Useful, Frugal Gifts: Creating affordable, appreciated gifts

By: Amy Hannold, FamilyTimeandMoney.com

Think “outside the box” when gift-giving! Your thoughtfulness will give more than a gift; it will save your loved ones time and money. These gifts will become priceless when they need what you’ve created for them. Creative, useful gifts can be created on any budget. You will save time, money and energy too – because you have a plan, affordable sources for the ingredients, and the peace of mind that your recipient will love your gift.

Grocery Gift Basket:

When you’re finding great deals on groceries, think of items those around you love most. Grocery sale items may not fit into your menus, but they could be very affordable for a Grocery Gift Basket. Theme baskets also come to mind here (Movie Night, “Chicken Soup – Get Better Soon” Baskets, etc.) Make a list, be on the lookout and use those coupons! You may be on your way to creating a much cherished gift. Designate a space in your home (under bed boxes come to mind here) to collect snack items, favorite canned goods, or basic “drugstore needs” for your recipients.

Place your Grocery Gift items in a useful container such as a plastic laundry basket, storage box or 5-gallon hardware bucket – and you’ll double the functionality of your creation. Grocery Gift Baskets also are great for housewarmings, baby or wedding showers, college students, teachers, or “Secret Santa” gift exchanges.

Emergency Preparedness Gift:

Give the gift of time, security and safety when you present your loved one with an emergency preparedness kit. Dollar stores, drugstore sales, and grocery specials will help you afford creating these priceless gifts. Second-hand stores can be a source of extra can openers, books, travel games, cards, etc. Zip-seal freezer bags (use these for storing each individual item in the kit), hand sanitizer, and hand wipes are basic needs everyone will thank you for. Fill a tightly sealed storage box, tool box, or 5-gallon hardware bucket; your loved ones are now ready for an emergency. Ready.gov has a list of items to consider:

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/

If you’re low on time and/or funds, great gifts can be as simple as giving everyone on your list an emergency flashlight (with extra batteries), travel first-aid kit, kitchen fire extinguisher, or puzzle books for each family member (with extra, sharpened pencils). Their car, home or purse will be better prepared, because of you. Purchase these items in bulk (to save time), or when they go on sale – and you’re ready for an all-purpose gift.