I guess I'm specifically asking for kids and spouses. Nobody needs anything, seriously. I'm about to just give socks and underwear….
I'm so sick of the amount of stuff we have and none of the kids really play with toys that much. Everything is electronic or clothes.
What are you giving, or have given in prior years, that were big hits for frugal Christmas gifts?
What are you thinking about for frugal Christmas gifts for family this year?
byu/Cool_Dingo1248 inFrugal
Posted by Cool_Dingo1248
11 Comments
How early is too early to plan for Christmas?
You could plan it ahead of time and create a theme, like everyone has to make something for Christmas gifts this year, or buy everyone a thrifted outfit for under 10$ (not sure how old the kids are but they might be into it, turn Christmas morning into a fashion show). Find a book that has to come from a little free library. Or everyone has to come up with some sort of idea like this, and then Christmas turns into a scavenger hunt type thing.
I like it, in the past I have been more on the other side of the spectrum (searching for presents, when it’s almost to late) so there is no too early, to plan this. Let me know if you have any sound ideas, so I’ll be inspired as well 😅
We give consumables. I take a big bag to a really good chocolatier and get everyone their favourite type of chocolate, then call it a day.
I really only buy gifts for my children and grandchildren, which makes it very frugal. I usually get them things that don’t take up unnecessary space or things they can use. High end shaving cream and soap, fun socks, strawberry shortcake toothpaste, hello kitty lip gloss, stickers. I actually send my granddaughters stickers in any card I send them. I do wonder how much of my son’s house is covered in stickers lol
Anything home-made, like cookies, jam. I knit so for smaller gifts (i.e., not for family/friends) I make heart-shaped cloths they can use as mug rugs or dish/wash cloths.
We stopped exchanging gifts for any occasion in our family. It’s amazing.
My spouse and I gave up gifts years ago. Birthdays, anniversaries, valentines, any holidays which we normally give gifts we just stopped. Instead we plan an outing together to celebrate. Our daughter is married now with no kids of her own. We paid for her college, gave her her first car, etc… yeah she’s good for life!
Give experiences, not stuff.
We always do hygiene bags. New soap, shampoo conditioner, loofah. My kids are little so they get fun stuff like bath bombs, bubble bath, glow sticks for a light up bath type stuff. I search and gather for my husband’s bag, because I like to add free samples of colognes to his. So I’ll fill out the ads for free perfumes and hit up kohls and JCPenney to see if they have anything.
I did gift cards to fast food restaurants and put 10-15$ on each card. I do the same for my kids and stick them in an old wallet or purse I get from the Goodwill