Do-it-yourselfers know that it doesn’t take a lot of money to gussy up a gift if you think outside the box, the Creative Live blog says. Try alternatives to store-bought wraps such as colorful fabric, butcher paper or paper towel rolls. Or to showcase the ubiquitous-but-boring-to-look-at gift cards, build snowglobe holders. Wrap bottles of wine in the sleeves of thrift-store sweaters. Put your gifts inside unused paint cans or tuck them into folding Chinese takeout containers. The “big reveal” of any gift is always more exciting if you can amp up the anticipation by having a little fun with the packaging.
Tag: gifts on a budget
Get the Kids to Craft for Mom
To help the kids thank Mom, start a craft project. It’s fun and easy to make your own cards, fridge magnets, candles, bath bombs, earrings and other gifts, Woman’s Day says. Plus, unique, handcrafted gifts will brighten her Mother’s Day (and likely many more days to come) while encouraging children’s creativity. Materials for craft projects are often much less expensive than buying a similar item from a boutique, and many household items on the magazine’s list of more than 30 suggestions can be sourced from a local thrift that resells the goods donated to ClothingDonations.org.
Time and Effort Make the Best Gifts
Sometimes the best gifts don’t have to cost a thing. On Mother’s Day, dedicate your time and energy instead, Money Crashers says. Mow the lawn and do the yardwork; vacuum and wash her car; make her breakfast in bed or let her sleep in for once, the site says; Mom will appreciate the effort, and these gifts will only cost a little bit of time to show you care. Another suggestion? Clean that old junk out of the garage, hall closet or basement, and contact ClothingDonations.org for a pickup. If your Mom is anything like ours, she will appreciate the newly decluttered and organized space.
Shop the Thrift for Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 13 is Mother’s Day, and if you’re on a budget, you’re probably looking for a good way give Mom a nice gift without looking cheap. Start at the thrift store; there are often plenty of lightly used treasures there that are ready to wrap and give. The thrift can also offer items that form the foundation of a craft project that repurposes used goods in a glamorous new way. Better still, many of the items sold at your local thrift store come from donations to ClothingDonations.org, so that DIY project will not only provide Mom with a heartfelt appreciation, it will also help fund crucial veterans’ programs throughout the country.
Conquer Valentine’s Day Gift Anxiety Cheaply
Not everyone is great at shopping or expressing their feelings, making Valentine’s Day an anxiety-ridden event. Men wondering how to observe it should consult their partner’s parents and friends for suggestions, ThriftyFun says. Still stuck? Those with kids can give their partners the gift of a few hours of “me” time, entirely alone. Massages — do-it-yourself or professional — make for a relaxing respite from everyday stresses. Hide thoughtful notes she can discover throughout the day. Or volunteer to watch that romantic comedy you’ve been avoiding without complaints. Such gifts cost little, but mean a lot.