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With just a few days before Christmas, time is running out to find those perfect gifts for everyone on your list. If you’ve waited until the final hour to shop, you’re likely to feel rushed and overwhelmed, and this combination could spell trouble for your budget since you don’t have time to shop around, compare prices or hunt down deals.
Luckily, you don’t have to look far for inexpensive gifts that will bring joy to your family and friends. Check out these frugal, last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list!
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Tap into your crafty side and make your own ornaments for a festive present that any friend on your list will appreciate. Glitter ornaments are especially fun, easy and inexpensive to make. Pick up a few clear glass or plastic round ornaments, Glitter-it glue and extra-fine glitter in your favorite colors from any craft store. Pour the glue into the ornament so it coats the entire interior surface, pouring out any excess, then add glitter and shake. Review further instructions here.
Homemade sweets are always a welcome treat during the holidays and a great option for neighbors or co-workers on your list. For those who don’t have time to bake, make cookie mix jars instead. Simply layer ingredients from your favorite cookie recipe into a Mason jar and include a copy of the instructions for baking. Check out these delicious ideas for inspiration.
Grandparents really don’t need or want much, but a little effort will go a long way in bringing a smile to their face. Get your family together for a group photo and make sure everyone dresses in coordinating colors to really make the photo pop. While a family photo seems like a very simple gift idea, it’s one your grandparents will appreciate all year long! Check out Pinterest for ideas on how everyone should dress.
Whether you’re shopping for your daughter, granddaughter or niece, you may feel stumped on what to get the tween or teen girl on your list. When heading to the drugstore to pick up prescriptions and gift wrap, take a detour to the beauty aisle and put together a nail kit. Pick up a cosmetic case and fill it with nail polish in an assortment of colors, nail files and other nail tools. Alternatively, you can make a makeup kit with eyeshadow, lip gloss, mascara and blush.
College kids hardly have enough money to buy groceries and pay their bills, let alone afford to go to the movies. Since that student on your list likely needs a break from studying, consider giving him or her a movie gift basket. Pick up an inexpensive popcorn bowl from the dollar store and fill it with two to four movie tickets, popcorn and candy. You can even buy movie tickets from a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s Club to save 20%.
If anyone on your list was recently married, don’t look far for a gift. You can either frame the invitation from their wedding or go a step further and assemble a shadow box filled with memories from their big day. Include the invitation, program, menu and other mementos. You may need to ask another family member or friend for help, but this keepsake gift will be one any newlywed will treasure forever.
Read more: 12 secret saving hacks at Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale
This post was last modified on March 22, 2017 4:40 pm
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