Christmas is coming!

This year, make your Christmas dollars go farther on both ends!

Prepare ahead, to avoid crouds and spend less of your valuable time!

Michaels has small gift wrap rolls (narrow, but VERY long - works for most things) for $1.50, and if you are on their mailing list, it's 40-50% off.  They take Joann's coupons, too.  Their coupons work on every regular-priced item (including the $1.50 bins, candy bars, etc.)

Michaels also have solid-colored wraphia (that might be a brand name, not sure) - no, not just the tan, but on a roll near the curling ribbon.  Curling ribbon is cheaper, but  doesn't hold up as well for stacking, shipping, etc. - combine 2 colors for a fuller look & coordinate with your different wrapping paper, while keeping it on the cheap!

While you're there, forget about gift enclosure cards and tags - just get some coordinating Sharpies & write the information right on the package - my mother always did this & it's so convenient & cheap!  The biggest upside is that tags can't fall off or get mixed up!
Shop the charitable fundraisers.  You like to support your friends and family and favorite charities, but you want to save money.  Don't we all!  This is a great opportunity to shop for gifts while fulfilling that goal - you don't have to spend a different amount and it goes to fulfill another of your goals.

Know someone who you get a gift for, even though you know they don't really need or want anything?  Consider a charitable donation in their name.  Heiffer International is fabulous about this & has themes, open amounts, etc.  My father got a "goat" for his 60th birthday from some friends through this organization, saying he was an old goat.  That goat provides service and nourishment to an impoverished family.  They also have "knitting baskets" which are sheep for the wool and an ability for women to provide for their families, etc . . .

Get things people will use - pamper them in everyday things, and don't worry that they won't like it.  Seriously!  We buy nice pans and bakeward for weddings, but rarely other times . . .  Consider it - I know a Pampered Chef consultant who has done a fundraiser show for me before & would gladly refer you - she is highly recommended.  You can do a catalog show & circle items you'd like while your family is shopping for themselves adn others . . . you get the idea.  Our fundraiser show, we decided to put the money into a "flock of hope" through Heiffer International. 

I also know a Creative Memories consultant who has helped us with fundraisers, and would highly recommend her - prepare people for preserving their memories of the holidays . . .  Of course, both of these things can be used for  you to earn free/discounted items for your own use in gifts, for yourself, etc.  Use the idea any way you like!

Gift cards enable people to shop the post-holiday sales for their favorite things, the money goes farther, and they take very little wrapping!  It's a win all around!  Consider a gift card, especially for teachers, who get many small items from their classes every year, but aren't paid anywhere near what they're worth - I volunteer for some small things in the schools and can speak from an inside perspective!!!!  Everyone likes gift cards, however, so consider a restaurant one for someone who is limiting their restaurant spending, but likes eating out.  Craft stores gift cards are great for any crafter/artist, music stores for the musician.  Check out Gift Card Rescue and Plastic Jungle for gift cards at a discount.  We have used both & find them effective and reputable.

If you shop online for the holidays, please let me refer you to eBates.  eBates is the site where you start your online shopping - they have coupon codes, price comparisons, and CASH BACK - seriously.  You get a bonus just for signing up, but we both get a bonus if you'll let me refer you to sign up.

Know anyone who likes bath & body/makeup pampering & is on your gift list?  Aveda does a wonderful job of supporting a group with their gift sets each Christmas & the products are ecoconscious & community-oriented.  Plus, they are just fabulous!  Sephora carries some natural lines, as well as others, and they have fabulous coupon codes, gifts with purchase, etc.  Check out those two places for ideas.  Beauty.com I don't like as well, but they have some things not available the other 2 places & the deals are OK.

Have your kids help!  Consider homemade gifts for some or all on your list.  My daughter made some ornaments this year that we are including with gifts, and last year she did a different drawing on each of our Christmas letters - original artwork!  You could also do cookie jars - those layered ones - recipes are available online.  I would also recommend looking into things like soap molding, milk bath recipes in a cool container (I got some on clearance at Pier 1 a couple of times & Michael's has some less funky options), and artwork - my daughter has also done canvases - for kids' involvement in gifts.  You'd be amazed at how well they do!  We pay for art classes, since they aren't included in her school, but there are also free ones at JoAnn Etc and Michaels, as well as very reasonable Community Ed options.  Consider it an investment into a gift - plus, your child (or you!) gets an educational experience.

I'd love to post other ideas if you have some you'd like to share.  Let's change this economy and our outlooks by changing the way we look at things and make our choices!  Wishing you a blessed and rich holiday season - in advance!