Some of you may remember the snowman dishes I posted about. I bought the whole set for five bucks at a flea market. We used them for the first time over Christmas week and I wanted to share some pictures.
This post is part of Thrifty Thursday and Tablescape Thursday.
Tags: flea markets, frugal shopping, holiday fun, Money Saving Tips, reduce reuse recycle, save money, saving money, simplify the holidayIf you find it difficult to put aside money to purchase gifts for different occasions, you probably pass up on special events just to avoid gift giving. Although you inhibit yourself from spending by doing this, you also miss unforgettable moments with your loved ones and friends. This article will give you some tips on how to save money buying gifts and some gift ideas that will surely get you going in every special gathering or occasion.
Whether it’s your dad’s birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, or your daughter’s graduation, you should never worry about going into debt when you purchase gifts. Remember the following pointers, which are an idea beyond the traditional thinking, “it’s the thought that counts.”
Packaging –
Prevent yourself from purchasing gift bags and wrapping papers. As an alternative, save up all the gift bags and wrapping papers that you’ve received from other people and use them again. You can also try to go eco-friendly by wrapping your gifts up with old newspapers or you can be more creative by making a collage of old photos and use it as gift wrapper. Through these steps, you are not only saving money, but you are also supporting a good cause to save the planet.
Dollar Stores –
There is no point in visiting expensive shops and boutiques for a birthday gift if your budget is limited. You can learn how to save money buying gifts by making your present more personal and sentimental. You can buy an album or a picture frame from a dollar store. Place your favorite photos in it and include a personal letter that recounts what happened in each picture. Your relative, best friend, or special someone will surely be appreciative for the gift’s personal touch.
Dinner Date –
If you want to surprise your special someone, you can cook his or her favorite meal in your home. Set the tables and then light the candles. This absolutely beats splurging lots of money at a fancy restaurant and compensating the server a tip.
Music –
If you are searching for a gift for someone who loves music, you should get in touch with his or her inner deejay by making a personalized CD. Make sure that the album cover features him or her.
Poetry – How about making a poem for your friend, loved ones, or special someone? Even if you are not into poetry, when you begin to think about his or her special qualities and attributes, you’ll definitely come up with a great poem. You can place it in a frame and decorate the frame with his or her photos.
Books – Books are gift ideas that will help you recognize how to save money buying gifts. Bookstores always have sections where they sell books at a bargain cost. For only a few dollars, you’ll be delighted to see the books you can purchase such as dictionaries, former bestsellers, and even how-to and DIY manuals.
In the end, you don’t have to spend a fortune to show your receiver how much you love and appreciate him or her. Check out flyers for discounts and deals, create your own gifts at home, and always remember to reuse gift bags and wrapping papers.
Read our inexpensive Valentine’s ideas!
Tags: budget, frugal shopping, save money, saving money, tips, tips on how to save moneyAlthough window coverings are expensive we are generally willing to spend money on them as they fulfill so may purposes in a room, adding warmth and privacy as well as decoration. Rooms simply look unfinished without them. If money is tight you will be wondering how to add effective window treatments without breaking the bank but you can definitely achieve a lot without a huge budget. Here are some ways to save money:-
1. Make Your Own Curtains
You can save a lot of money if you can sew simple straight lines with a sewing machine. If you are inexperienced start with short sill length curtains such as those for kitchen windows and progress to full length curtains for your living room. Choose a light washable cotton fabric for your kitchen curtains and add a heading tape of your choice. If you work neatly and measure accurately you will have no problems at all. Later you can progress to using lining and making fancier items such as window valances and tie backs.
2. Choose Cheaper Fabric
Fabrics vary enormously in price but you can make very effective curtains with simple cream calico or cotton. You can create more effective window treatments by being generous with cheap fabric than you can by creating curtains from expensive fabric where you can not afford enough to create a full effect. You will find that plain fabrics are often cheaper than patterned ones. If you think they are too plain you can always add interest with trimming.
3. Buy Ready-Made Curtains
If you have standard windows you will usually find ready-made curtains work out cheaper than having curtains custom made. Your choice will be more limited but you will usually find something to suit if you check out curtain sites online.
4. Go Simple
It can be enough in a contemporary home to put up simple cream or gray window blinds which you can buy very cheaply. You do not have to get carried away creating elaborate window treatments when “less is more” is often more effective.
5. Add Layers
If you would like elaborate window treatments (and they suit your home) but you can not afford them purchase items over time. For example you could start with a simple blind and then later add dress curtains and then later still a window valance or wooden cornice.
Tags: budget, make your own, save money, saving money, ways to save money
