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Best Frugal Christmas Ideas

© Jennifer Krausz

Organizing Update:I'm still working on paper piles and my computer desk, as well as my kids' toys and other assorted messes, but I did get my husband's and my bedroom cleaned and organized, plus I cleaned out the dining room so we could have Thanksgiving in it. It feels good to have things organized, and I saved some money using cloth napkins instead of paper. I no longer feel the need to go buy more jewelry now that I have all of it in one place and can see what I have. See? Organizing really is frugal!

Well, now I've moved into the Christmas frame of mind. Last year, I worked really hard to get all my Christmas preparation done five days before Christmas. Those five days were so relaxing that I am determined to finish early this year, too. I like having time before Chrsitmas to reflect on what it is REALLY all about. All the preparation tends to crowd out that meditative time.

Usually, I make a lot of Christmas gifts each year. I have done T-Shirt iron-ons, beaded jewelry, painted ceramic ornaments, made soaps and candles. The list could go on. I am a crafter. I also do custom gift baskets based on recipients' interests. My goal in giving gifts it to spend the least amount possible but still give a QUALITY gift.

Best Gifts to Make

1) Hot sauce/spicy food basket--Stock up on tabasco sauce (in my area, I got several bottles free with doubled coupons). Buy a nice chili mix and a big soup mug and wooden spoon from the dollar store. Get some chips and hot salsa and pack it into the basket. Cost: about $10.

2) Iron-on T-shirts--Scan the cutest picture of your kids that you can find into the computer. Print out the picture and a cute saying like "Grandchildren are so much fun, I should have had them first!" onto transfer paper (about $10 for a pack of 10 at an office supply store). Be sure to print them backwards. Then iron onto a t-shirt (white works best). If you do these t-shirts in quantity, they only cost about $5 each.

3) Baking mix basket--I did a banana bread mix for my sister last year. I found a pretty glass jar (50 cents at a yard sale) and filled it with mix. I added a mixing spoon, measuring cups, and nuts. Then I threw in a $5 certificate to a grocery store (for the bananas, eggs, milk, etc). I made a nice tag with the recipe on it. Cost: About $10-12.

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