Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Another Season of Gift Giving

It seems that the summer is our crazy season for gift-giving. Between high school graduations, weddings, new babies, and the regular birthdays, we can spend a lot of money on our gifts.

I am sure I am not alone so I wanted to share some links to frugal ideas for buying and wrapping your gifts this year!

Gift Giving:

Elegant Photo Albums- Would make an excellent Mother's Day gift!
Bubbly Magnets- A great addition to a college student's gift or Mother's Day gift!
Sugar & Spice Nuts- Would make a fabulous Father's Day gift
A His & Hers Gift to Remember
Frugal Wedding Gifts
Housewarming Gift Ideas
How to Make a Diaper Cake
Thrifty Graduation Gifts
Frugal Graduation Gifts
Painted Mugs- Great for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or for a special babysitter who might be off to college
Restaurant.com Gift Certificates- Great for any occasion
Give the Gift of Magazines Frugally
Starbucks Banana Pound Cake- Paired with a pound of coffee, it would make a lovely gift for Father's Day

Gift Wraping:

Gift Wrapping Made Easy
Be a Wrap Superstar: Use What You Have
Be a Wrap Superstar: Tailor Your Gift
Be a Wrap Superstar: Wallpaper That Gift
Simplifying Gift Giving
Introducing You to the Gift Closet

Sound Off: Do you have a favorite baby, housewarming, wedding, or graduation gift that is always a hit?

Labels: Frugal, Gifts

5Comments:

Stephanie

"I really like making diaper cakes, and they can be a really affordable gift that is always the hit of a baby shower. For my girlfriends whose weddings I've been in, I like to give them ornaments the first Christmas after their wedding with the flowers from my bridesmaid bouquet and ribbon to match their wedding colors. I buy the plastic irridescent globes that snap together and they turn out beautifully and make a nice keepsake. I shop year round for gifts I think friends and family will like, particularly after holidays when things get marked way down. We also have a small house, though, so space is a constraint. Great post, Amy! I love the magnet idea, I am definitely going to have to try that :)"

Niki

"I am a diaper cake maker too, and they ARE always a hit. I also make diaper wreaths which are a cute welcome home baby gift.

I also scrapbook so mini books make cute recipe books for gifts!

:)"

"I love to give a big glass jar ($6 or so at Target or Wal-Mart) filled with something--I like coordinating kitchen towels, or baby blankets, or whatever the occasion calls for. Frugal and pretty!"

"I have seen your tutorial on the diaper cake - though I've never used it. I have a baby shower coming up this summer, though - and that'll be just perfect!

My favorite baby shower gift to give (and one that is ALWAYS a hit) is an inexpensive basket (usually one I already have around the house) filled with paper plates, napkins & plastic cutlery. I enclose a coupon for a week's worth of freezer meals for when the baby arrives. Since I always shop on sale & keep a stocked pantry & freezer, this is easy for me.

I just wanted to add to remember to check your dollar store. Yesterday I found some GREAT deals on items for Mother's Day - gifts and wrapping. The one thing I will caution, though, is to make sure that the sticker comes off and is not made into the product."

"For graduation gifts - I purchase a magnetic memo center (and sometimes the matching magnetic cup) and put in pencils, a note pad, and stamped postcards addressed to parents and grandparents (who may not be technically savvy or have email) so that the graduate will keep in touch or drop a quick note to say hello to their parents/grandparents. I also enclose a gift card for a free pizza or something small like that. This way they have something fun to get for themselves and always have a handy place for a note pad and pencils on the fridge. You can find these at The Container Store. Everything is less than $20."

I am a frugal hacker

My site was nominated for Hottest Mommy Blogger!

My site was nominated for Best Blog Design!

My site was nominated for Best Parenting Blog!

My site was nominated for Best Food Blog!