Brrr, it’s chilly out there! I love, love, love it! Knowing the cool front was coming through we left all the windows and the patio door open last night (no worries, we live on the second floor of our apartment building and the patio faces woods and is screened in – ain’t nothin’ gettin’ in here, not even a bug!). My plan for a great big green smoothie in a bowl for breakfast was immediately discarded, because the weather has had a huge influence over what I crave lately! Instead I opted to go with a toasted whole wheat bagel with a thin shmear of peanut butter and pumpkin butter.
Perfect fuel for a great gym workout soon!
Question for everyone – what are some of the best low-budget gifts and/or crafts for gifts you’ve seen? I’m going to be compiling a lists of both affordable and DIY Christmas present ideas soon – I know I can’t be the only one on a strict and tight budget this Christmas!
When I am on a tight budget I start early. I will buy a basket from the dollar store and fill it with affordable stuff.. Depending on who it is for: For instance for my mom I if I see something affordable for the kitchen I will pick it up when I am out. This way I don’t feel like I am spending all the money at once and I really have time to look for the best deals.
Oh yeah! PB and PUMPKIN!!! Best combo eva!
1. Chocolate covered pretzel rods tied up in a pretty bag with a pretty ribbon (see my post on my site for how to)
2. cookie tins from christmas tree shop or tj maxx filled with an assortment of homemade cookies, then tie in a ribbon with a recipe card for your favorite recipe from the bunch.
3. A bottle of wine. People always underestimate this gift, but there are great bottles for under $20 that make a nice gift!
Thoughts:
In general people love gifts that come from the heart, but when in doubt, food items always work (even better if homemade).
Cookies in a jar, aprons (if you can sew), baked good (we’re doing cupcakes, but have done Pioneer Womans Cinnamon Rolls), Hot chocolate mugs. All sorts of things you can do. We’re on a tight budge this year as well so we’re getting creative.
I like making peppermint bark, pumpkin bread and getting the girls in my life bubble bath from Bath and Body Works. They always have great sales around the holidays!
Thanks for doing this post..I’m looking for something similar I can do for the holidays this year as well! Can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with. I was considering making jewelry..I investigated a few pieces and it seemed cost effective and easy.
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Food is my go to gift on the cheap! I give away granola in jars, peppermint bark and cookie dry mixes with baking instructions!
Dry cookie mixes are great! You can also find dried soup mixes as well that are cheap to pull together.
I hope you’re having a great Thursday
That bagel looks so good
It’s a bit colder here too, and I’m LOVING IT!
I saw this great idea for making your own infused oil and putting them into cute bottles.
I am actually going to make a few of these for my co-workers.
Can’t wait to your list.
[...] Brrr! [...]
Try dry mixes of hot chocolate or cookies because those last longer.
I love makin’ baked goods as gifts!
Ooh I’m jealous of your chilly weather! I don’t like cold cold weather, but it’s so nice when the air is crispy. It’s still warm here in AZ! Your bagel looks so yummy. Depending on the person, I think baked goods can be great gifts! They have these really cute little holiday bakeable bread loaf pans for $1 at Michaels, and I think it’d be awesome to make a chocolate pumpkin loaf or banana bread for someone in those pretty reusuable bread thingies. You could also make granola, cookies, etc and package them nicely in a little basket, or a bag with a ribbon. Homemade scarves would be really cute if you have any sewing or knitting skills
Like a lot of other people here, I think homemade cookies, etc make a great gift. This year, I’m going to be giving out homemade caramel and fudge. I need to test out some recipes for my wedding in May, and this way they won’t all be in the house!