Frugal Gifts for Frugal Gals
by Cheryl Johnson
Description: Creative, inexpensive do-it-yourself Christmas gift ideas.
A frugal gift is measured first by it's usefulness. Speaking from my
own experience, I would say that my most appreciated gifts are those
that I not only find useful, but that I would have had to purchase myself
at some point. With that in mind, the frugal mind that is, the gift
actually serves two practical purposes; It is useful and saves me money.
If you are a frugal gal, this task will be much easier for you. If
great minds think alike, the same is true of frugal minds. Simply look
within yourself. The frugal gal can get excited about the most ordinary
items. For the rest of you, here's a little help. Although you may
question some items on the list, remember, the frugal gal enjoys frugal
things! She looks to get the best value for her money and this IS what
makes her happy! It just makes sense that providing a practical
frugal gift that may also save money, will make her happy. Isn't that what
great gifts should do? So here's to happiness and the pursuit of the
frugal lifestyle! Happy holidays, happy birthdays, happy Mother's day,
etc. etc. etc...
Frugal Gift Basket Ideas
Some of these unique gift baskets might seem odd or unusual to
the average person. If you're a frugal gal, you'll completely
understand. The rest of you will just have to trust me
The Laundry Gift Basket
For the frugal gal who holds onto things until they fall apart (or even
after they fall apart). This is the gal who has a laundry basket held together with duct tape,
tied together with string or rope, or repaired several times with
other various ingenuis methods.
Probability is, she may not even have a laundry basket. I have several
produce boxes (they are extremely strong, especially banana boxes) that
make wonderful laundry carriers! And, they are free.
Fill a sturdy laundry basket with one or two boxes each:
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
20 Mule Team Borax
A few bars of Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
I say "sturdy" basket because it will inevitably be put to the test by
a frugal gal! If your frugal gal doesn't need a new laundry basket,
you can give these gifts in an appropriate size traditional gift basket
or just gift bag 'em.
This is a great gift for anyone who doesn't mind saving money. And, I
don't know anyone who minds! I would mix up one batch and put in a
tightly sealed container. (You can make a decorative container yourself
i.e. - a quart mason jar and some decorative fabric banded over the top.
Tie with pretty ribbon.) Place with the laundry detergent ingredients
to get them to try it and started down the right path. Include the
following Laundry Detergent Recipe with the Laundry Basket Gift.
Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
For light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use
2 tablespoons.
Options:
1. If budget allows, throw in some cloth napkins, utility towels, bath
towels, hand towels, or washcloths.
2. Make a little book with a variety of laundry tips, tricks, and
homemade recipes. This is great for a new bride.
The Cleaning Gift Basket
The frugal gal makes her own cleaning solutions and is always looking
for cleaning and organizing tips. The cleaning basket might include
such items as, a couple of spray bottles, steel wool, a pumice stone,
cream of tartar, vinegar, baking soda, gloves, scrub brushes, utility
towels or cleaning rags, dusters, cloth diapers (make great cleaning rags),
household cleaning and organizing tips book or recycling tips. Top
with a personalized cleaning shirt or apron or any other little cleaning
gadgets you think your frugal gal might find handy. Throw in a coupon
for a coffee break date, with you, at your home, her home, or a local
coffee shop! Your treat of course.
The Kitchen Gift Basket
The kitchen basket contents is limited only to your imagination! This
is a great gift for anyone who loves to cook. Frugal gals know the
importance of saving through cooking. If you're a frugal gal you can
reflect on your own needs and frequent uses to spark some ideas. By the
way, the "basket" doesn't have to be a basket. Did that make sense?
You'll see what I mean. Here are a few suggestions:
Baker's Basket: Fill a large mixing bowl or basket [she'll
probably get more use out of the bowl ;-)] with baking tools and/or
supplies as much as will suit your budget. i.e. - Wire whisks of various
sizes, wooden spoons, measuring spoons and cups, a sifter, cookie
cutters, rubber spatulas (you know, those things you use to scrape every last
bit of batter out of the bowl. My husband and I still argue about what
these are called), a bag of bulk yeast, can of baking powder, various
spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, etc.), vanilla extract, or
anything else you know your frugal gal or cook will use or needs. Top
it all off with a personalized apron. Make or buy an apron and write
the person's name or a personal message, poem, or saying on it, using a
fabric paint pen or paints. Other contents might include a cookbook,
some of your own favorite recipes printed neatly on a recipe card or
made into a mini cookbook, a recipe file, cookbook stand, well I !
could go on and on.
Cooks Basket: Fill a large stock pot or basket with a
variety of cooking utensils or supplies. i.e. - Most of the above items
could be considered as well as, ladles, cutlery, small strainer/s,
tongs, special seasonings, cooking spices (Italian seasoning, cumin, onion
powder, garlic, oregano, thyme, etc) and again, top it off with a pretty
apron! Throw in a cookbook if your budget allows and/or toss in some
homemade recipes for taco seasoning, chicken bake coating, stuffing,
whatever you can find to replace higher priced store bought mixes. A good
idea might be to actually make the mixes and give them already mixed in
a tightly sealed container or jar along with the recipe. How to save
money on groceries tips or book.
The Food Gift Basket
Frugal Food Basket: Mix up some master baking mix, pancake
mix, cookie mix, or muffin mix. Pick and choose or give them all in
tightly sealed containers or jars and attach recipes for using and the
mix recipe. Decorate accordingly of course. Specialty rice and rice
mixes, bean mixes, bean and rice mixes. A pack of herb seeds or
starter plants for indoor herb gardening. Oatmeal and Couscous Top it
off with an apron, or a gift card from your local grocery store.
Treat Gift Basket: Now this one is great to give the frugal
gal food items that her budget, or frugal mind, just won't allow. Even
frugal gals have favorite gourmet items that they love but rarely treat
themselves to. For instance, I love Macadamia nuts. But they are very
expensive, making them cost prohibitive for my financial goals right
now. If you don't already know, ask a spouse or close relative what
items the recipient enjoys. Fill a basket or other creative container with
those foods and other various specialty foods, snacks, nuts, and/or
cheeses. Remember to take into consideration any diet restrictions and
select your contents accordingly.
Coffee or Tea Gift Basket: I'm a true coffee lover. But, as
a frugal gal, I know that a common brand will get me through the day
just as well as a gourmet brand. That doesn't change the fact that I
enjoy a good cup of gourmet or specialty coffee once in a while.
But, with my current financial goals, the treat comes few and far
between. The coffee basket will definitely be appreciate by the frugal gal
who loves a good cup of joe! Pack that basket with several different
brands of gourmet or specialty coffee or a lot of the one brand you know
she loves. Include a permanent coffee filter to fit the brand of
coffeemaker she uses to show you haven't forgotten her practical side!
You can easily adapt the contents to fit the tea lover instead. Top it
off with a nice coffee cup.
The Gardener's Basket
The gardener's basket is simple a collection of any supplies a home
gardener might need; A garden knee pad, gardening tools, seeds, (starter
plants if it's the right time of year) Gardening books and tips.
Starter pots. Containers for the container gardener. Gloves and a hat.
Sewing Gift Basket
Fill a basket or sewing box with a variety of sewing notions. Include
some decorative fabric or a collection of scrap fabrics; Sewing
patterns or instructions for home decorating sewing tasks or sewing level
appropriate apparel patterns. In other words, keep it real. Not everyone
is a seamstress but, most frugal gals can make a curtain or pillow
cover given simple instructions. Your frugal gal might be a mender or a
seamstress. Choose your gift basket contents accordingly. Include such
novelties as velcro, snaps, hemming tape (or fusion tape), iron on
patches, as these will be handy for most frugal gals.
Now don't worry frugal gals, I've got your back! I
wouldn't want your friends and family to think you will be offended if they
give you a non-frugal gift. So here's my last thought......
Although the frugal gal will love and appreciate the practical,
useful, gift like no one else can, she is indeed a woman. So, if the notion
strikes, you may certainly reward her with a luxury gift. The frugal
gal will enjoy a luxurious treat that she would not normally consider
for herself. For example, a trip to the salon for a professional
manicure, pedicure, or hair style.
If you know your frugal gal has had her eye on an outfit, or other
item, that she's convinced she doesn't need but secretly admires
and wants, of course (if your budget allows) Get It For Her! Odds are
she won't buy it for herself and she will surely be happy to receive it
as a gift. She'll get to have something she wants but doesn't
actually need, and still remain faithful to her lifestyle or
financial commitments.
I hope these ideas help you create beautiful gifts for anyone in your
life. Choosing a basket theme to suit the recipients interests or needs
is always a winning gift. Personalized gifts are more appreciated and
keep on giving. Each time the recipient uses the item/s they are
reminded of the thoughtfulness of the giver.
Cheryl Johnson is the mother of four helping herself and other become
and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at
http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com . Money saving tips to save you
money everyday, on everything you buy and do.
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Custom Christmas Stockings
