Looking for frugal holiday gift ideas? Being economical doesn’t mean you have to be cheap, but rather creative! Who needs another foot massager or set of gloves anyway? (Actually, come to think of it, I need a new pair…) Even so, I’d much rather receive a thoughtful, homemade gift from those I love this holiday season.
Assembling a theme pack is a great way to create a gift that’s semi-homemade. Know someone who loves movies? Loves to drink coffee? Enjoys scrapbooking? Create a theme pack especially for them to indulge in their favorite hobby or pastime. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Movie Theme Pack
Pick out a classic film in a favorite genre, popping corn in a colorful jar or bag, and large boxes of candy (the kind you’d find at a theater). Put these all in a big bowl that can be used for the popcorn and fill it in with colorful homemade shred (use the cartoons!)
Scrapbooking Theme Pack
Choose a small blank scrapbook in a seasonal color. Find some stickers, brads, a pair of scrapbooking scissors with a fancy edge and a few sheets of pretty paper, all with the same color or holiday theme. Place into a gift bag or wrap in a box. Many of these items can be found at the dollar store or Walmart at great prices.
Game-Night Theme Pack
Grab a reusable bag and fill it with items perfect for a family board game night! Many card and board games can be found on sale during the holiday season and some are packaged in a special way. Choose a classic favorite or a new game and add to it packages of crackers, nuts and/or pretzels. Assemble or purchase a dip mix with instructions to be enjoyed at a later time (you can’t exactly keep sour cream in a bag under the tree!) Add some bottles of pop if there is room.
Cook’s Theme Pack
This themed gift can be given either to a person who is new to cooking on their own (a college graduate, perhaps?) or customized for someone who is familiar with the kitchen. For example, a “spaghetti night” set can be assembled with frugal ingredients and a few extras. For a container, choose a pasta pot if you have the funds to buy one or simply use a large reusable bag. Purchase spaghetti sauce, pasta and shelf-stable parmesan cheese. Choose a pasta scoop and/or collapsible colander for straining the spaghetti. The Spaghetti Dispenser from Tupperware is a great addition to this gift (hint: you can sometimes find them new on Ebay).
Coffee Lovers Theme Pack
If you know a new mom or a busy career woman who could use a little time to relax with a cup of joe, put together a sweet coffee set that she’ll be sure to love. Find out what blend or strength of coffee she enjoys and pair it with a pretty ceramic mug. Add the Bonjour Mini Frother and a package of Ghirardelli chocolate or biscotti for the perfect touches! This gift can easily work for a man too!
When you use your imagination, it’s easy to come up with creative theme pack ideas for this holiday season instead of giving yet another gadget or trinket that will get dusty on a shelf. Shopping frugally doesn’t mean being cheap but rather giving a present that comes with a special memory that lasts far longer than the gift itself!
