Best Valentines Day gifts for women: Valentine presents for moms, girlfriends and wives

Did you put off Valentine's Day for your gal? Now at the last minute, Feb. 14, you grab chocolates and flowers. Sorry guys, thanks for the thought, but boring. Here are frugal, thoughtful Valentine gifts for women--wife, mom, girlfriend--that will delight. Use for women's birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day gifts.

First what not to buy: candy (she may be dieting and it's
impersonal), bouquet of flowers (she may have allergies, it's also impersonal, they die quickly), sexy lingerie (unless you know her size FOR SURE, you'll either get it too small or too big. Both cause seven levels of drama), stuffed animals or other stupid tchotchkis (childish, impersonal), sex toys (unless she specifically asked for a vibrator, it's just a bad idea).

Also avoid anything that represents work. Women work all the time. So you get her a waffle iron--oh how nice. She can jump right up and go make everyone waffles. Seriously, guys, would you want a weed whacker for Valentine's Day? On heart day, women need to be pampered.

How about a spa Valentine's Day gift, suggested the Christian Science Monitor Feb. 13. Women love long soaks in a hot tub. If you can't afford to treat your woman to a spa day, no problem. Make a spa kit. Include any or all of the following: plush bathrobe, slippers, spa head wrap, eye patch, loofah sponge, back scrubbing brush, wooden massage beads, body scrubber, natural sponge, spa scrubbing gloves, bath pillow, neck roll, bath oil, bath salts, spa mud face mask and of course, cucumbers for eyes.

Bed. Bath and Beyond carries the above spa supplies and bath tub caddie. This metal or wooden rack attaches to the side of the tub. The bath book holder has an easel to hold her book upright. There's a special holders wine glass, candle, flower vase and a surface for spa treats. Remember to include a wine glass, bottle of wine (or tea mug and favorite tea), fresh rose bud (you may give one), chocolates (just a couple) and a copy of the newest book by her favorite author.

You will win that special woman's heart with this gift from the heart.

Homemade Easter baskets for girls: Budget, candy-free Easter basket fillers

I'm the original minimalist mama, always looking to do natural, sustainable, frugal, recycled. But I also love to party, especially with kids! You don't have to spend a lot to have a fun with children. You can make homemade gifts that are just as nice as store-bought. Here's are candy-free homemade Easter baskets for girls. Give these Easter basket fillers minus Easter candy and delight your daughters! Because holidays don't have to center around candy to be fun!  Homemade Easter baskets for girls: Budget, candy-free Easter basket fillers

Unique Gift Basket Containers--Make Gift Wrap Part of the Present

Why do we we buy gift wrap? We're only going to throw it out. How about wrapping gifts in something reusable? Here are gift basket ideas that make the container or wrapper part of the gift. Below is a list of alternative gift containers. No waste wrapping paper!

Decorative cardboard storage box: Round boxes with a corded lid were originally used as hat boxes. Family Dollar and Dollar General sell sturdy decorative varieties of these hat boxes. Fill boxes with beauty products, cosmetics, bath soaps, lotion. Nestle items in washcloth and towel.

Magazine rack: Fill with personalized gift items for readers and writers: books, a quality pen, journal, paper clips, magazines, puzzle books, coffee mug and specialty coffee or tea.


Cooler or portable lunch sized beverage holder: Fill with items for fishermen, campers, hunters, sports fans, motocross, bikers, golfers, boaters and outdoor activity enthusiasts. Include beverages, snacks, warmers, equipment.

Backpack: Perfect gift container for students, hikers, kayak and canoe enthusiasts, bike riders and climbers.

Craft tote or caddy: Walmart sells several sizes of pocketed craft caddies, from purse size for $6 to large ones for about $20. These are perfect gift containers for craft and sewing supplies, knitting, embroidery, crochet, quilting, painting, pottery, beading, sculpture, drawing and art. Fill small craft totes for children with scissors, glue stick, crayons, construction paper, tape, sequins, colored pencils, stickers.


Briefcase or portfolio: Computer and photography enthusiasts, musicians, collectors and electronics buffs will like locking briefcase with compartments, pockets and drawers. Handy for transporting small delicate parts. Padded pockets are useful for power cords, mp3 player, USB drive, iPod, smartphone, software, small tools, batteries, bulbs, tuning equipment and extra supplies.


Tool box: car, truck, motorcycle and boat enthusiasts will appreciate a tool box filled with emergency supplies.


Large mixing bowl: Great for cooks, bakers, cake decorators. Fill this with oven mitts, bamboo spoons, spatula, apron, cook's knife or other useful cooking supplies.


For more creative gift giving ideas, visit me at

thechristmasseason.blogspot.com
allaboutgiving.blogspot.com
shopchat.blogspot.com
pennypincherpost.blogspot.com .

Affordable Father's Day Gifts at All Price Ranges That Dad Will Love

Shopping for men can be tricky if you don't know what he wants. And holiday and birthday gift-giving can get expensive. So you want the most bang for your shopping buck. Here are top 10 affordable gifts for men for birthday, Christmas, Father's Day. I've listed gifts in different price ranges. My husband enjoys these and your guy will love too. Affordable Father's Day Gifts at All Price Ranges That Dad Will Love

Design a Disney Pixar Cars Bedroom Theme for Your Little Hot Rod Birthday

Disney Pixar's CARS movie came out when our two boys were older. Had it come out 10 years earlier, we would have been up to our ears in Lightning McQueen! Does your little hot rod eat and breathe CARS? Then why not design a CARS bedroom so he can live it too? Here's a guide to turn your child's bedroom into Radiator Springs. Buy the accessories as birthday gifts. Wrap them up with a note saying you'll create Route 66 together! Tips are cheap and homemade using free printable CARS stencils and templates. The entire room shouldn't cost more than $100 if you have the furniture and $350-$400 if you don't. How to Design a Disney Pixar 'Cars' Bedroom Theme for Your Little Hot Rod

Gifts for Dieters, Fat Burner Food Basket

So what presents do you give a person on a diet? Father's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, birthdays--no fun without the candy, booze, salty and sugary snacks, right? Wrong, for people trying to lose, all that junk is sheer torture. So how about stocking her cupboard with healthy, fat burner foods? I've lost 96 pounds by swapping junk food for healthy. Ironically, diet foods, contain fewer calories, but cost more! Go figure. For birthdays, holidays, open houses, fill a basket with diet foods. Help your dieting friends and family stay the course. Here's a grocery list of what should be in your shopping cart if you're trying to lose weight.  Healthy Diet Foods That Should Be in Your Shopping Cart 

Mother's Day Gifts for $5 to $10

Mother's Day, the second Sunday of May, may find you long on love, but short on cash. How can you honor mom when the pennies already being pinched? Here are dozens of gift ideas for mom under $10. I've actually found most of them for $5, shopping around. Moms usually say that it's the thought that counts and you will show mom that you really did choose a thoughtful gift, both by it's quality and frugality. Mothers young and old will enjoy these gifts. Oh, and skip the fancy bag and card--they just add to cost while lending nothing to the gift. Inexpensive Mother's Day Gifts Under $10

Free Printable Easter Egg Patterns, Psanky Stencils for Easter Baskets

Looking for creative Easter egg coloring ideas? One style defines the art: Ukrainian psanky eggs. Many Eastern European countries have egg decorating traditions. These ancient crafts create mosaic patterns in classic designs. If you'd like to try your hand at making psanky eggs for Easter, here are free online patterns, printables and designs. I've included printable traditional easter egg stencils, too. Why not make psanky eggs with kids or senior citizens?Free Printable Easter Egg Patterns, Psanky Stencils

Sexy, Intimate, Romantic Valentine's Day Gifts

Whether you are in a new relationship or you've been married for 30 years, it is important to keep the spark of romance alive. Romantic Valentine's Day and anniversary gifts keep that flame alive and glowing. Romantic gifts don't need to be expensive to be special. Some gifts cost nothing more than a little time and creativity. Valentine's Day and Anniversary gifts must be unique and personal, however. Here is the definitive guide for choosing a romantic gift for that special him or her. Romantic Valentine Gifts for Lovers

Educational Preschool Gifts that Won't Bankrupt the Budget

Every Christmas, I say to myself, "I'm not going overboard shopping for the kids this year." And each year, I do. But at least, I'm a good bargain-hunter. I may overspend a little but I get lots of bang for my holiday buck! As a teacher and mom, I insist on educational toys and gifts. Here are low-cost, high-learning toys and gifts for preschool-age kids.  Read more

Best Kids' Toys and for 2012 Christmas Presents

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is buying gifts for kids. I love choosing toys, but I'm very picky. I demand that toy gifts I buy have some intrinsic educational value. And there are a lot of junk toys on the market. How do you wade through the chaff to find the best gifts for kids? Here's a guide from a 25-year veteran teacher and 24-year mom of four.  read more

Best Holiday Gifts for Kids Missions

Looking for a great Christmas giving opportunity? Operation Christmas Child is a charitable giving outreach ministry of Samaritan's Purse. Each year around Thanksgiving, thousands of boxes are shipped to domestic and foreign missions. Here's a list of items to put in your Operation Christmas Child holiday gift box. If you missed this giving opportunity, don't worry. Many churches and groups fill boxes for needy kids. These tips apply to local or overseas missions. Use this list to purchase gifts for any toy or gift donation. Gift suggestions are standard to most charity protocol. Christian families, consider using toy donations part of your offeratory. Catholics, remember, Advent is a penitential season; we're required to practice prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Childrens' missions make perfect holiday almsgiving opportunities. Many Jewish families participate in Hanukkah giving. Muslim families, if you participate with toy drives, be sure to check if gift donations are zakat-eligible. I can't speak for all Islamic centers but many in Detroit partner with area missions or have their own giving opportunities for Muslim holiday observances. Read more Best Gifts to Fill Your Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Box

Black Friday Sales Alternative--Cyber Monday Online Shopping

Cyber Monday is the biggest online shopping event of the holiday season. It's probably the biggest online shopping event of the entire year. Save time, headaches and gas money. Skip the post-Thanksgiving Black Friday madness. You can enjoy the safer and more peaceful online shopping of Cyber Monday. Check out cellphone deal finder apps and browse in your jammies. Online shopping can be challenging, though. Every store and merchandiser is vying for your shopping dollar. They ply you with coupons, free shipping and "great deals." How do you navigate the ocean of internet commerce? Here's your shopper's guide to Cyber Monday deals.  read more

Cheap, parent-friendly kids' birthday party tips

As a mom to four kids, ages 24 to 14, I've planned a plethora of kids' parties. I'm also a teacher and I've hosted numerous classroom events. There are some misconceptions among parents, about what kids do and don't want for parties (and gifts). Bottom line is, they're not selfish and hard to please, IF, they aren't taught to be. Planning parties, I've had some great successes and colossal fails. From those experiences, I've compiled a list of tips for parents on planning kids' parties. Being a frugalista, these hints focus on cheap, homemade party ideas. My kids' friends still remember my parties as being tons of fun (it's my secret that most only cost me about $10 to put on!) Cheap, parent-friendly kids' birthday party tips

At-home preschool dramatic play learning center

 As a special needs and former Montessori teacher, my classrooms have always been organized on the learning center principle. Learning centers are rotational play areas were children perform tasks related to specific content areas: math, reading, science, art, practical life, dramatic play. When I had children, I imported the learning center philosophy into my home. The play room was set up like a modified preschool classroom. Got toddler or preschool age kids? I highly recommend setting up learning centers. If you're homeschooling, learning centers are a must. Here's how this Montessori mom designed an at-home dramatic play area. Easy at-home ideas, plus shopping tips for your budding thespian's play area. Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center 

Top 10 (plus a Few) Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys

Let me preface this article by saying that I have two sons, one husband and four brothers, so I have Christmas shopped for teen boys for about 25 years or so! The style of gift they ask for has changed over the years, for teen boys, as technology changes, but the content has stayed very much the same! Top presents for teen boys

Best Grandparents Day Gifts

With Grandparents Day approaching, the buzz is on the best gifts. This article was written for Mother's Day and lists outside-the-box (and envelope) gift-giving ideas. The concepts apply to Grandparents Day gifts, too. There's a lot of competition for our gift-giving buck. Stores and vendors are ripe with advice about what mom supposedly wants. That's why families should think heart (as in gifts from the) and smart.

Speaking of smart, for Mother's Day shopping (and Grandparents Day, thinking inductively) the best tips I found come from Denver Post $MART columnist Amber Johnson. Johnson surveyed moms about what they wanted most. Essentially, the consensus was to dial down the spending and pay attention to the individual mom's preferences. I'd add skip the three Cs (cards, candy and cut flowers). If you want to send a card, don't buy one. Use free printable greeting cards from my blog. And for shopping, use this advice for grandparent gifts, too. Mother's Day Gifts

Back to School Eye Exam and Glasses from Walmart, Best Gifts for Kids

There's one aspect of back to school preparation that sometimes gets overlooked--eye exams and glasses. We scrupulously follow school supplies list. We buy pencils, notebooks and backpacks. We shop for school clothes and shoes. We stock the cupboard with healthy school snacks. But we forget the one thing that can make or break a school year for a child--good vision. This year, give the gift of sight with Eye Exam and Glasses from Walmart 

Health Experts Warn Parents to Skip Cellphone Apps, Games for Kids

Popular items for the holiday shopping season are cellphone games and applications for children. Education and health experts say parents should skip all apps. Developmentally, they say, kids need unstructured, creative play, not games like those played on a tiny, digital screen. Here are facts about kids and cellphone apps. read more

Great Books for Homeschooling Families--Cindy Neuschwander "Sir Cumference" Books

Cindy Neuschwander writes math math books for children. With Wayne Geehan illustrating, Neuschwander has given us books about Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter and Radius their son who solve math and geometry puzzles and medieval mysteries. Children learn about geometry, measurement, counting, algebra, formulas and mathematical concepts from the charming tales, told like medieval fairy tales. These books make great gifts for homeschooling families. Read more at read more