Category Archives: Christmas

Generic gift

Yvette from Australia says, Generic gift: purchase 4 plastic key tags in different bright colours and label simply ‘car’ ‘house’ ‘shed’ ‘mailbox’ etc and give for keys and spares with a snap lock carabiner for keeping them all together and to hang up. A key detector could be attached, I used to have one that […]

The perfect gift

Polly from Auckland has this tip, The perfect gift for those you find difficult to buy for would be a cotton or canvas shopping bag as plastic bags are being phased out at supermarkets.

Have a Happy Frugal Christmas!

Don’t know about you, but as we tear November from the wall calendar, a sense of foreboding sets in – December: Christmas only weeks away! Frugality often requires planning, and three weeks or so doesn’t seem like enough time. Never fear, oily rag suggestions are near! Here are some ideas for a great frugal Christmas. […]

Forgotten cookies

Maureen has his favourite cookie recipe: My ‘go to’ recipe when I have to take something is Forgotten cookies. Basically tiny meringues 180 degrees Beat 2 egg whites and pinch salt until foamy. Gradually add half a cup castor sugar. 1 tsp vanilla Then whatever eg chopped almonds, chopped dark chocolate etc. But for Christmas […]

A Frugal Christmas

So what does the frugal family do with those well-intentioned gifts that are not really wanted or needed? Here are some suggestions: • Sell them and save the money or use it to buy something you do need. • Give them away as a present to someone else – but be careful not to give […]

Easy truffles for Xmas gifts

A Thompson from Christchurch wites, “Easy truffles for Xmas gifts. Use uncooked slice recipes. Roll mixture into balls, then coconut, or melted chocolate. Leave in fridge overnight. They freeze well. Supermarket deli departments have plastic containers you may be able to buy.”

Christmas buying tips

As well as crafting gifts throughout the year, my husband and I also do the ‘op shops (he loves them) throughout the year, but we also start shopping after the current Christmas, at the sales. We then supply of gifts for Christmas birthdays etc. – PB, Auckland.

Xmas gifts

With Xmas approaching We concentrate on gifts for all the children/grandchildren etc. The adults enjoy fine wine, nice food and when it is a get together at one person’s home we each bring a dish. Xmas is mainly for children and enjoying the looks on their faces. – Susan Wood, Christchurch