Nontoy gift ideas your kids will actually like

We've all been there. We pick out the perfect gift for our kids. We are giddy with their joy as they anxiously rip off the wrapping paper Christmas morning. We are overjoyed as they play with this prized toy they have asked for... and then two weeks later it's under the bed never to be played with again. 

Don't get me wrong. I actually like toys. I don't have a problem with them. I just pushed a pile of Legos away from my desk to write this post. But, I have also come to see the value in nontoy gifts as well. So today I wanted to share a few of my favorites as well as YOUR ideas from the Facebook page. 

1. Books

My husband and I are both readers and I feel like we're passing that on to our kids. Books make great gifts. 

I recently purchased my kids The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home. Such cute and fun books for preschoolers (and young school aged children). 

For my niece (age 8) I got Ramona Quimby and for my nephew (age 9) I got the Hatchet, a great adventure book. 

Here is a list I made of my favorite books to give as gifts. 

2. Experience gifts

We took our kids to the zoo this past spring. It was so much fun. SO. MUCH. Zoo passes or even just a trip to the zoo as a family would make an awesome gift for both small and older children.

Groupon often has deals on things to do in your community. And don't forget to use Ebates to make those dollar stretch even further. 

TIP: If you can't swing the funds for a pass or family tickets, many library systems offer one-day zoo passes with library card membership. 

3. Classes and sports

We just signed Ryals up for basketball and I am so excited. He will be playing in the spring with practice right after Christmas. 

Classes like art, ballet, karate, tumbling etc. are all great options as gifts. As well as community sports. 

4. Magazines 

Kids LOVE getting mail and magazine subscriptions are fantastic. Some of my favorites are Highlights, Ladybug and Ranger Rick. 

Articles, poems, games, recipes. These educational magazines are packed FULL of great things. 

5. Science kits

My mother-in-law got the coolest science kit for my boys and we have spent so much time playing with it! They were able to make their own snowman, which is such a thrill for Alabama boys who have never seen snow. 

There are so many cute science kits out there like this cool called Magic Science for Wizards. I mean, I want to play with that. 

These make excellent gifts and have a WIDE variety of ages. 

6. Subscription boxes

Again, kids LOVE mail. Why not sign up for a subscription box? There is one for everyone. Art. Science. Music. Cooking. SO many options. 

We personally love the Green Kid Crafts. It comes once a month and has around four crafts each month based on a theme. 

7. Audiobooks and stories

We love audiobooks in this house. They make a rainy day or a long car ride FLY by. We also love stories and serials designed for kids and families. 

My children LOVE Adventures in Odyssey, which is pure nostalgia for me because I listened to them as a kid. They teach Biblically-based concepts as well as social awareness. I love them. 

 This post contains affiliate links. Meaning if you make a purchase I will get a small commission at NO extra charge to you. 

Nontoy gift ideas your kids will actually like

We've all been there. We pick out the perfect gift for our kids. We are giddy with their joy as they anxiously rip off the wrapping paper Christmas morning. We are overjoyed as they play with this prized toy they have asked for... and then two weeks later it's under the bed never to be played with again. 

Don't get me wrong. I actually like toys. I don't have a problem with them. I just pushed a pile of Legos away from my desk to write this post. But, I have also come to see the value in nontoy gifts as well. So today I wanted to share a few of my favorites as well as YOUR ideas from the Facebook page. 

1. Books

My husband and I are both readers and I feel like we're passing that on to our kids. Books make great gifts. 

I recently purchased my kids The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home. Such cute and fun books for preschoolers (and young school aged children). 

For my niece (age 8) I got Ramona Quimby and for my nephew (age 9) I got the Hatchet, a great adventure book. 

Here is a list I made of my favorite books to give as gifts. 

2. Experience gifts

We took our kids to the zoo this past spring. It was so much fun. SO. MUCH. Zoo passes or even just a trip to the zoo as a family would make an awesome gift for both small and older children.

Groupon often has deals on things to do in your community. And don't forget to use Ebates to make those dollar stretch even further. 

TIP: If you can't swing the funds for a pass or family tickets, many library systems offer one-day zoo passes with library card membership. 

3. Classes and sports

We just signed Ryals up for basketball and I am so excited. He will be playing in the spring with practice right after Christmas. 

Classes like art, ballet, karate, tumbling etc. are all great options as gifts. As well as community sports. 

4. Magazines 

Kids LOVE getting mail and magazine subscriptions are fantastic. Some of my favorites are Highlights, Ladybug and Ranger Rick. 

Articles, poems, games, recipes. These educational magazines are packed FULL of great things. 

5. Science kits

My mother-in-law got the coolest science kit for my boys and we have spent so much time playing with it! They were able to make their own snowman, which is such a thrill for Alabama boys who have never seen snow. 

There are so many cute science kits out there like this cool called Magic Science for Wizards. I mean, I want to play with that. 

These make excellent gifts and have a WIDE variety of ages. 

6. Subscription boxes

Again, kids LOVE mail. Why not sign up for a subscription box? There is one for everyone. Art. Science. Music. Cooking. SO many options. 

We personally love the Green Kid Crafts. It comes once a month and has around four crafts each month based on a theme. 

7. Audiobooks and stories

We love audiobooks in this house. They make a rainy day or a long car ride FLY by. We also love stories and serials designed for kids and families. 

My children LOVE Adventures in Odyssey, which is pure nostalgia for me because I listened to them as a kid. They teach Biblically-based concepts as well as social awareness. I love them. 

This post contains affiliate links. Meaning if you make a purchase I will get a small commission at NO extra charge to you. 

10 Thrift store finds you can give as gifts

I'm resharing this post from 2015! 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was a fun family time for us... if not completely exhausting. 

Now until Dec. 24 we are really going to focus on gift giving and enjoying the holiday season. And of course, the entire theme of this blog is keeping things affordable for you and your family. 

A few weeks ago I got a question asking what I thought about giving gifts from the thrift store for Christmas. 

If you read this blog on a regular basis then you probably already know what my answer is going to be... go for it sister, friend. 

I personally don't have an issue with it, in fact on of Ryals' gifts this year came from the thrift store. I found a giant tub of legos for just $7. Of course he will be getting some new things from us, but that was too good of a deal to pass up. 

Today I wanted to give you a few ideas of things you can find at your local thrift store that would make excellent gifts. 

Of course, there are a few things to remember when giving someone a gift that's been thrifted. Items should probably be in good condition and without stains. Also, I wouldn't give anything that shows obvious use, is scratched, torn or damaged. 

Here are a few things you could consider giving. 

1. Picture frames and art

Photo frames make excellent gifts for parents and grandparents, especially if you include a cute photo of a grandparent with a grand baby. However, frames can get expensive. I've seen good quality frames at my local thrift store as low as $.50. 

You can easily upcycle these into something special. 

You can also find some interesting artwork pieces at the thrift store, or the items needed to create your own. 

2. Dish sets

I have seen lots of dish sets still in the box at the thrift store. A lot of them are mimosa sets, or glasses with a clear pitcher. 

I have also seen seasonal dish sets. 

3. Coffee mugs

Coffee mugs are a DIYers dream, especially if they are plain white. You can do so much with them. 

A cute mug could be filled with Kcups or cookies and presented very nicely. 

4. Hardback novels

I love giving books. I give a lot of books to my nieces and nephews. But they also make excellent gifts for adults. My local thrift store has no end to good quality hardback novels and cookbooks. 

Just make sure that the pages are not torn or dog eared, the spine doesn't show wear and the pages do not smell like smoke. 

5. Cake stands

I was walking through my local Goodwill the other day when I saw the gorgeous cake stand in that photo. At just $3 I had to fight the urge to snatch it up. 

You could present this to someone with a homemade cake or a special cake recipe. And remember, they're not just for cakes. Cake stands make excellent jewelry holders and an attractive place to keep hand soaps. 

6. Baskets

There is no end to the number of baskets you can find at the thrift store. These are especially great if you're making a gift basket or giving someone homemade baked goods. 

7. New clothing

A lot of thrift stores have a special boutique section where they sell higher end fashions or even clothing with the tags still on it. I found a cute pair of Dressbarn shorts new with tags. If a clothing item still has the tags and is without defects it might make a great gift. 

Just remember, the recipient won't be able to return it if it is the wrong size. 

8. Phone cases

I have seen iPhone and Android cases ranging from $.99 to $2.99. They range from cute and colorful to plain. But you could easily turn them into something cute and original with a littler creativity. 

9. Linens (new of, course)

Did you know that Target stores sell or donate unsold items to Goodwill? I've been able to find great, brand new linens at Goodwill. In total honesty, some of them are still overpriced for a thrift store find, but some of them are a good deal at just a couple bucks. 

10. Large toys- train tables 

Just last week my boys and I spotted a Melissa and Doug train table at Goodwill for just $9.99. Those tables retail for $150. Of course this one needed a little TLC, including a good scrubbing with a magic eraser. But to a person with a little time and creativity you could turn that train table into something pretty special. 

A few tips for giving thrift store finds

• I believe it's all about presentation. For example, if you find some great clear glass cookie jars, fill them with new dish towels. 
• Earlier this year I found a brand new mixing bowl at the thrift store. I am going to keep it, but if I had decided to give it as a gift, I would just fill it with rubber spatulas and a couple of recipes printed on a pretty card. 
• I might pair a hardback novel with a cute mug and a pair of socks so the reader can curl up and read. 
• It is all about presentation. 

What about you? What thrift store finds would you give as gifts?

Nontoy gift ideas your kids will actually like + A Giveaway

We've all been there. We pick out the perfect gift for our kids. We are giddy with their joy as they anxiously rip off the wrapping paper Christmas morning. We are overjoyed as they play with this prized toy they have asked for... and then two weeks later it's under the bed never to be played with again. 

Don't get me wrong. I actually like toys. I don't have a problem with them. I just pushed a pile of Legos away from my desk to write this post. But, I have also come to see the value in nontoy gifts as well. So today I wanted to share a few of my favorites as well as YOUR ideas from the Facebook page. 

1. Books

My husband and I are both readers and I feel like we're passing that on to our kids. Books make great gifts. 

I recently purchased my kids The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home. Such cute and fun books for preschoolers (and young school aged children). 

For my niece (age 8) I got Ramona Quimby and for my nephew (age 9) I got the Hatchet, a great adventure book. 

2. Experience gifts

We took our kids to the zoo this past spring. It was so much fun. SO. MUCH. Zoo passes or even just a trip to the zoo as a family would make an awesome gift for both small and older children.

TIP: If you can't swing the funds for a pass or family tickets, many library systems offer one-day zoo passes with library card membership. 

3. Classes and sports

We just signed Ryals up for basketball and I am so excited. He will be playing in the spring with practice right after Christmas. 

Classes like art, ballet, karate, tumbling etc. are all great options as gifts. As well as community sports. 

4. Magazines 

Kids LOVE getting mail and magazine subscriptions are fantastic. Some of my favorites are Highlights, Ladybug and Ranger Rick. 

Articles, poems, games, recipes. These educational magazines are packed FULL of great things. 

5. Science kits

My mother-in-law got the coolest science kit for my boys and we have spent so much time playing with it! They were able to make their own snowman, which is such a thrill for Alabama boys who have never seen snow. 

There are so many cute science kits out there like this cool called Magic Science for Wizards. I mean, I want to play with that. 

These make excellent gifts and have a WIDE variety of ages. 

6. Subscription boxes

Again, kids LOVE mail. Why not sign up for a subscription box? There is one for everyone. Art. Science. Music. Cooking. SO many options. 

We personally love the Green Kid Crafts. It comes once a month and has around four crafts each month based on a theme. 

7. Audiobooks and stories

We love audiobooks in this house. They make a rainy day or a long car ride FLY by. We also love stories and serials designed for kids and families. 

My children LOVE Adventures in Odyssey, which is pure nostalgia for me because I listened to them as a kid. They teach Biblically-based concepts as well as social awareness. I love them. 

Another GREAT audio option I just discovered is Around the World Stories. We love this show. It features stories from and about children around the world. It explores different cultures and talks about the day to day life of the children featured in each episode. It's like having 20 different pen pals. 

GIVEAWAY: I am giving away a $15 gift certificate to Around the World Kids. One lucky winner will receive a gift certificate for a weekly story. 

This is open to ALL my readers internationally so I am excited about this. SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO ENTER. 

I got the gift certificate as part of the Very Merry Gift Certificate Bundle. This is an awesome sale; for just $15, you’ll get $180 in store credits from 12 online businesses that align- many mom owned. 

This year’s Very Merry Gift Certificate Bundle comes with $180 worth of gift certificates including:

• Around the World Stories
• Artsy Couture
• Atlas Coffee Club
• Bloom Naturals
• Crunchy Balm
• Ecocentric Mom
• Healthy Moving
• Hope Ink
• Life Without Plastic
• Porteen Gear
• Strawesome
• The Kombucha Shop

You literally get $15 gift certificates to put towards whatever you like from a dozen participating stores. All you’ll pay are standard shipping rates (which varies by store).

With your bundle, you’ll be able to purchase well-made, meaningful and clutter-free gifts like:

• ethically-sourced coffees from around the world
• photo products including wall decor, canvas wraps, prints and albums
• classy custom-made bags, totes and camera straps
• eco-friendly reusable glass drinking straws
• healing tallow skin balms and lip love
• inspirational hand-lettered art prints
• Kombucha bottles, supplies, and brewing kits

As long as you use one gift certificate, you’ll come out even. Use two and you’ve already gotten a great deal, worth twice what you paid!

The more you use, the more you save, all the way up to $165 free shopping dollars, so you can spend less while gifting well this Christmas.

The only catch? It’s available for just 7 short days, so you need to grab yours quick (and then, get shopping)! Last day to get yours is Monday, December 5th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post contains affiliate links. Meaning if you make a purchase I will get a small commission at NO extra charge to you. 

10 Thrift store finds you can give as gifts

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was a fun family time for us... if not completely exhausting. 

Now until Dec. 24 we are really going to focus on gift giving and enjoying the holiday season. And of course, the entire theme of this blog is keeping things affordable for you and your family. 

A few weeks ago I got a question asking what I thought about giving gifts from the thrift store for Christmas. 

If you read this blog on a regular basis then you probably already know what my answer is going to be... go for it sister, friend. 

I personally don't have an issue with it, in fact on of Ryals' gifts this year came from the thrift store. I found a giant tub of legos for just $7. Of course he will be getting some new things from us, but that was too good of a deal to pass up. 

Today I wanted to give you a few ideas of things you can find at your local thrift store that would make excellent gifts. 

Of course, there are a few things to remember when giving someone a gift that's been thrifted. Items should probably be in good condition and without stains. Also, I wouldn't give anything that shows obvious use, is scratched, torn or damaged. 

Here are a few things you could consider giving. 

1. Picture frames and art

Photo frames make excellent gifts for parents and grandparents, especially if you include a cute photo of a grandparent with a grand baby. However, frames can get expensive. I've seen good quality frames at my local thrift store as low as $.50. 

You can easily upcycle these into something special. 

You can also find some interesting artwork pieces at the thrift store, or the items needed to create your own. 

2. Dish sets

I have seen lots of dish sets still in the box at the thrift store. A lot of them are mimosa sets, or glasses with a clear pitcher. 

I have also seen seasonal dish sets. 

3. Coffee mugs

Coffee mugs are a DIYers dream, especially if they are plain white. You can do so much with them. 

A cute mug could be filled with Kcups or cookies and presented very nicely. 

4. Hardback novels

I love giving books. I give a lot of books to my nieces and nephews. But they also make excellent gifts for adults. My local thrift store has no end to good quality hardback novels and cookbooks. 

Just make sure that the pages are not torn or dog eared, the spine doesn't show wear and the pages do not smell like smoke. 

5. Cake stands

I was walking through my local Goodwill the other day when I saw the gorgeous cake stand in that photo. At just $3 I had to fight the urge to snatch it up. 

You could present this to someone with a homemade cake or a special cake recipe. And remember, they're not just for cakes. Cake stands make excellent jewelry holders and an attractive place to keep hand soaps. 

6. Baskets

There is no end to the number of baskets you can find at the thrift store. These are especially great if you're making a gift basket or giving someone homemade baked goods. 

7. New clothing

A lot of thrift stores have a special boutique section where they sell higher end fashions or even clothing with the tags still on it. I found a cute pair of Dressbarn shorts new with tags. If a clothing item still has the tags and is without defects it might make a great gift. 

Just remember, the recipient won't be able to return it if it is the wrong size. 

8. Phone cases

I have seen iPhone and Android cases ranging from $.99 to $2.99. They range from cute and colorful to plain. But you could easily turn them into something cute and original with a littler creativity. 

9. Linens (new of, course)

Did you know that Target stores sell or donate unsold items to Goodwill? I've been able to find great, brand new linens at Goodwill. In total honesty, some of them are still overpriced for a thrift store find, but some of them are a good deal at just a couple bucks. 

10. Large toys- train tables 

Just last week my boys and I spotted a Melissa and Doug train table at Goodwill for just $9.99. Those tables retail for $150. Of course this one needed a little TLC, including a good scrubbing with a magic eraser. But to a person with a little time and creativity you could turn that train table into something pretty special. 

A few tips for giving thrift store finds

I believe it's all about presentation. For example, if you find some great clear glass cookie jars, fill them with new dish towels. 

Earlier this year I found a brand new mixing bowl at the thrift store. I am going to keep it, but if I had decided to give it as a gift, I would just fill it with rubber spatulas and a couple of recipes printed on a pretty card. 

I might pair a hardback novel with a cute mug and a pair of socks so the reader can curl up and read. 

It is all about presentation. 

What about you? What thrift store finds would you give as gifts?

5 things to know before Black Friday shopping

A black Friday ad arrived at my house yesterday. It came complete with a glossy fold out and a coupon. It's not the first ad I have received and I am sure it won't be the last. Each of these ads ends up in the exact same spot. My garbage can. 

I don't shop on Black Friday for a number of reasons, the first being I HATE crowds. The second being, I just don't think it's a good value. 

However, I do know a lot of you love shopping Black Friday. You rave about the great deals you find and I love hearing about them. However, I really would love to see you all go in there as informed consumers. 

1. That TV might be junk

They're actually called Derivative Models. More and more TV manufacturers are creating television sets just for Black Friday. These sets are a lower quality, made with cheaper parts and do not come with good consumer ratings.  (Source)

If you are looking to avoid buying one of these models do a quick Google search of the model number, if all that comes back is information on a Black Friday sale, chances are you are looking at one of these cheaper sets. 

2. The product might be old

Last year the finance website NerdWallet.com looked over 27 Black Friday ads. Do you know what they found? The same sales prices had occurred the prior year. (Source.)

And often those products are leftovers from last year. So the TV, toaster, laptop ect. ect. is a year old. While I personally don't care when a product is made, as long as it works well, some people don't feel the same and it really does translate into the value of the product. 

3. There's a lot of fine print.

Some deals seam great! A lap top for $299 a tablet for $99... but often those deals come in the form of a rebate. Which means you are paying the full price and waiting for that deal. 

So make sure you read ALL the fine print on the sales flyer before you go out and brave the crowds. 

4. The sale isn't really a sale. 

This is something that makes my ears get hot! I mean, it fills me with rage. And that is... when retailers lie. Some retailers will inflate the original price to make the sale seem like a better deal than it is. (Source.)

5. You won't find the best deals of the year

Do you want the best deals on a appliances? TVs? Or other electronics? Chances are you could have bought them in June, or waited until about two weeks before Christmas. It turns out great deals aren't exclusive to Black Friday. (Source) 

But if retailers can get you into the store it creates a since of urgency and greater likelihood you will impulse spend. 

What about you? Do you think Black Friday is a good deal? 

9 Christmas Gifts Ideas that cost $0

We've all had lean years. Years where month after month there is more month left than money. When you're dealing with the stress of a lean year Christmas, and how to pay for it, can weigh heavy on you.

The last thing I want you to do is stress about how you're going to pay for Christmas. The last thing your loved ones want is for you to stress about Christmas and how you're going to pay for it.

If you're worried about how you're going to afford gifts this year, I have come up with a few ideas for you. A lot of these things can be pulled together for free using things you already have at home.

1. Give from your stash.

If you're like me and you have a stash of toiletries or samples, consider making a gift basket.

I get a lot of samples through out the year, everything from coffee to lip gloss. I keep the samples in a basket in my linen closet. It is really easy to compile these samples into a cute gift basket for a friend or family member.

You guys know I am a BIG fan of the free. Meaning, I look for free deals as much as I can. I don't spend hours and hours each week, but I do spend about 15 minutes about once a week on deals. I feel like it's my job to stretch Jason's paycheck as far as it will go and freebies like diapers, cleaning supplies and toiletries, even clothing bridges any gaps.

I get great items like body wash and candles from ePantry. You can get a $10 credit when you sign up. Then you will get a referral link to share with your friends and family. Right now during November ePantry is having a double credits bonus. When a friend signs up through your link you will get a $20 credit. This is a great way to get things for gifts like high end bath products, candles and water bottles.

I do think you will have to make a $20 or $30 purchase to get your credit.

2. Create unique spices and rubs

Bakers and grill enthusiasts alike would love a special blend of spiced or rubs. You likely have everything you need to make and package your own mixes.

I put a few together and it only took a few minutes. You could give taco seasoning, soups mixes, homemade pumpkin spice mix or grilling rub.

Put the spices in small mason jars and paint the lids with chalk paint. Then write on the lid what they are and how to use them. You could include a favorite recipe on a pretty stationary.

3. Wax Melts

Last year I made my mom some homemade wax melts. I knew she had a wax warmer in her home and I had some leftover candles had too little wax to burn. So I upcycled them into wax melts.

For full instructions go here.

4. Coconut and Sugar Scrub

Did you know you can create some great gifts using things you already have? You can whip up a simple face and body scrub using just coconut oil and sugar. If you have a few essential oils you can drop that in too.

5. Upcycled tea cup candle

This concept is the same as the wax melts. If you have a candle lying around that you just don't love you can easily transform it into a tea cup candle. Find an old tea cup in your cabinet and an old candle and get started. You can find the instructions here.

5. Candle lid picture frame

Speaking of old candles. If you have candles with metal lids you are no longer using, it is really easy to turn those into a magnetic photo frame. This is perfect for grand parents!

Find instructions here.

6. DIY Button Hair Pins

Before my grandmother died she gave me all her sewing supplies, including jars and jars and jars of buttons. I swear, she was hording buttons.

All of the sewing supplies were wasted on me, so I gave it all to my mother who loves to sew. But I hung onto the buttons. Some of them I used to jazz up bobby pins.

Find instructions here.

7. Pass something on

I got this great comment from a subscriber:

Lydia, my mother-in-law is the best and most thoughtful "re-gifter" in the world. One year she gave me 2 vintage silver spoons, that had belonged to her mother, tied with a pretty ribbon for Christmas. Another year she gave my daughter a framed doily she had made. She re-gifted some Tonka Trucks her late husband had bought to our son when he was little. She has also found vintage linens at thrift stores, washed/ironed/starched them and given them to me. She knows my colors and style and just always puts actual thought, not money, into her gifts. She is awesome in so many ways, this is just one.

8. Give free printables

Pinterest has NO end to free printables. Many of them are both beautiful and inspirational. Think of someone you love. Is there a quote or scripture verse that always reminds you of him or her? Why not see if there is a free printable on Pinterest of that quote or scripture? Print it out and put it in a frame you already own. Then present it to that person.

9. Remember presentation makes things special

Okay, so this isn't a gift idea but the way you present something can make it extra special. Taking the time to wrap something, even if it's really small, allows the recipient to savor that moment. Put an ornament on the package instead of a bow, or include a handwritten and thoughtful note.

What about you? What would you add to the list?

4 easy ways to earn extra Christmas money

I know it's only October but the holiday season is creeping up fast and before you know it Thanksgiving will be here with Christmas right on its heels. So why not take some time to prep?

Christmas should be a time of peace, hope and worship. Not a time of stress because you fear the credit card bills coming in January. Credit card debt sky rockets in January and February according to this report. 

So instead why not set up a cash budget? Here are some ways to earn a little extra money before the holidays begin. 

1. Sell your old tech and toys on eBay

Do you have an old and broken smart phone or tablet stashed away in a drawer? What about ALL those Legos your kid don'ts play with anymore? Why not sell them on eBay.

I have had great luck selling broken tech, designer hand bags and old toys.

Here are a few of my tips for maximizing your eBay profits. 

2. Put your garage on Craigslist

Do you have an old weed eater? Some old play equipment or baby items cluttering up your garage? Put that stuff on Craigslist. 

In the past three years we have made THOUSANDS of dollars via Craigslist getting rid of stuff we didn't want, need or use. It is the best place to sell things like furniture and large baby items.

Just make sure you ALWAYS meet in a public place to exchange your goods. I recommend a busy shopping area or even the police station parking lot. 

Here are a few tips for making the MOST money on Craigslist. 

3. Earn Amazon credits

If you're anything like me you buy pretty much everything on Amazon. If Amazon sold milk I would never have to leave my house again. 

Why not take some time to round up that dusty collection of DVDs and those books you will never read again and trade them in for Amazon gift cards? 

I wracked up $155.78 in one day just trading in DVDs for gift cards. 

You can read the FULL details here. The process is so simple. 

4. Wrack up free gift cards 

Another great way to pay for holiday expenses is by scoring some free gift cards. 

There are so many options for this, whether it's through taking quick surveys or signing up for an awards program through your health insurance. 

Check out a list of four ways to earn free gift cards. 

3 tips for a cash Christmas

It is the first Friday of October! So today we are going to talk about Budgeting For Christmas. Wait, what?? 

I know. I know. But it will be here before you know it and I got a really interesting question from a reader  and got me thinking about budgeting for Christmas.

How do you guys budget for Christmas for the kids? I have a 5 year old and a 1 year old and I am trying to come up with a budget on how much to spend on them for Christmas. If you have any tips or advice it would be greatly appreciated! 

It really is a great question. 

As I thought about it I realized that I have never really set hard and firm rules for Christmas budgeting. I just have a number in mind and try not to exceed that. 

Last year I think we spent a combined $65 on both of our children, who were really still babies. And to be honest we gave them too many things. 

This is some advice I would give. 

1. What to give? 

This year we have a new policy. 

Four gifts and none of them that big. 

Something you want. 

Something you need. 

Something to wear. 

Something to read. 

I have heard of several people doing this and I LOVED the idea. 

2. Make a line item in your budget.

First of all if you're not making a zero-based budget you should be. Learn more here. 

Add Christmas to your budget just like you would anything else. Make a list of everyone you want to give a gift to and then create a gift list around the budget. NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!

3. Think of giving differently. 

Gifts are great. I love them. But that is not the reason to celebrate Christmas. I am a Christian and I believe that Christmas is a season of worship and celebration. Gifts are a bonus. 

Instead focus on creating lasting memories and traditions. I remember far more the fun things we did as a family than I do what I got under the tree. 

What about you? How do you budget for Christmas? Tell in the comments below!