Counting the Cost

"Earlier this year we went to a local craft store that had child sized apron's half off. (this happens quite often). We picked up one for each of our children's friends for $1.50 each. We have then painted on their names and made cookies in a jar mix for them. We will hand these out to each of their friends for less than $3 a person. My children had a blast decorating the aprons and making the jar mixes! Also a great way to help get the kids interested in cooking!" ~ Heather in Kentucky

"This year my children are making books as gifts. They are writing their own stories, and drawing the illustrations for the stories. The books can be quite customized to the recipients interests, for example: a
story about a unicorn for the friend who likes unicorns. The books are not too difficult with a little adult supervision. They are made of supplies that we mostly had on hand already. With a little imagination, they can make something to be proud of. They are wonderful to receive especially if you dedicate the book to them and name a character in the story after them!" ~ Jonanna

Hi! This won't help right now, but I found the best thing for me to do when my sons were young was to stock up at the after holidays sales. I would buy books, GI Joe (who was popular then!), markers, wrapping paper that was not an obvious holiday design, etc. I kept everything in a box on a shelf in the closet so I would have gifts over the year. As I saw sales during the year, I would replenish." ~ Terri

"I can’t wait to read the suggestions for gifts for kids. We did com up with a good idea for gifts for teachers and other significant adults in our lives – gifts in a jar. I bought enough stuff for a dozen gifts for about $15.00. There are tons of recipe ideas! See http://www.nikibone.com/recipe/gifts_in_a_jar.html. I also have some spa type recipes. I’d be happy to share them if anyone wants them. " ~ Carol

"I have three daughters (11, 12, and 14) that are always being invited to parties. At first I would only allow them $5 per gift, but even that would get expensive. What I started doing a couple of years ago was to always look at the season end clearance items. You could find lotions, stationery, clothes, hair things, etc. for next to nothing. I would then put all of these items in the 'Birthday Box'. Then the next time the girls need something for a party, they just go into 'The Box' and get something. It's also nice to have something always on hand rather than having to run to the store last minute and having to pay full price." ~ Becky

"I usually buy stuff for stockings and gifts during the back-to-school sales. You can get crayons, markers, rulers, paper, etc. for next to nothing. I buy a bunch to save through the year. Party stores often have good sales, particularly after holidays. I can quickly put together a themed gift

1. Arts and crafts: Markers and/or crayons, a single subject notebook or pack of construction paper. If you like, you can put these in an old purse or bag. Tape, glue, safety scissors are also nice for elementary aged kids. Look for cheap backpacks and bags at yard sales.

2. For a preteen girl, you can adapt this with a blank journal type notebook (look at dollar stores or discount book stores). Add a package of colored pencils and stickers with words on them. Maybe a disposable camera if you find a good sale.

3. Homemade Play-Doh (you can make it scented with Kool-aid) and some inexpensive cookie cutters (after Halloween you can get some spooky shapes for a deep discount). Add a few disposable utensils and a placemat.

4. For a summer party you can make homemade sidewalk chalk (tempera paint with plaster of Paris). Add a pack of balloons for a water fight (or cheap squirt guns if the family allows them).

5. Explorer kit: Cheap flashlight, a magnifying glass, a jar with holes punched in the lid (for bug catching) and a nature guide (from a used book store or yard sale) If you sew, you can make a sling type bag (like Indiana Jones) or get one from a yard sale.

6. For an older boy, it is hard to go wrong with sport's equipment. I watch for good sales. When I can get a good deal on basketballs, I stock up. Christmas toy drives always end up with the least gifts for older boys. These are always a hit.

(I try very hard to stay away from toys with batteries--with flashlights being the rare exception--and anything with lots of tiny pieces. Parents will love you!)" ~ Jeanne

Editor's Note: Thanks to everyone who took the time to share his or her ideas!

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