Giving gift baskets is a fun way to include a little variety in your gift giving. And, if you coupon, you probably have a lot of extra things that you got for free or very cheap that you can place in these baskets as well. Even if you don’t, doing a themed gift basket can make it easy for you to gift things this holiday season. It’s possible to create a gift basket that is so personalized, the receiver will love it! If you are stumped on what to put together, that also won’t cost you an arm and a leg, here are 7 Inexpensive Gift Basket ideas to get you started.
Movie Night Gift Basket
Give the gift of a movie night! This basket simply requires microwave popcorn, some dollar store candy, a $5 movie from the cheap bin at Walmart and some cozy socks. If you’re making this one for a teen or pre-teen, you could add a gift card for a movie ticket to the local theater.
Manicure Gift Basket
Some simple nail polish, a patterned file (can often be bought at Bath & Body Works or the dollar store for cheap!), a small bottle of hand lotion and some nice nail decals. This one is perfect for teens and tweens. You can also throw in a gift card to a beauty supply shop if desired.
Baker’s Delight Gift Basket
Do you know someone who loves to bake? Buy them some fun cupcake liners, cake mix, a new oven mitt and a spatulaand you have a great gift. You could even skip the basket and just place everything in the mitt and tie off with a ribbon.
Hot Cocoa Gift Basket
Hot cocoa can be made with just a few simple ingredients and packaged nicely in a mason jar. Add in a bag of marshmallows and some dollar store mugs for a finishing touch. This basket costs less than $10 to make.
Sporty Gift Basket
If you have a sports fan on your gift list, try this one! Place some snacks like sunflower seeds, jerky or popcorn in a basket. Add a small trinket of their favorite sport team such as a key chain, bottle opener or lanyard and finish it off with a set of tickets to watch a minor league team in your area.
Pasta Heaven Gift Basket
Got a pasta lover in your life? Place some fancy pasta (this can often be bought at a discount at outlet stores or a store like Winners), pasta sauce (homemade or bought), shelf stable Parmesan cheese, and a pasta server into the basket for a great fast dinner.
Bookworm Gift Basket
Everyone knows someone who loves to read. This gift basket will delight them! Get a $5 Amazon Gift card or a gift card to their favorite local bookstore (to buy a book or an e-book), a cheap fleece throw blanket, a coffee mug, some tea and a low cost clip-on reading light.
I hope there were some inexpensive gift basket ideas there to help inspire your gift basket building endeavors! Do you have any other themed gift basket ideas that you could share in the comments?
The holidays mean get-togethers, dinner parties, and all sorts of festive gatherings. If you are attending any one of these events, it is always a nice gesture to take the hostess a gift for all of their hard work. Hostess gifts use to be a common thing in the past, but many people just aren’t sure what to give these days.
No worries, as I have compiled a list of 11 inexpensive hostess gift ideas, perfect for your gift giving needs. Check out this list of hostess gifts and consider one of the suggestions next time you are invited to an event. Your hostess is sure to appreciate it!
1. A potted plant.
You can find small potted plants at most grocery stores for about $5. Take one of these plants and wrap the pot in some decorative paper. This is always a nice idea for an inexpensive hostess gift, and a potted plant will last longer than cut flowers will. Or fake plants will do too!
2. Some scented hand soap.
Try for some nice foaming hand soap found at stores like Bath and Body Works for just $4 a piece. Add some twine or ribbon to the bottle and a gift tag and you are all set. This Mrs. Meyer’s Peppermint hand soap is a nice option to purchase online.
3. Scented candles.
It seems as though everyone loves candles. Give your hostess a scented candle in a soft and not overpowering scent. This set of four soy candles might be the perfect thing to separate and gift to four different recipients! They can use it that night for the event or save it for when they are ready to relax and wind down.
4. Decorative hand towels.
These are always cute for kitchen and bathrooms, and can be found for as little as $1 at your local dollar store. Snag some decorative towels on sale even and keep them on hand so when event invites arrive, you have them for your hostess. Or this dishcloth set on a Mango Wood Board would be a great option too!
5. A book.
Does the hostess love to read? Even Dollar Tree or Dollarama have a nice selection of hard cover novels and cookbooks. Book Outlet is another great place to get discounted books. Find one you think they will enjoy and include a heartfelt note with it. It is sure to be appreciated!
6. Tea or coffee.
Coffee and tea comes in so many flavors, so put a small sampling together for your hostess. If you wish, you can even include a cute mug from your local dollar store. Your hostess will no doubt think of you when she takes a sip.
7. Cozy socks.
Who doesn’t love cozy socks? After throwing a party, your hostess will enjoy having a nice pair to slip into. (These ones are so cozy looking!) Gift your hostess with some cozy socks found at most dollar and discount stores and they are sure to appreciate the gesture.
8. An inexpensive gift card.
A gift card to a local coffee house is a nice inexpensive hostess gift idea. You can place the card in a dollar store mug if you wish or just a heartfelt card. Everyone loves gift cards, and even a $5 – $10 one is a nice way to show your appreciation.
9. A notebook and pen
I would be so pleased to receive a nice notebook and pen! Grab a notebook from the dollar store and a nice pen or two. Tie them together and, Voila! Or purchase a notebook set like this and some of these highly rated pens. Divide them up and you’ve got several gifts to give.
10. Hand lotion
This set of 4 hand creams would be a great set to purchase and separate so you have multiple gifts that won’t break the bank! Pair one with an inexpensive set of cozy gloves or a hand soap.
11. Cute Apron
If you know this hostess loves to be in the kitchen, perhaps a new apron would be a great token of appreciation! Get this set of three aprons to separate and gift to three different people!
12. Chocolate
I don’t think you can go wrong gifting chocolate! Pretty much anything will go I think! But if you know specifically what your host loves, you could gift that.
As you can see, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to show your hostess you are grateful for their hard work. Consider these 10 inexpensive hostess gift ideas and see how easy they can be to give!
I’d love to know what some of your favourite inexpensive hostess gift ideas are. Let me know in the comments below!
With Halloween quickly approaching, you might be wondering how to save some money on this year’s costumes.
Saving money on Halloween costumes can be easy, you just need to know a few simple tricks! Take a look at these 7 ways to save money on Halloween costumes and get the fun looks you love for less.
1. Visit a local thrift store.
Thrift stores are perfect for finding cheap dress up items when crafting your own costumes. Find scarves, hats, gloves, fabric, dress up jewelry and other items perfect for creating the look you want. And since it is a thrift store, you never know what you might find. Be sure to stop in especially on 50% off days, and stop in often as inventory is always changing.
2. Comb your own closets.
Take a look in your own closet for items you might be able to use. This includes many of the items listed above such as hats, scarves, dresses, old wedding and prom items, make up, and other accessories. You might be surprised at what you already have on hand that is usable. If you are looking for an accessory that you don’t have, ask family and friends to look in their closets before you go out and buy new. They just might have what you are looking for!
3. Swap with friends.
Ask your friends what costumes from years past they might have on hand. This is a great way to get a new to you costume for your child. You can even swap old costumes your children don’t wear anymore with friends for their old costumes. That way, you can get rid of items while getting some new to you items.
4. Shop Late
Halloween stores need to sell all of their merchandise before Halloween. Once Halloween is over these shops close their doors for the year. Try shopping one or two days before Halloween and you will probably see lots of costumes that have been discounted by 50% or more! This could mean some huge savings but the downside is the inventory is usually limited.
5. Shop Amazon
Amazonhas a great costume shop during Halloween. I highly suggest checking out their selection of costumes as they usually have really good prices on Halloween costumes.
6. Visit your local dollar store.
Your local dollar store will have all sorts of accessories that can lend a hand to homemade costumes. Look for princess crowns, magic wands, police badges, face paint, costume reflectors, glow sticks, candy bags, and other items perfect for making your costume a hit! For just a buck, the price on these accessories is right!
7. Make Your Own
Making your own Halloween costume is possible and can be done without touching a sewing machine. Look around your house and see what you already own and what you can turn into a costume. Have an old cheerleading outfit, football uniform, golf clubs or just a scary mask sitting around. Get creative and let your imagination run wild. Get your children used to making their own costumes and not dressing up in the same costume everyone else is wearing. You can also spend some time searching Pinterest for creative and fun costumes to make at home.
There you go! 7 ways to save money on Halloween costumes! See how easy it can be to create the perfect Halloween costume for less? With a little creativity, you’re sure to come up with the perfect costumes for everyone.
What are your most favourite affordable Halloween costumes?
It’s time to start thinking about Easter baskets and all the goodies you can fill them up with. Nothing is quite as exciting as watching children open their Easter baskets, but, what if you are on a limited budget this year? The good news is you can still fill those Easter baskets with tons of fun without going overboard on your budget.
Look at these 30 fun and frugal Easter basket ideas so you can fill those Easter baskets without breaking the bank! You will find lots of ideas perfect for making your Easter baskets sweet and special.
The ideas here are all things that I will or would love to gift my kids. Over the years as a mom, I have become increasingly annoyed by all the itty bitty “disposable” toys. So with that in mind, I have rounded up what I believe, to be thoughtful “long term” ideas. I hope you enjoy and find perfect frugal Easter basket ideas!
1. Lip balm or lip gloss.
Lip balm is perfect for both boys and girls. Little ones will love their own lip gloss.
2. Sunglasses or sun hats
Now that spring is here, hats or sunglasses will no doubt get some use.
3. Candy, gum, sweets
You can’t have an Easter basket without some candy and edible treats, right? I was recently told by my dentist that gum with xylitol is great for fighting cavities.
4. Fruit snacks, nuts, dried fruit
For a healthier option, try fruit snacks, nuts, or even dried fruit for a snack.
5. Playing cards or trading cards
Kids love trading cards and playing cards! A set of Uno cards is always a fun idea as well!
6. Toothbrush, kid’s toothpaste
A new battery operated toothbrush is more fun than a regular toothbrush. You can always feel good with gifting that! Pair it with kid friendly toothpaste.
7. Water Wow!
These Melissa & Doug Water Wow books are so much fun for younger kids. Great for road trips and a good quiet activity.
8. Hair ties, headbands, hair accessories
Girls will love having a fresh selection of hair accessories. Choose from a wide variety at your local dollar store.
9. Kid’s gardening supplies like seeds, small pots and gloves
With spring’s arrival this will allow kids to get out and get active in the yard and garden. This seed variety pack looks great!
10. Paint with Diamonds
I am all for a creative activity that will keep kids involved for a long time! These Paint by Diamond kits are sure to be a hit! I also really like these Diamond Painting stickers. They’re a smaller project to complete.
11. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
These Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putties are a little pricey, but oh so mesmerizing. Your local toy store might be a good place to look for these as well!
12. Kid themed drinking cups
Find kid themed plates, cups, and dishes. Kids enjoy having their own dishes to snack on! These construction themed utensils are so cool!
13. Push Bubble fidget Toy
So fidget toys are a hit with any kid. This one in particular, I think, would be great for counting activities for younger kids.
14. Nail polish, nail files, nail art
This idea is perfect for the little fashionista. These nail stickers are cute!
15. Umbrella
My kids love having their very own fun umbrella for rainy spring days.
16. Pens
I find gel pens, or any type of pen is a hit with my kids! Especially fun coloured ones.
17. Kid Fanny Pack
Fanny packs of our youth are coming back in style! Pick up a kid friendly one for all your spring adventures!
18. Puzzles
Puzzles are perfect for keeping kids busy on a rainy spring day. This LEGO Minifigures puzzle looks fun!
19. Children’s books
Find some fun children’s books perfect for cuddling up with each night. This is a cute one!
20. Coloring books and activity books
Keep kids busy with an assortment of coloring and activity books and crayons. These Paint by Sticker booksare so much fun.
21. Crayons, markers, colored pencils
Let the little artist out of your child with an assortment of crayons and other coloring supplies. Or a different alternative is these Invisible ink pens!
22. Stickers, sticker pads, sticker books
Kids never get tired of stickers. Give them a fun spring selection to get creative with.
A fun classic game of Pick Up Sticksis always a good idea and will last a long time!
25. Playdough, cookie cutters, dough roller
Encourage fine motor skills with an assortment of dough and accessories.
26. Craft kits, mini painting kits, craft supplies
For the budding artist, craft supplies are always fun. I always find little craft kits at the dollar store.
27. Writing Tablet
LCD writing tablets have been a favorite in our house for several years now! Ours actually live in the car and get pulled out and played with every time we go somewhere!
28. Sidewalk chalk
Sidewalk chalk is perfect for staying busy on a spring day!
29. Beach toys, beach buckets, sand castle tools
Summer is just around the corner and kids will no doubt love having beach toys on hand.
30. MagMen Magnetic Toys
These magnetic people look like they could be entertaining for hours!
31. Water bottles
A new water bottle will be going in my kids baskets this year. They are in dire need of new ones!
32. Squishmallows
I’m not sure I’ve ever met a kid that does not love a Squishmallow. They are just so…squishy and soft! I’d link to Amazon, but I find they are cheaper at other stores. I’m sure any stuffed animal would be a hit!
33. Pajamas
Pajamas are always a good idea! I find with the season changes and the growth spurts, my kids are always in need of new pajamas to wear.
34. Swim Suit
Same reason as above, I find that spring is a good time for a bigger swim suit.
As you can see, these Easter Basket options are fun, affordable and long lasting. Head to your local dollar store or Amazonto see these treats and so many more. These are all frugal Easter basket ideas perfect for filling up your Easter baskets this year!
I always enjoy seeing what others buy their kids for Christmas. Especially stocking stuffers. So I thought it would be fun to share what we bought our daughters this year!
I find it can be so easy to buy little things just for the sake of filling the stockings.
Over the years, I have found myself becoming more intentional with what I buy. I like to buy some practical items, consumable items and just for fun items.
How do you like to fill stockings?
In the past, I have done almost identical things for both of my daughters. However, this year, they have significantly different likes. (The almost 12 year old is waaay over toys. haha!)
Without further ado, here are the items I bought for my daughters. Age 7 and age 11.
My daughters love decorating gingerbread houses every year before Christmas. Probably, most likely, because they get to consume candy. But I also like to think it’s because of the creative process and making something cute.
We like to make a special evening or weekend day out of it by adding hot chocolate and having Christmas carols playing in the background.
This year, I thought it would be fun to create little gingerbread house kits. I even had fun creating a Build Your Own Gingerbread House tag to make them way more official. Lol.
To assemble them, add 8 square graham crackers or 4 of the large rectangle ones if they are the brand name ones by Christie (pictured below). I like the brand name ones best because you can cut the large rectangle on the top half on an angle so it has a point. This is so the roof crackers have a sturdier resting point.
After this, fill the bag with an assortment of candy. I bought all of ours from Bulk Barn. Seal the sandwich bag.
Once you’ve printed out the tag, cut it out, fold it in half, then staple it to the top of the sandwich bag. Ta da!
The icing I used didn’t fit inside the bags, however, you could create a mini piping bag filled with icing that should fit nicely if you’re giving it as a gift!
You can make your own icing or you can buy it like I do. The premade icing in a can by Betty Crocker and the likes, also works really well!
I think it would be so fun to have a Gingerbread House making party with a bunch of friends! Young or old!
What are your holiday traditions that you find yourself doing every year?
