Guest Post: Frugal Gift Giving

I'm so excited to have this guest post from Carlie Faulk. Carlie is a home-schooling mom of four kiddos too – she's a busy woman!! She used to write Why Ask Why, and still makes her appearances their occasionally. There are several resources she has written that are helpful to anyone's frugal journey (amazing recipe for strawberry fig preserves)!!

Something about the word frugal and Christmas just makes me cringe. I debated with my husband why I felt this way and couldn't come up with a really valid reason. Except that I love to shop and something about the Christmas season makes me want to whip out my largest limit credit card and go running thru the stores buying things. Of course come January Ill regret it.

This year, especially with the economy as it is, were looking for frugal ideas to show people we care about them. Here are ten fabulous ideas that are sure to be perfect for someone in your life.

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1. Calendars
   You can special order these with your own pictures or just pick one up out of the dollar bin. Make it special by taking the time to write down everyones birthdays and anniversaries in it. Most grandparents would love this.
2. Movie or Game Night Bags
   Need to buy gifts for a family? Instead of buying individual gifts make a Game or Movie Night Bag. Include a movie or game, along with popcorn and hot chocolate mix. To make it even easier you could just buy them a $5.00 Blockbuster gift card.
3. Homemade Baked Goods or Food
   A timeless standard. Who can resist a plate full of chocolate chip cookies and fudge?
4. Framed Poetry
   Find a beautiful saying that fits your relationship with the gift receiver and print it out on a nice piece of cardstock. Then frame it in a simple and inexpensive frame.
5. Personalized CDs
   For your best friend from middle school burn a CD with songs that bring back memories. Sure to be a hit!
6. Magazine Subscriptions
   You can find great deals online for magazine subscriptions. I like to use www.bestdealmagazines.com. They have subscriptions for $4.69, $5.69 and under $10.00.
7. Throw Away Cameras and Photo Albums
   For the kids at the party! My children love it when I buy them a throw away camera. We develop the pictures and put them into the photo album. They like making their own memories.
8. Kitchen Towels and Potholders
   For someone who loves to cook this is a great present. Who chef doesnt love new towels? Throw in a nice spatula or cooking spoons if youd like.
9. Babysitter Memo Pad and a Night Off Coupon
   A coupon for free babysitting goes a long way! Pair it up with a Babysitters Memo Pad from the local craft store for a much appreciated gift.
10. A handwritten note
    Never underestimate what kind words can do. Pick out that perfect card and tell someone how you feel.

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Thank you, Carlie – great ideas! Do you have any other frugal gift ideas to share? There are 8 days left until Christmas…I still can't believe it!