holiday tips to save money

[perSue]

Send postcards instead of regular cards. take your holiday cards, cut off the front, use as postcard. remember the postcard rules for filling it out! You can send TWO postcards for the price of one full holiday card. (in the US)

Use magazines, newspapers, pieces of fabric, etc. for 'wrapping paper'. uses up some things ppl throw away anyway, and others are reusable! Makes for interesting gifts!

Reuse boxes, bags, trays, tins, baskets etc. that you may have sitting 'round the house to deliver or hold gifts. Again, reusable!

Have an exchange party, like a White Elephant gift exchange, before the holidays with family/friends... exchange old toys/clothes/household items for "new" ones!

Do a Fall-Cleaning (much like spring cleaning) of your house. Dig deep, empty those closets! Not only will your house be more organized, YOU will as well... and may find old gifts in that old closet, or a bunch of things you simply don't need any longer, but are in great repair, that someone else you know would enjoy and use.

Have too many movies/music discs/tapes/etc? You could always donate to the local library (bonus: tax credit!). Or if you have a teen going off to college, what about those rarely watched or listened to CD's/DVD's? Bunch of kids movies? Give to a friend who just had a baby... for a 'future' gift.

What to do with all those "extras".... magazines, clothes, kitchen towels, travel freebies, buttons, chopped wood, etc.... THINK of all those ppl you know... all the things they like to do, things they do regularly and don't think twice about.
Help 'em out by giving a "large bundle of random fabric" (you have laying about), or chopped wood you simply won't use or are afraid will go bad soon.

Simple and practical gifts can something be the most important gift someone receives. Even if it seems mundane, if that person appreciates and/or utilizes something on a regular basis, having someone purchase it for them can be really special.

Your ideas???

[Lady_V]

I have been making Origami boxes for years.

I have used old cards, but also calendars or construction paper. They aren't the best for heavier gifts, for obvious reasons, but they are a cute (and free) alternative to buying them.

[ame="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/322607/how_to_make_an_origami_gift_box/"]Easy Video[/ame]

[perSue]

Let's also not forget to shop the clearances at our local shops!
Shop NOW while many stores are getting rid of old to make room for new!

That means lotsa clothes, toys, household items, and especially seasonal items are getting sold as DEEP discounts!