creative1the / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Do you know what you’re giving your mom, yet? Below I share frugal ways to celebrate Mother’s Day without breaking the bank.
1. Make a memory book – If you’re into scrapbooking, put a photo book together. This low cost gift will be filled with memories that mom will appreciate. If you’re not good with scissors and glue, you can also make one using your computer.
This is the best time to buy holiday wrapping paper. Credit: bonnipink/Flickr
This post is brought to you by Area Vibes which can help you find the cheapest places to live.
Judee shared a quick tip:
FIY the Christmas gift wrap at Target is about .30 cents a roll right now. Great time to stock up for next year :O)
The post-Christmas holiday deals only last so long before they sell out or get cleared out to make room for new merchandise. Get on it if you haven’t already (myself included!)
Got a hot tip? Email us.
I wonder what this person received. jessamyn / flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Okay, so you didn’t get exactly what you wanted for Christmas or Hanukkah. So what’s a cheapskate supposed to do? Below I share five options to deal with unwanted Christmas gifts and gift card.
Re-gifting
I’m not a fan of re-gifting because I’ve received really bad gifts. But, I confess I’ve done it – the right way. The trick is to make sure you pass the gift to the appropriate person that will appreciate it. When done properly, it
Are you ready for Christmas? Credit: boneandjay/Flickr
I’ve divided all our Christmas and holiday-related posts into five categories: presents; stocking stuffers + gift tags; things to do; extras; and post-holiday.
If you are still finishing your shopping, good luck! Got a last-minute holiday dilemma? Let the Bargain Babe help!
Presents
Best holiday gifts: gift cards + more
There are 26 coupons and freebies today. Retailers are shifting from online deals to in store deals because of shipping deadlines. If you shop online, get a cash back rebate on every purchase through Ebates. Free to join! Don’t miss exclusive coupons we share on the BargainBabe.com Facebook page. “Like” us today!
Free Christmas recipes - Download 34 free Christmas recipes organized into five meal plans from Mr. Food.
Freebie breakfast recipes – Download free breakfast recipes from Eggland’s Best when you “like” its Facebook page. While supplies last.
Free Poise samples - Get a freebie sample of Poise pads. While supplies last.
BaconThenEggs / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Want to save even more money on Christmas? Here are eight homemade stocking stuffer ideas you can make if you are on a tight budget. The best part is that you don’t have to be super crafty to make them.
Leo Reynolds / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
If you’re still on the look out for the perfect gift, I’ve found some awesome gift card with perks you might want to consider. I share those below. Want to save even more money? You can also purchase discounted gift cards.
AMC Theatres – Free $5 concession bonus card when you spend $30 on gift cards. Offer is available in theaters, while supplies last.
Applebee’s – Get a $10 gift card when you purchase $50 in gift cards. Not valid for digital purchases. The bonus card is good through Feb. 29, 2011.
Ben & Jerry’s – Get a free scoop with every $10 of gift cards you purchase. You can also get a $10 gift card for $5 for joining Saveology for a VERY limited time.
Free shipping day is Dec. 16!
There is scant time to finish your Christmas shopping online! Most retailers require online purchases to be completed by Dec. 16, 2011 to guarantee Christmas Eve delivery.
If you do not finish your online shopping by tomorrow, you have two options.
1. Pay a ton for expedited shipping.
2. Fight the crowds at the mall, then package your gifts, wait in line at the post office, and pay for Priority or Express shipping.
If you shop tomorrow, thousands of online merchants – 2,339 to be exact – are participating in Free Shipping Day. What that means is that these 2,339 merchants all offer free standard shipping AND guarantee your gifts will arrive by Christmas. Some have minimum spend requirements, others don’t. Most allow dollar off or percentage off coupons on top of free shipping, which is hot.
If you need gift ideas, check out the 10-day Bargain Babe Hot Holiday Gift Guide for unique gifts, electronics, gift card deals, and a lot more.
If you are having a hard time coming up with a gift or finding a good deal, let the Bargain Babe solve your holiday dilemma.
When you shop online, get a cash back rebate on every purchase by shopping through Ebates. Don’t leave money on the table!
Check out Best Buy's current holiday sale!
There are 37 coupons and freebies today. If you shop online, get a cash back rebate on every purchase through Ebates. Free to join! Don’t miss exclusive coupons we share on the BargainBabe.com Facebook page. “Like” us today!
HOT! Last minute flight deals - Southwest has a bunch of last minute holiday travel deals when you book by Dec. 19 and travel Dec 14-21, 2011. The best flights and prices will go quickly.
Tomorrow! Free ice cream cupcake - Grab a free ice cream cupcake at Marble Slab Creamery and MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream & Treatery on Dec. 15, 2011 from 4-7 p.m. to celebrate National Cupcake Day.
Free Christmas music download - Get a free Christmas song from Tim McGraw to the tune of “Christmas All Over the World.” Unclear how long this will last.
Make a gift through Kidworth this Christmas.
As a kid, I loved discovering a mound of presents choking the tree on Christmas morning. But I can’t help but wonder, now that I’m familiar with the website Kidworth, if some of those gifts could have been given as investments.
Did you know that the average child, according to Kidworth founder Rudy DeFelice, comes across $25,000-$30,000 in gifts by the time they are 18? And yet, how many 18-year-olds do you know that have more than a few bucks to their name?
My eye! Credit: Nieve44/La Luz
Are you having a hard time finding a great deal on a particular present?
Can’t think of what to buy for your _____?
Not sure where is the best place to buy a particular gift?
Struggling with how much to spend on a friend?
Unsure how to cross everyone off your list without going over budget?
Need help setting a Christmas and holiday shopping budget?
Let the Bargain Babe figure it out! Ask your question by leaving a comment and we will respond within 24 hours, if not sooner.
Get Seventeen Mag free!
There are 35 coupons and freebies today, including many “Cyber Monday 2″ type deals. If you shop online, get a cash back rebate on every purchase through Ebates. Free to join! Don’t miss exclusive coupons we share on the BargainBabe.com Facebook page. “Like” us today!
Freebie Dove - Get a freebie sample of Dove Damage Therapy shampoo and conditioner for a limited time through Costco. You do NOT need to be a member to get this awesome freebie! I love these things for travel.
Free Christmas cookie recipes - Get a free eCookbook with Christmas cookie recipes when you join the Mr. Food email list.
Seventeen FREE - Get 11 free magazine issues of Seventeen in digital format through ValueMags.com. No purchase necessary! I’ve gotten many free subscriptions through this site. Currently, there are also freebies for Cosmo, Bridal Guide, and Out.
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
Romantic Crafts/flickr
I love homemade holiday gifts the best. Anyone can go to the store and buy something, but it takes time and thought to give someone a gift that you made.
Here are 7 unusual frugal and homemade holiday gifts. For more gift ideas, check out the Bargain Babe Hot Holiday Gift Guide.
- Firewood. With all the recent storms, it is possible that you are now in possession of lots more wood than you need. Bundle it up and give it as gifts to those you know with fireplaces. Include a couple of mugs, hot chocolate mix and marshmallows. (more…)
I was surprised by how creative this lady from CreditCards.com wraps her gift cards. Very inspiring!
Gift cards make a great gift!
Phew! Today’s post on the best overall gifts brings the Bargain Babe Hot Holiday Gift Guide to a close. After 10 days, I’m all shopped out! We’ve also suggested electronics gifts, gifts at Sears, toys for kids, mens’ shavers, gifts for teens, unique and quirky gifts, All You mag gifts, restaurant gift certificates, and gifts for men and women.
Gifts cards are a thoughtful gift that is easy for the giver and receiver. No guessing what size or brand; no returns. You can make it a thoughtful gift card by picking a store the recipient loves to shop at, and by wrapping it in a special way. (This video has three great ideas for creative gift card wrapping.)
Kindle Fire is HOT!
The most sought-after gift cards,
