Sunday, January 23, 2011

Homemade Christmas Gifts

Homemade gifts may be the perfect way to cut back cost of 2011 and give yourself a hobby for 2011 as well. If you have a talent making item or willing to learn a new hobby, making homemade present is the perfect gift to give away at Christmas.

Making things that are unique and/or not found in the stores will be very appreciated by the receiver.  Knitted blankets are wonderful and many people love to place them on their couches or end of their beds for cold night. A finished blanket can be very expensive because of the time it takes to make the blanket. However making a knitted blanket yourself would only cost you a small fraction of the price. All the time you spend on making the gift is full of love that will be felt by the receiver of the gift. Many people even pass down knitted blanket that Grandma made because of the love that is connected with the blanket.

With the cold winter days upon us, now is a great time to get started on projects. There are many project groups online from sites like Yahoo and Google. Just look up what project your interested in. Not only will you meet some nice people, but they will be happy to help you with your project as well.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Start Planning for Christmas 2011

Simplify Your Holidays: A Christmas Planner to Use Year after YearYes, it is only January. Now is the perfect time to start making your Christmas plan for December. Things to consider are your budget. Did you over spend this year? If so, find way to cut back.

One way to cut back is to start early so you have time to find sale.

Another way is to buy something special on your list instead of thinking about spending a certain dollar amount. Not every needs $100 gift... someone may be just as happy with a $20 gift.

Think about making someone something. Are you handy with your hands or are your learning something new this year? Knitting a nice blanket is a great gift for Christmas. Making the gift yourself may save you money as well. There is also a lot of time going into making a gift, so the reviver on the gift will feel even more special that you took all that time to make a gift for them.

Take a look over the expenses of last Christmas. Are there things you can cut back on and still have the same wonderful Christmas?

There is a little over 11 month for the next Christmas. Instead of being in a rush and fighting the busy streets and crowds trying to figure out at the last minute what to buy people on your Christmas list; relax and take your time this year by planning ahead.