take a look at some of our most memorable “Days For Dad”…yes, they all revolve around his favorite things!

• Camping!
  My husband loves to camp, so we surprised him with a family campout, and a few small camping items for his gifts!
• Golf
  We surprised him with a round of golf at one of his favorite area courses, & we’ve established it as an annual tradition! It’s called “The Bucket Tournament”, and the winner gets to fill the bucket with his favorite snacks!
• Beer
  For his 40th birthday, we gave him 40 beers, for 40 years! With the help of the local liquor store, I selected 40 different beers along with a book called “The Beer Lovers Guide”.
• Favorite Food
  My husband loves a good hamburger, so when we first moved to Houston I found the restaurant that was supposed to have the best burgers in town. This was our dinner stop after the round of golf!
• Tools
  My husband is not a handyman, but one year he wanted a drill (I still don’t think he’s used it!). Instead of traditional gift wrap, we had him follow a “string trail” throughout the house until he arrived at his toolbox which we had cleaned out, organized & put the new drill in!
• Homemade Father’s Day Gifts
  Over the years, a few of our favorite homemade Father’s Day gifts have been: homemade picture frame for my husband to take to his office, a hand-painted #1 dad t-shirt, a shoe box decorated to be a “catch all” in his closet and a painted rock paperweight!

 
So, think outside of the traditional “gift box” and certainly think beyond the necktie!

Go make a list of dad’s favorites, and soon you’ll have a plan for Father’s Day!

If you have a favorite Father’s Day gift…do tell! Simply click the title of this post, and a comment box will appear!

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Image courtesy of: nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cheap & Cheerful is the term I use for great gifts that will put a smile on someone’s face without costing you a fortune. The end of the school year is certainly a time when we could all use Cheap & Cheerful gift ideas for teachers!

My new favorite? A vase made with pencils! Try colored pencils or even crayons for a fun twist!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you need more Cheap & Cheerful Gift Ideas, check out my 20 Great Ways of Saying Thank You!

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 – try my frugalicious and fast Granola Recipe!

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 – smells great, looks great and it’s useful!
• Cocktail Napkins – seasonal or silly!
• Candles – choose a seasonal fragrance like cinnamon, sugar cookie or pine!
• Christmas Ornaments
• Gourmet Foods – pasta with sauce or soup mixes will make dinner the next day nice and easy!

Hostess Gifts Ideal for a Family Party

A tasty gift is sure to please the entire family or have fun putting together a CD of your family’s favorite Christmas songs!

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix
• 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
• 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 family’s favorite Christmas music!

Hostess Gifts for an Girly Gathering

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

• Homemade Sugar Scrub or Bath Salts – Make your own for a fraction of the cost! Try these simple diy spa recipes.

 
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!

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Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As a newlywed on a budget, I’m pinching pennies this Christmas. I’d love to buy my loved ones the very best, but we’re just getting started as a married couple and thrifty spending is definitely a priority.

This year, I’m relying heavily on DIY gifts — namely DIY scarves! Now, I’m no seamstress, so sewing isn’t really an option. Luckily, there are several DIY scarves that require no sewing! I’m going to share a few of my favorites:

1. This first DIY is featured on Savvy Scarves and comes from PS – I made this. It’s seriously the easiest scarf DIY out there — and any fashionable gal on your list would love to receive this DIY circle scarf. For this one, all you need is scissors and a t-shirt.

2. Ponchos are a big fashion trend this winter, and it’s so easy to make your own! Affordable Scarves made a DIY poncho, inspired by A Reason to be Fabulous. A large square scarf and some scissors are all you need for this project. Ponchos look great belted around the waist, so you could throw a belt into the gift for a very wearable and thoughtful surprise!

3. I seriously can’t believe this next one is a no-sew scarf. All you need is an XL t-shirt, a paper plate, and scissors — the result is a chic ruffled scarf. You can add a cute brooch to the gift so the lucky recipient can style it like Tidy Mom.

4. Even the guy on your list will appreciate a manly no sew fleece scarf. Choose fabric that shows off his favorite sports team, his favorite color, or even a print like camo.This idea comes from Crafts for All Seasons.

5. Affordable Scarves also crated a DIY Scarf Headband that would make a perfect stocking stuffer. A basic headband, a scarf, scissors, and a glue gun are all the supplies needed for this sweet DIY.

Do you ever give DIY gifts as Christmas presents?

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written by: Sarah Heckle

Author bio: Sarah Heckle is a writer from Indianapolis. She loves crafting, hanging out with her husband, playing with her kittens, and blogging at Tulle and Trinkets.

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Need more festive and frugal Christmas ideas?

Free Printables

Affordable Homemade Gift Baskets

Gift Wrap a Pillow

Decoupage Ornaments

How to Make a Vinyl Record Bowl

How to Make Sequin Hair Accessories

Hello Budget Diet readers! This is Elisha from My Black Tongue. I am a teacher, a crafter and a self taught cook. I have an Etsy shop called Three Ponds Vintage & Design and in my spare time I am an independent consultant for Tastefully Simple! I am so happy to be a guest author here on Budget Diet. I am always looking for tips and tricks to stay on budget! To go along with the holiday spirit I have a tutorial on how to make inexpensive sequin hair clips that would be a perfect handmade gift this holiday season!

Supplies Needed:
- Sequin Appliques
- Alligator Clips
- Felt
- Hot Glue Gun & Sticks
- Scissors

Purchase or gather supplies needed for this project.

I found these sequin appliques at Michael’s for $4 each. I really like sequin accessories to at a bit of sparkle to my outfits for the holidays.

Since the bow has a band around the middle and an open space between the band and the front bow pieces, I simply slipped the clip through and secured it with a dot of hot glue. Let cool.

The back of the leaf applique is flat. Draw out a line of hot glue along the center of the leaf and press the top of the alligator clip into the glue. Cut a small square of felt and glue it to the underside of the clip to secure the felt, clip and applique together. Let cool.

The completed piece.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are now inspired to create your own sequin hair accessories! I would love to see photos of your pieces if you make some. Visit my blog to read more about my DIY projects, movie reviews, step-by-step recipes, and more! Thank you, Budget Diet, so much for having me!

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Be festive and be frugal with all these great Christmas ideas!

Free Printables

Affordable Homemade Gift Baskets

Gift Wrap a Pillow

Decoupage Ornaments

How to Make a Vinyl Record Bowl

Need a little inspiration for gifts this Holiday Season? Homemade Gift Baskets are a wonderfully personal way to give a gift from the heart. You can put together a basket at any price point. From as little as five dollars to as much as your heart desires. Check out some of my gift basket ideas and tweak them to your liking.

Money Saving Tip: First, if you are a couponista, be sure to “shop” your stockpile for many of the supplies you will need to put together these baskets. Second, check out the Dollar Store for supplies including cellophane wrap, ribbons, baskets and containers. Lastly, check out your local thrift or second hand shops.

Italian Basket
Box of dry pasta (put into a glass jar and wrap with ribbon for a prettier affect)
Jar of pasta sauce
Container of Parmesan cheese
A couple of cloth napkins (find at a discount store or dollar store)
A couple pasta bowls or dishes (pick up from a thrift shop or dollar store)
An inexpensive bottle of wine (if it is in your budget)

Housewarming Basket (great for young couples)
Small Laundry Basket (dollar store usually has these)
Small bottle of laundry detergent / fabric softner
Other cleaning supplies, including dishwashing liquid or dishwasher detergent
Kitchen towel and wash cloth
Pot holders
Kitchen utensils, such as spatulas, can openers, etc

Spa Basket (for men or women)
Body wash (check your stockpile for all of these items)
Soaps
Loofah or scrubby
Shampoo/Conditioner
Razors
Lotions
Candles/Votives

Movie Night Basket
A few boxes of Movie Theater Candy (Walmart or Dollar Store)
Popcorn (microwave, raw popping corn, or pre-popped corn)
Popcorn seasonings
A couple of DVD’s – consider a theme like sports movies (found on sale at places like Walmart, Target, etc)
If you are feeling generous, a Subscription to Netflix ( from 1 month to a year)
Gift Card for local pizza joint

Family Game Night Basket
A couple of family friendly board games, like monopoly, connect four, scrabble, clue ( this goes without saying, buy them on sale!)
Deck of cards or card games such as Uno or Swap
Video Games for whatever game system the family has: Wii, Xbox, PlayStation, DS, etc.

Coffee Lover’s Basket (tea or hot cocoa lovers, too)
A couple of mugs
Variety of different coffees, (teas or hot cocoa)
Variety of flavored creamers
Homemade or store bought scones, biscotti, tea cookies
Mints or hard candies
Lightweight fleece throw

Bread Gift Basket
A variety of homemade breads (banana, apple, zucchini, braided bread)
A variety of jellies or jams
Jar of honey

Inspirational Gift Basket
A religious/inspirational book that the recipient would appreciate
An uplifting CD
A mug and flavored coffee or tea
A piece of jewelry with a cross or other appropriate religious symbol

The following ideas are pretty self explanatory:

Fruit Gift Basket
Buy a variety of fruits such as apples, oranges, pears, grapes and more

Candy Lover’s Basket
Buy a variety of candies or chocolates

What other gift basket ideas do you have to share?

Want more? Check out Regifting: Is it Tacky or Smart

If you missed yesterday’s Festive and Frugal gift idea, click here to learn how to make a great almost FREE gift in a matter of minutes!

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Written by: Amy Fields, ManyMoneySaversBlog.com

Amy is a full-time work-outside-the-home wife and mother of two, who loves to find great deals and share them with anyone who will listen. She is also the author and publisher of Many Money Savers Blog. A place to find freebies, specials and deals as well as great money saving & money making tips.