Is it too early to start planning frugal christmas gift ideas?

[Designgal34]

I know it's early November, but I've started thinking about what kind of frugal gifts I could give to people. Because I only get paid once a month, planning now is pretty important to me since I know that after my bills next month, I'm not going to have much left for gifts. I've started practicing wood carvings, but it takes time to master! The wood plaques from the craft store only cost a couple of bucks, which is nice because my budget is about $10-15 per person.

What ideas do you have for frugal gift ideas?

[arkadofbabylon.org]

I make prints on the side, so I am all for such a personalized gift Definately try and incorporate that in your gift giving! Your friends and family will love it!

This year I'm making a lot of gift baskets. I sell beauty products as a second income, so I'm making baskets that include little splurge items from that beauty line (salt scrub, lotion -- about $4-$6).

I'm also putting in little things like tea light candle holders that diffuse light (I found great ones at Pier One for about $2 on clearance) and tea light candles (a steal at IKEA for a GIANT bag of them).

I'm throwing in a mug (or two, depending on who the gift is for) and some spicy teas to sip.

All in all, it's a basket of "relaxation" to soothe oneself during the busy holidays. And who doesn't want that these days?

Total cost is about $7.50 to $12 per basket of goodies depending on what I put in them. Overall, very simple, semi-frugal and I'm sure my friends and family will love them

[AlmostFrugal]

Not too early at all! A lot of gifts require time and preparation, especially when you're preparing them in great numbers. Get Rich Slowly has a great post on gift ideas http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/20...make-yourself/ and if you follow the links through the six part crafts carnival I'm cohosting you'll see more good ideas by theme. http://almostfrugal.com/holidays-by-hand/

[lucille]

The holidays are already in full gear. I had to go by the mall a couple of times yesterday and the place was absolutely packed. If you start now on making things you won't be as pressed for time. I am still trying to figure out what to make for the few extended family things we send out. Possibly flax heating bags done as a neck roll.

[FitandFrugal]

Originally Posted by lucille

The holidays are already in full gear. I had to go by the mall a couple of times yesterday and the place was absolutely packed.

I just want to comment on this. I went yesterday to return an item I bought online and yes, it was crazy packed. So WHO is being affected by this so-called recession if malls and restaurants (from driving by, I can tell) are always crowded?

As for the original topic, it's never too early to start planning for gifts and gift ideas. I hope to steal some of yours.

[Designgal34]

I dunno, I've definitely seen slower traffic at the malls and stores than in years past. Funny though, I've seen what seems like more people at the craft stores!

Thanks for all the ideas so far!

Another idea from a friend is a picture collage. My girlfriend Briana made one with pics of us for my birthday a couple of years ago and it's still on my dresser. She printed a bunch of photos, typed and printed out a couple of quotes/inside jokes, and assembled them all inside a pretty 8x10 frame. Really thoughtful, and considering the cost of digital printing, really cheap.

A variation of the wood carving idea I had earlier is to take wooden picture frames from the craft store, carve our names into it (or something like that) and then paint.

[amyschiff]

Originally Posted by arkadofbabylon.org

I make prints on the side, so I am all for such a personalized gift Definately try and incorporate that in your gift giving! Your friends and family will love it!

This year I'm making a lot of gift baskets. I sell beauty products as a second income, so I'm making baskets that include little splurge items from that beauty line (salt scrub, lotion -- about $4-$6).

I'm also putting in little things like tea light candle holders that diffuse light (I found great ones at Pier One for about $2 on clearance) and tea light candles (a steal at IKEA for a GIANT bag of them).

I'm throwing in a mug (or two, depending on who the gift is for) and some spicy teas to sip.

All in all, it's a basket of "relaxation" to soothe oneself during the busy holidays. And who doesn't want that these days?

Total cost is about $7.50 to $12 per basket of goodies depending on what I put in them. Overall, very simple, semi-frugal and I'm sure my friends and family will love them

Where do you find the baskets to put all the goodies in? I've noticed that often baskets themselves can be the most costly item out of the whole gift.

[Julie Rains]

You can get baskets at the dollar store or sometimes Goodwill; also you can find tins for baked goods.

[amyschiff]

ahhh I always forget about the dollar store! That link for make them yourself christmas gifts makes me want to try making the truffles for gifts!

[click4credit]

if you like DIYs, then you should start planning (and even making) your gifts especially if you would be doing something on the line of scrapbooks. If you'd be doing gift baskets, however, the time consuming part might be looking for the things that you would like to include in your basket. This is also true if you would like to give away cookies and stuff