Thrifty Mommy » ideas

35 Plentiful Ideas for Thanksgiving

Karen Weideman — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:41:11 +0000

Thanksgiving is only a week away. I know, I can hardly believe it. To save you some time, I’ve been searching around for great resources for you. There’s a wide variety to choose from. Enjoy!

For the kids:

Decorating and Entertaining:

Recipes and Food Ideas:

Other:

Which ideas do you think you’ll try?

image (c) Linette Gerlach

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12 Parent-Approved Fundraisers

Karen Weideman — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:29:16 +0000

Last year, after being totally frustrated over numerous fundraisers, I wrote a little rant with 10 reasons why I can’t stand school fundraisers. I understand though that schools need to raise money for things that our kids can enjoy such as playgrounds, picnic tables, and media items. After speaking with some parents and personally critiquing some fundraisers, I’ve come up with a list of parent-approved fundraisers. I know that you won’t agree with every suggestion on the list, but hopefully you’ll find an idea that you like.

1) Grocery store customer cards – Some stores, such as Food Lion have a program for schools. Basically, the school registers at the grocery store and then the parents, grandparents, etc register their store card under the school’s account. The school automatically gets proceeds from the sales. There’s no need to sell anything.

2) Restaurant fundraiser - Your child’s school can sign up at a restaurant such as Chick-Fil-A for a special fundraiser night. Proceeds from that night go to the school. Again, no need to sell anything. If you want to show your support, you just come to the restaurant to eat.

3) Cookie dough - Most people like cookie dough, especially around the holidays. It’s easy to sell and it brings in a lot of money. I was talking to a teacher last month and she said their school made about $10,000!

4) Invest-in-a-Kid – My kids’ school does a fundraiser where they don’t sell anything. They simply ask for monetary donations for things the school needs. It gives parents an opportunity to just give without having to sell.

5) Candy bars - These are a bit more aggravating, but pretty easy to sell. After all, they’re only a buck. Most anyone will buy a candy bar. People don’t have to wait around for something to be ordered.

6) Sodas - Schools can partner up with a soda company such as Pepsi or Coca-Cola. They take orders and money for the soda and then the soda is picked at the school on the arranged date. No delivery needed. Usually the soda is about the same price as the soda from the grocery store.

7) Read-a-thon or Walk-a-thon – Most people don’t mind donating money if the kids are going to do something useful like reading or walking.

8) Silent auction – Parents and the community donate items of value. It’s an easy fundraiser and you can get some great bargains.

9) Coupon books – Each year my husband and I buy at least one coupon book which has coupons for dining out and entertainment. The books generally sell for $20 and the school gets $10 for each book sold. Most coupons in the book are for buy 1 get 1 free.

10) Dinner or festival – Have a dinner or festival for the community. Usually, schools serve spaghetti because it’s an easy, cheap meal. Perhaps the school could do a fundraiser dinner and silent auction on the same night.

11) Buy a privilege. Some schools have one day each month where the kids can pay $1 to wear a hat to school. I’ve also heard of paying $1 to wear a costume, flip flops, or crazy clothes.

12) Box tops – Most schools participate in this program and it’s super easy with no pressure. Simply save the box tops from specially marked products. The schools get 10 cents for each box top.

What do you think of these fundraiser ideas? Do you have any others to add to the list?

image sxc.hu

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Cutting Back on Your Christmas Expenses

Karen Weideman — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:44:34 +0000

Christmas is only three months away. You may be thinking, ‘Please don’t say it! Don’t bring up that topic. I’m not ready yet!’. We can’t shoo away the fact that Christmas will be here before we know it, but we can prepare. For many, money is tight this year and alternative plans need to be made. Here are some ways to cut back on your spending this year.

1) If you have young children, consider purchasing used toys and clothes for them or having a toy and clothing swap with friends. Young children don’t know if the item is new or used. They’re just excited to see a different toy.

2) Cut out some names on your list. This may sound horrible to some, but you don’t need to buy for every aunt, uncle, and cousin. I started practicing this tip a few years ago. Even though I was thrifty with my shopping, things were getting out of hand and the list needed to be shortened.

3) Host a party. Have a party for your friends and decide on something inexpensive to exchange such baked goods, ornaments, or a gag gift. Have everyone bring one item and then play a game to exchange. If you’re having a baked goods exchange, then provide bags or boxes for take home food.

4) Give homemade gifts. You’ve heard this tip for years and perhaps you think it can’t be done. Actually, there are so many nice handmade gift ideas out there now. From soap, candles, purses, cookies in a jar, hot cocoa mix, and more . . . you can find something to make.

Stay tuned to Thrifty Mommy. During the upcoming months, we hope to share some inexpensive gift ideas.

What ways do you plan to cut back on your Christmas spending?

image sxc.hu

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A Thanksgiving Feast of Ideas

Karen Weideman — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:16:37 +0000

Looking for more Thanksgiving ideas? Then head on over to Weary Parent. Char has compiled a great source of links to get you inspired and on your way.

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