Search Results for: blog practical gifts for a frugal family

Solutions For Getting Gifts You Like From Your Spouse.

Yesterday we looked at the problems surrounding gifts and your spouse and how sometimes it can end up so wrong. Here are some simple solutions to getting gifts you like from your spouse. When shopping point out and admire things in the shops that you would like or in the catalogues mark things that you would like and leave it lying somewhere your spouse will see it. Or just give it to them and say, ‘if you’d like some ideas.’ Provide a suggestion list of things you would like complete with the name of the store where they can be … Continue reading →

Are Your Healthy Gifts Helpful or Hurtful?

Giving gifts at the holidays says to friends and family: you’re important. I care about you. I remember you. But sometimes, the gift you choose has an unintended second message: you’re out of shape. You’re unhealthy. You don’t look good. I once had a friend give me a gift certificate for a facial. I’d never had a facial before, never wanted a facial. But I went and got it anyway, and it turned out to be a really negative experience. I’d much rather get an open-ended gift certificate — the particular salon offered a variety of services, many of which … Continue reading →

How to Survive When Your Friend Isn’t Frugal

She dines out at least three times a week while you wonder how to stretch that chicken to last for one more day. You get your fashions from thrift stores and consignment shops, while she is collects Jimmy Choos as through they were seashells. How can you survive this disparity without losing a friendship? Be honest not rude Your frugal ways could be interpreted as a lack of interest in the friendship or even snobbery. If you are constantly turning down requests to go out to dinner or visits to the spa, gently explain why. If something just isn’t in … Continue reading →

How to Create a Family Ritual with Your Preschooler

Family rituals are wonderful to have. They strength all of you as a family, contribute a sense of self confidence and belonging, and give some security to your preschooler. This is the perfect age to get started on creating family rituals, if you haven’t already. Chances are that you already have some family rituals in place. If not, check out the following ideas. Many family rituals with preschoolers take place at bedtime. You could read a favorite story, have a secret family handshake or other way of saying goodnight, or sing a song. Try celebrating half birthdays. Preschoolers love this … Continue reading →

Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading →

Frugal Party Food

How do you feed 14 kids and 12 adults cheaply without being stingy? Here is how I made the most of the resources on hand to serve all of these people for very little money with a combination of store bought and homemade food (and I had a nice amount of leftovers). This past Saturday, we threw a nice-sized birthday party for my daughter, who by the way, insisted that we call her princess the entire time. Originally, we were going to pick up some pre-made food at our local pizza restaurant. The restaurant is a favorite one of ours … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Week in Review: November 10th Through November 16th

Job losses seem to be increasing to the point where I am hearing about more and more people that I know being laid off. But I am hopeful that things will turn around. Look for some future posts on dealing with some of these issues. Meanwhile, put some frugal strategies into use with the week’s past articles. November 10th Frugal Living Week in Review: November 3rd Through November 9th I am so glad that we finally got through the elections this week. Now we can move forward and pull together behind our new leaders. One way that we are moving … Continue reading →

Practical Gifts for a Frugal Family Part 2

Are you looking for some practical gift ideas for someone who is frugal? We are continuing with our brainstorming. If you missed the first post in this topic, click here to catch up: Practical Gifts for a Frugal Family. And, now on to some more ideas… Freezer bags or containers Chances are that a frugal family is buying in bulk and freezing ingredients and meals. And chances are also good that they may be using the same freezer bags over and over again. Give them the gift of freezer bags and containers to help them keep on track. Since this … Continue reading →

Practical Gifts for a Frugal Family

Giving great gifts is always a good feeling. If you are wondering what gifts might be most appreciated by a frugal family (or if you can think of ideas for your own wish list) you might want to take a look at the following ideas. Yes, they are all very practical gifts, although that doesn’t mean that a little pampering couldn’t be thrown in. For example, a gift of service could mean anything from a gift of lawn service done by the giver to a a series of hair cuts and styles done in a high-end spa. Take a look … Continue reading →

Frugal Month in Review: October 2008

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot October has come and gone, but we can still enjoy fall and the celebration of Thanksgiving and all of the great joys of the season. Take a look back at all of the ways to save money that were featured last month. October 1st Frugal Halloween Costumes It is fall and Halloween is approaching fast, are you ready? What do the kids want to be? You can make some great homemade costumes … Continue reading →