Comments on: Thrifted Christmas Inspiration

By: FrugalBabe

FrugalBabe — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:27:14 +0000

Sarah,
A few years ago I made cookies in a jar for Christmas presents. I used mason jars, and filled them with layers of cookie ingredients, then put a cute piece of fabric in the top to make it look festive. They looked really neat with all the different layers of ingredients, and the recipients all said that they ended up with really tasty cookies. And it cost very little to make a whole bunch of jars. Have fun with your soup jars!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:47:03 +0000

My family doesn’t really go all out on gifts anymore. My MIL sends us money and my mom will buy us a present only if it’s great.

My favorite homemade gift idea (that I have never done) is homemade soup in a jar. You put a bunch of dry ingredients in a big jar with a pretty bow and some instructions. The soup can look very pretty, too.

By: spagiftbaskets

spagiftbaskets — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:49:49 +0000

This year we opt for only homemade gifts. Not only we safe money but the most important they are unique and special. I have some some bath frizz, bath salts and cookies. All are stored in pretty jars. We are also not buying any wrapping papers. i have sewn some gift bags. At least the gift bags would be thrown away. It can be recycled too

By: FBN Roundup – Thanksgiving Edition

FBN Roundup – Thanksgiving Edition — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:24:52 +0000

[...] Frugal Babe shared her thrifted Christmas inspiration. [...]

By: mc

mc — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:48:58 +0000

Abigail — I bet you can get a nearly new slow cooker and other household items on craigslist, for very cheap — much less even than sale prices new. I got a great crockpot for free on craigslist. Also check things like free cycle. You can post that you want one and I bet you will get more than one reply.

Often I find that even “sales” don’t save money.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:21:09 +0000

Ah, yes, me. This is the first time ever that we won’t be purchasing any gifts for Christmas. We are giving consumables, though, and I’m actually really looking forward to putting everything together. I think we can get everything we need from the grocery store for around $50, and that plus one day in the kitchen will cover to cover gifts for ten people.

I was in Goodwill the other day and was blown away by the sheer amount of Christmas decorations they have available. Not that we do a ton of decorating, but for the things we do put out, I wish I’d known about that a few years ago!

By: Shopping Golightly

Shopping Golightly — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:21:24 +0000

I hate to add this but am so proud of my latest post. You wouldn’t believe the complete place settings I created from thrift for -hee hee- $4.61 per setting! Aside from all the china, this includes seven pieces of vintage silver plate flatware and individual salt and pepper shakers! For the first time EVER I feel like I’ve finally learned the art of a meal’s presentation! I have arrived.

By: cindy brick

cindy brick — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:02:38 +0000

Ironically, some of the best deals around here come at the outlet mall…but late on Thanksgiving evening! (Like after 10 p.m.) I might go to those, but otherwise, will stay home.

I am a firm believer in the thrift shop approach, though. Went there today — found a wooden box for one daughter ($5), a terrific sweater for Husband ($6) and a cashmere, unworn sweater ($7) for me! Take the 25% discount off these prices for volunteering. (Have you thought about doing this, Babe? It’s rewarding, and you get an extra discount, too.) The result: nice gifts, great prices.

By: Abigail

Abigail — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:03:15 +0000

I love the idea, but sadly it won’t fly at my house. My husband’s pretty materialistic. Okay, I am too at times. And I know for a fact that whatever he got me he got brand new at the mall.

That said, most of his presents are quasi-secondhand. I say quasi because I got a bunch of Star Wars stuff from Craigslist but it’s still in box. But that counts, right? No extra boxes or anything like that?

And this year, like last year, one of his other gifts will be something I found at a yard sale. Last year, it was Marvel Scene It ($10, still in packaging). This year, I found a Star Wars Trivial Pursuit edition for $10. Not in packaging but it was still a great deal!

That said, we will probably venture out this Black Friday. There are some good deals on Christmas trees. We had to leave ours back in Seattle. And there are a few small purchases that we can save money on. Things like an extra slow cooker and a couple other household items.

So I guess I am sending mixed messages here, eh?

By: Jane

Jane — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:42:58 +0000

I got off that merry go round a few years ago and won’t look back. I can not tell you what a difference it has made in the way I feel about what I have when I don’t have sophisticated window dressers pushing stuff that I don’t need with the message, “You don’t have enough!”

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mycrayonbox/sets/72157603561632112/

This is a flickr set of last years Handmade Christmas. There are so many great tutorials out there making it so much fun!