I thought some do-it-yourself gift basket ideas might inspire you to make your own.

For the reader - A book by their favorite author, bookmark, book light, gift certificate to a book store, highlighter, reading glasses, mug, coffee, cider, or other beverage.  You might also want to include a special edible treat.

For a family - A family gift is a great way to save money.  You could include board games, dvds, popcorn, hot chocolate, movie passes, snack foods, a Wii game,  sodas, and a little something for each person in the family. 

For the gardener - You can sometimes purchase nice gardening tools at discount stores.  Check places such as Marshall and Ross for gardening stationery, or other inexpensive gardening themed items.  Also include some bulbs or seeds and gardening gloves.  Some book stores have bargain books which are discounted.  Check there for gardening books.

For a friend - Non-themed baskets are also nice.  If you’re making a basket for a friend, consider adding her favorite things or things she can use to pamper herself.  Some ideas are nail polish, make up, bubble bath, movie passes for the two of you, a special ornament, gift card, book, hot chocolate, coffee, a nice mug, a pair of earrings.

For the coffee lover – Their favorite coffee, monogrammed mugs, a sampling of different coffees (the small 1 oz bags work well for this), gift card to a local coffee shop, coffee syrup and creamers, magazine, book, chocolates.

These are just some ideas to help.  There are hundreds of other ways to make gift baskets.  If you’re a frugal shopper, you can shop the sales or shop for clearance items throughout the year.  There are also other ways to save on gift baskets.  You might also consider a gift basket as a group gift.

Will you be giving any gift baskets this year?

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Here’s a list of magazines that you can get for $5 today and the amount you’ll save versus buying from the stores:

• Southern Living – 92% off cover price, save $52.88
• Golf – 90%, $42.88
• Sunset – 90%, $52.88
• Essence – 90%, $42.88
• Coastal Living – 84%, $26.60
• This Old House – 90%, $44.90
• Family Fun – 75%, $29.55
• Health – 87%, $34.90

Visit Amazon’s $5 magazine deal page.  Those interested in the Disney Family Fun magazine should follow this link.  Amazon is also have a $10 sale on Entertainment Weekly and InStyle magazines.

I am thinking of purchasing Southern Living. They have beautiful decorating and home ideas, as well as fantastic recipes.  Earlier this year, I purchased Real Simple during a $5 sale and I have been really happy with that purchase.

If you are looking for a particular magazine, be sure to search around.  I also found deals on Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, and Food Network.

Amazon does allow you to ship the magazines to different locations.  Look for the option at the checkout.  You should expect your first magazine in February.  To give these as gifts, I would recommend printing a certificate and putting it in a card, gift bag, or wrapped box.  If you don’t mind spending a little more, you could purchase a copy of the magazine from the store and attach the certificate to it.

Will you be taking advantage of the $5 magazine sale?

image from Amazon

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Get the FamilyFun Activity Calendar for only $5.99 with free shipping and handling.  It’s chock full of creative crafts, instant boredom busters, holiday recipes, and entertaining activities for each month of the year.

Gilden Tree is having a sale on gift certificates. From now until Christmas, order an email gift certificate for $50 or more and receive a $10 gift certificate for yourself; $100 or more and receive a $20 gift certificate for yourself.  Enter code GIFTPROMO at checkout.  They will email the first certificate right away and send a separate email with the free certificate.  Gilden Tree specializes in natural, organic foot and body care.  This sale ends December 25, 2009.

Save 80% at Restaurant.com. Get $25 gift certificates for only $2.  Simply enter the discount code SANTA at the checkout and hit apply. This sale ends December 25, 2009.

Save 30% off everything at Avenue.  Excludes clearance. Online shoppers use code AV91172.  Valid through Monday, December 21, 2009.  Shop Sunday and get a free Bedford shirt or cosmetic bag slipper set with any purchase when you use this printable coupon.

Receive $5 off your online Sears purchase of $50 or more with coupon code SEARS5OFF50.  Expires December 24, 2009.  Some restrictions apply. 

Belk is having a big sale (you can read about it in my previous post).  They also have some printable coupons for $10 off a $50 purchase, $20 off a $100 purchase, and $30 off a $150 purchase.  The coupons are good on sale or regular priced merchandise.  Online coupon codes can be used.

What deals have you found lately?

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

These are a few of my favorite purchases from today.  My hubby and I have been wanting some new sheets but I have been waiting around for a bargain.  These Wamsutta 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets are normally$195.00 but I got them for only $58.19. Oh yeah!  The dry erase/cork board was regularly $40. Not sure who would paid such a crazy price. I got this for my little girl’s room for only $5.99.  I have also been wanting some pilgrim figurines but really didn’t want to spend the money this year.  These were regularly $40, but on clearance for $9.59.  I know it’s hard to see from the picture, but these earrings are really cute. The steriling silver was 70% off so I got these $30 earrings for $9. (These were a doorbuster sale which has now expired.)

A few other highlights from the Belk sale:

• take an additional 40% off red dot clearance
• 60% off sterling silver jewelry
• 30% off slippers
• 25% off New Directions tights and trouser socks
• 25% off Liz Claiborne New York jewelry
• 25% off Napier jewelry
• 50% off New Directions neckwear
• 40% off handbags from Nine West, The Sak, Kristin Davis, & Liz Claiborne New York
• 40% off wallets and clutches by Etienne Aigner, New Directions, Rolfs, and more
• 40-50% off entire stock boots
• 40-50% off select jewelry
• 25% off select watches
• 50-60% off Big & Tall select sportwear and outwear
• 50% off select suit separates
• 30% off select men’s wallets
• 50% off men’s giftable sweaters, loungewear, and robes
• 50-60% off select men’s sportwear
• 40-50% off select women’s jackets, dresses, pantsuits, sportwear sweaters, active and velour sportswear, New Directions sweaters, coats, sleepwear, robes, and more 
• 40-50% off throws
• 60% off pillows including memory foam
• 60% off Home Accents flatware
• 40% + extra 10% off Anchor Hocking portable bakeware sets
• 50% off Wishes and Wonder holiday decor

This sale ends Monday, December 21.  Happy saving!

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

If you’ve been reading Thrifty Mommy for a while, you’ll know that in the last year we’ve dealt with a poor housing market, moving, have a mortgage payment and rent, adoption, and now purchasing a home.  It’s been a financially exhausting year and I’m just not ready to lay down $200+ for something we don’t need.  Sure, we’d like to have one, but it’s not a need.  Say it with me, “Need versus want, need versus want.”  There really is a difference.  

This week I was shopping at CVS for some of the free (with Extra Care Bucks) three day sale items.  (They didn’t run out this time in the first few hours.  Yes, I’m shocked too!) After my purchases, the register printed out a coupon for $20 off an Xtreme Fit gaming mat.  I asked the cashier what the item was.  I figured it must be a pretty expensive item for it to be $20 off.  She showed me the item and I was pleased to see that it was only $49.99. 

Here are some features of the gaming mat:

• choose from aerobics, yoga training, muscle workouts, and more
• interactive trainer analyzes your progress
• create your own personalized workouts
• easy plug and play set-up
• over 80 games and exercises
• does not need any additional remote controls or game cartridges

I decided to give it a shot and spend the $30 and I’m so glad I did.  My family has had such a blast playing the gaming mat this week.  There are fishing games, running games, walking, racing, bowling, tetris, long jump, high jump, dance mat game, and so much more. You should see my kids running, jumping, and moving with this game.  Honestly, I have been dreading the winter months because of the kids being cooped up inside.  I was starting to picture them running through the house and making me crazy.  Now we have this gaming mat and I can set it up for them to play games that will help to get their energy out.

Alligator Girl watched her dad play bowling this week.  She must have picked up on his skills because she bowled a perfect game!

Cuddlebug is 4 years old and he has a great time playing too.  (Sorry for the red eye!)

The Xtreme Fit gaming mat is normally $49.99. I’m not sure what triggered the register to print out the $20 coupon, but it might be worth asking a cashier how to get a coupon.  The CVS site also has the mat on sale for $39.99 and it says it’s eligible for free shipping.  If you do decide to order it, please know that you probably won’t receive it until after Christmas.

You may call it a poor man’s Wii, but I call it a practical solution and a great buy for our family.

Have you seen the CVS Xtreme Fit Gaming Mat in the stores?

I was not paid for this product review nor did I receive any free products.  Image 1 from CVS.  Images 2 and 3 (c) Karen Weideman.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Wear cheery colors - Although you probably won’t see me in a Christmas sweater, you’ll likely see me wearing a bright red sweater.  Many of us have something red or green in our closets.

Jazz it up a little - Add some festive tights or a fun scarf to a plain outfit.

Wear some colorful jewelry - Shop discount stores for jewelry or make your own.

Don’t rule out the “cheap” stores - Target has some really cute clothing and fairly inexpensive prices.  Also try stores such as Marshalls, Ross, and T.J. Maxx.

Shop for used clothing and accessories - Last year’s holiday decorations, clothing, and accessories many times end up in yard sales.  People don’t want to bother with them or they grow tired of what they have.  This is a great opportunity for you to end of with a few treasures.

What ways do you save money on your Christmas outfits?

image francberg from sxc

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Here’s an example of how I have used the “buy ahead principle” for purchasing my daughter’s Christmas gifts.

• bath robe – regularly $20, after Christmas sale in Feb for $5
• two-wheel scooter – regularly $17, Black Friday sale for $5
• Hanna Montana doll set – regularly $28-32?, after Christmas sale in Feb for $7-8
• guitar purse – regularly $8-9, clearance for $2-3
• Barbie Advent calendar – regularly $20, after Christmas sale for $5
• Pet Shop bubble bath – regularly $10, clearance for $2.50
• High School Musical umbrella – regularly $8, clearance for $2
• Pet Shop electronic game – regularly $13, clerance for $3.24

This is approximately $125 in gifts for the bargain price of about $35.  My daughter will have a nice selection of toys under the tree this year, and all things that she likes.

Those of you with older children may find buying ahead more difficult, however, it is not impossible.  Try picking up just a few things that you’ll know they’ll like, even if it’s just stocking stuffers or dvds.  Every little bit saved helps.

Did you shop all year for Christmas?

image (c) Karen Weideman

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Free 60 Day Trial Membership - BJ’s is giving away a free 60 day trial membership to their warehouse with full member benefits.  Print off the coupon to take advantage of this deal.   

Use your membership to save money on food, toys, electronics, or seasonal merchandise.  I am a fan of their cakes from the bakery.  They have cream in the middle and they are so moist, yummy, and inexpensive.  Also, BJ’s allows their members to use manufacturer’s coupons.

Sale items - With your trial membership, you might want to take advantage of some of these deals:

• Mr. Coffee 12-cup programmable coffeemaker for $29.99 
• BOSE around-ear headphones bundle
• Accelerator PC Trainer 5 First Laptop loaded with games, music and educational activities priced at $39.99

Giveaway – One lucky reader will receive a $25 gift card for BJ’s Wholesale Club.  There are several ways to enter.  Pick as many options as you’d like.  Just be sure to leave a comment for each one, which makes it easier to count entries and choose a random winner.

1.  Leave a comment.  You can tell us if you shop at a wholesale club, why you like them, or your favorite discounted items.
2.  Tweet about this giveaway. You can use the easy tweet button to your right or use this abbreviated url http://bit.ly/5Tbvj8.  Be sure to leave a status url.
3.  Follow @thriftymommy on twitter.
4.  Blog about this giveaway.
5.  Digg, Stumble, or bookmark this post on Delicious or Reddit.
6.  Subscribe to Thrifty Mommy.

This contest ends Sunday, December 20, 2009 and is available to those with a U.S. shipping address.  The winner will be contacted via email and will have 72 hours to respond. 

Good luck everyone!

Disclaimer:  I was not paid for this post but did receive a small gift from BJ’s Wholesale.  Image 1 (c) Karen Weideman, image 2 (c) BJ’s.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Each 12 Days of Christmas mug and dessert plate bears a different design inspired by the popular Christmas carol, and is accented with holiday holly berry and garland.  The collection is crafted of Lenox ivory fine porcelain and includes a nice box that could be used for gift giving and storage.

Holiday 12 Days of Christmas Mugs - Set of 12 generous mugs by Lenox, each holds 12 ounces.  Mugs feature twelve different designs, all tied into the 12 Days of Christmas theme.  Each design is elegantly framed with the classic holly and berry garland of Lenox’s popular Holiday™ pattern.  Crafted of ivory porcelain, all mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe. Beautiful Lenox gift box also doubles as a storage box to keep this set protected as you wait for Christmas to arrive again.

Holiday 12 Days of Christmas Dessert Plates – Set of 12 generous dessert plates by Lenox, each measures 9” in diameter. Plates feature twelve different designs, all tied into the 12 Days of Christmas theme. All designs are elegantly framed with the classic holly and berry garland of Lenox’s popular Holiday™ pattern. Crafted of ivory porcelain, all plates are dishwasher and microwave safe. Beautiful Lenox gift box also doubles as a storage box to keep this set protected as you wait for Christmas to arrive again.

There are a few things about this set that really stands out to me.  Both the mugs and the plates are dishwasher and microwave safe.  If you’re like most families, you have a busy lifestyle and you need dishes that can be functional, easy to maintain and care for, and beautiful for guests and your family.  Also, the 12 Days of Christmas dishes are accented with the Lenox Holiday holly and berry garland, which allows them to be used with the Lenox Holiday china. These mugs and plates would be perfect for an after dinner coffee, hot chocolate, and dessert.  The sets come with a nice box for easy storage so that they do not take up a lot of space.

The 12 Days of Christmas mugs and plates retail for $200.00 per set, but Bed Bath & Beyond has them for a great price.  You can get the plate set for $79.99 and the mug set for $79.99!

And on to the giveaway .  .  . This giveaway is for a set of 12 Days of Christmas plates AND a set of 12 Days of Christmas mugs!!!!!!!  Isn’t this exciting?   

As always, I like to keep giveaways interesting and fun. There are several ways to enter the contest. Pick one or all of the options, but please leave a comment for each one you complete. It makes it easier to count the entries and pick a winner.

1. Tell us what you would do with the china if you were to win.
2. Tell which Lenox pattern is best suited for you and why.
3. Write a paragraph on why you like Lenox so much or a paragraph on some memories shared while using Lenox.
4. Tweet about this contest. Use the easy tweet button to the right or use the abbreviated url http://bit.ly/7mTk6I.  You may choose this option up to three times each day. Be sure to leave a status url so I can verify.
5. Tweet a picture of some Lenox china that you already own.
6. Blog about this contest.
7. Follow ThriftyMommy on twitter.
8. Digg, Stumble, or bookmark this post on Delicious or Reddit.
9. Subscribe to Thrifty Mommy.

This contest ends Thursday, December 17, 2009 at midnight and is available to those with a U.S. shipping address.  The winner will be contacted via email on Thursday, December 17, 2009.  The winner will have 24 hours to respond, but it’s best to respond as soon as possible so that we can get this beautiful set to you before Christmas. 

Good luck everyone!

Disclaimer: I did receive products to review, but did not receive any monetary compensation.  Image provided by Lenox.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

What you can do:

• Make a donation.  Even $10 can make a difference.  Get a free pink sweatshirt with a $100 donation.  You can also make a donation in memory of a loved one.  Use the link on the website to donate or call 877-337-3348.
• Instead of using your normal search engine, set GoodSearch as your home page and a donation is made every time you search or shop online.
• Order gift cards.  Gift Cards for a Cause is an easy way to support a non-profit organization throughout the year by shopping for your every day needs like groceries, clothing, and casual dining, or any occasion that calls for gift giving.
• If you use a professional maid service, ask them if they have heard of Cleaning for a Reason.

For more information, visit the Cleaning for a Reason website.

image sxc

Post from: Thrifty Mommy