Saving during and especially after the holidays

[FrugalDonna]

I stopped by the candy store to pick up some white chocolate covered pretzels for my husband and my small NYE celebration. When I was there, I was reminded of a couple of things I did when my children were very young. They received Advent calendars from my mother and after she died, I kept up the tradition. Yes, we could make fabric or paper ones on our own; we made plenty of things to offset the fact that I bought chocolate ones with a door for each day. I saw them yesterday at the candy store for 75% off as well as all the rest of the Christmas and Hanukkah items. I used to buy them a year ahead at that price and keep them in the freezer and they kept just fine. It also reminded me of making wrapping paper with newsprint roll ends that we got for free, using potato stamps and paints. I recalled making their Christmas stockings and filling them with fruits, nuts, and small gifts. They use their homemade ones still, 20+ years later. I also remembered buying wrapping paper three years ago after Christmas and not having bought any since.

Some people think I'm cheap. I think I plan ahead and wear my frugal proudly.

Oh, the pretzels were not on sale, but some of the other items I bought were 75% off or more.

Just remembering back to my frugal roots and how I've continued through the years with frugal on the brain.

[MaryinFL]

I'm watching for the toiletry gift sets to go on sale at CVS and Walgreens. The last couple of years I bought them for 75% off.

I buy the sets that dont look real Christmas-y so that I can give them for bday presents, and those events that pop up through the year that we forget about.

If there is a set of bath gel or body lotion that I would really enjoy myself, I dont feel as bad buying it at 75% off.

[mauimagic]

Frugal Donna - you're definitely not cheap - you are brilliant!! Mahalo for the reminders!!

MaryinFL - Our Walgreens just opened a few months ago - when do their sets go on sale for that great price?

I think that I will stop by our local newspaper office and see if I can get some of that paper donated to our preschool- great idea!!