FANTASTIC Frugal Christmas Gifts!!!!!

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 12-26-2008, 12:05 AM

I hope you all had a VERY happy Christmas and were able to spend time w/ family and friends.

DH and I had a wonderful Christmas celebration with my family. I got a few frugal gifts that I wanted to share!!!

I got a copy of The Complete Tightwad Gazette!!!!! I am SUPER excited about that! I can't wait to read it (AGAIN!!!!!!!!!)! Mom and my dear sister gave us some GREAT gifts that are totally practical and useable--bread mixes, soup mixes, drink mixes (Chai tea), gift cards, etc. I am SO happy--I only have to add these things to the pantry or my wallet and then enjoy them later!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and I wish you the VERY best as the year winds to a close!

**madhen** · 12-26-2008, 01:21 AM

I didn't get much this year, except my mother did get me a good coat to wear around the property when I'm out feeding critters. I was touched that she actually thought about what I would need and got me a coat that is washable!!

I gave a number of homemade gifts this year, and I have to admit that my typically commercial family seemed to be really pleased and appreciative of them. They asked questions about them and my mother ooh'ed over the plastic canvas tissue box cover I made for her. (My mother doesn't ooh over much.

) My sister was thrilled with the scarf I knitted for her, and even my BIL and nephew seemed interested in their cocoa mix.

Maybe it is a good sign for Christmases to come....

**LastDragonfly** · 12-26-2008, 02:03 AM

The frugal presents I made and or gave this year were a big big hit. I'm really pleased. I hope to make and or give even more next year.

**Jskell911** · 12-26-2008, 10:02 AM

I too was very pleased (and surprised) with the positive reactions I got to the hand made gifts I gave this year! It seemed this year more than ever, people seemed to appreciate the time I spend as opposed to a dollar value. So, yes, I will be making more for next year as well.

**missyali** · 12-26-2008, 10:10 AM

I got a food dehydrator from my sil. I love it! But, not as much as the headboard my dh made for me! Homemade gifts went/are going to kids' teachers. These ladies are amazing and look forward to our crafted gifts. I loved watching my kids open their gifts, but I think I will like watching the teachers open their ALMOST as much.

**Sassyclass** · 12-26-2008, 10:38 AM

Well since my fiance demanded I get something I chose a pantry/cabinet that I've been wanting for so long. I also asked for a drying rack which we still have to get. The Amish make them out of oak and they sell for $40. I work with a guy who bought one for his wife and she loves it. Woohooo, I'll have more stockpiling room and I'll be able to save on the electric bill. A girl can't ask for much more....can she?

Cat

**peanut** · 12-26-2008, 11:08 AM

You were blessed indeed! I gave my daughter a copy of TCTWG too. It was fun to watch her pouring over it with highlighters most of the day.

I too, was surprised at how quickly my home sewing was snapped up and appreciated. I made two aprons for the girls and a stack of potholders from old blue jeans and decorator fabric. I have a few potholders left, but I was told to hang onto them as they might be back for more... LOL I liked the aprons so much that I'm going to make a few more for gifts and myself. These are easy and could be made for sale.

Jean

**Minner77** · 12-26-2008, 12:36 PM

My hubby and I loved the homemade totebags my sisters gave us for Christmas, designed by them and made out of recycled items. We especially appreciate, of course, the time and love they put into it. We knew they were cooking up something special -- we love the outcome!

I might have to break down and buy TWG. Our library used to have it (checked it out 3 times at least!), but I think they've moved it to another branch. Sigh. Goes against my frugal tendencies, but I love that book!

**homesteadmamma** · 12-26-2008, 12:48 PM

It is so neat to read about the responses in regards to homemade gifts. It use to be this way all the time. I'm glad it's returning back to that, where homemade becomes more even more popular.

I've always loved homemade and each person I've given homemade to have always been pleased.

**madhen** · 12-26-2008, 12:55 PM

Some of the most wonderful presents I ever received were those made by my grandfather. He worked in wood and could build just about anything. I still remember my parents getting "mad" at me one year, when my grandfather asked each of his grandchildren what they wanted for Christmas, and everyone asked for little things (my sister asked for a knick-knack shelf). I asked for a desk.

He made me one! And I kept that desk for about twenty years, even though it was a child's desk and I had outgrown it. I finally gave it to someone else who had a child, as I thought my grandfather would have wanted his creation to be used and loved.

Homemade is good.

**guest002** · 12-26-2008, 02:00 PM

The most frugal gift I received was my very own 1st copy of TCTWG! I've never been able to read it ever. I'm so excited.

**redhead68** · 12-26-2008, 03:09 PM

Perhaps this isn't the right place for a rant, but do any of you have trouble with family members who just refuse to honor your wishes for a simple holiday? We tried to have a understated Christmas this year, but unfortunately I married into a family that doesn't understand the meaning of the word moderation, especially during the holidays.

For many years now, we have tried to explain to my in-laws that a couple of gifts per child, something they want and something they need, are more than enough. However, my in-laws showed up with SIX large bags of gifts. The kids were overwhelmed, which made yesterday very stressful. By the end of the evening, it was too much and they both collapsed into heaps, which my mother-in-law thinks is a sign that our kids are badly behaved and her son and I are poor parents. It makes me want to scream in frustration!

Today, both of my kids are zombies. I can't blame them. I guess I should be grateful for my in-laws' generosity, but it kills me to know how much money they spent, since most of the gifts are useless clutter.

My favorite presents this year were warm pajamas and a hand-made beaded ornament for the tree. All my husband wanted was a new coat and a big plate of home-made chocolate chip cookies. Our kids favorite gifts were pajamas, a special ornament, and their big toy from Santa. If the rest was to disappear, none of us would miss any of it.

**lmbaker520** · 12-26-2008, 03:58 PM

I also received my first copy of TCTWG! I am so excited to start reading it!

**SaucyCranberry** · 12-26-2008, 11:57 PM

What a great thread! We too were the recipients of many home baked and cooked goods and I LOVE and APPRECIATE them so much. (Especially since I'm coming down with a cold today and didn't even have to think about cooking). Some fun ideas my (almost) SILs did (they are techinically DH's cousins but we're super close) was to not only give us baked cookies, but the dry jar mixes for the recipes, so it's like a sample.

One BIL made fresh venison stew from meat he'd just prepared and canned it. I'm honestly not a big venison fan, but the thought and idea it was from his hands (and this big, tough prison guard guy in the kitchen) is so awesome.

My favorite Aunt in law gave me a lovely dark purple violet plant. I've never had one before and look forward to tending to it.

I also received gift cards and am excited to see how long I can stretch them out by only buying little indulgences at a time.

This year I held back 50% of what I bought (on great sales) for my kids. You know what? They weren't overwhelmed. They seemed to ENJOY what they received and the clean up (and finding a place in the playroom) was cake. I'm going to use the hold-back items for their birthday and charity. Less really is more.

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 12-27-2008, 08:44 AM

I'm so glad you all are enjoying your Christmas gifts too! It's nice to get things you can actually USE rather than things that will just lie around collecting dust!

My mom's side of the family had a "yankee swap"-style gift exchange--everyone had to bring a $10 gift. Several people opted for gift certificates which are fantastic. I ended up with a FABULOUS set of four Pyrex dishes w/ lids! That's HUGE!!!!! DH ended up getting the gift my sister brought--two great-smelling candles which we can also always use! (I love it when our house smells good!) So it was a GREAT Christmas in that regard as well.