Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Budget Friendly Last Minute Gift Ideas - KUSI-TV


Only two more days until Christmas and you still have a list a mile long and a budget that it seems will only cover one person on that list...don't fret! Mama visited her friends at KUSI-TV today to share a few budget-friendly last minute gift ideas that will be sure to put a smile on your face and theirs!! Remember, it is much better to give than receive.

Homemade is both personal and appreciated -- more often than not your gift recipient will appreciate the time you took to bake them a special treat or make a one-of-a-kind gift, like bubble bath. Baked goods and homemade ornaments are great last minute gifts that can easily be done with the kid's help. Try this recipe for cookies and pack all the ingredients into a Tupperware container or Mason Jar and attach the recipe. Peppermint Bark is easy to make and makes a yummy gift as well. If you have someone on your list that isn't into sugary treats, try making your own bubble bath and pack it into a Tupperware container with a loofah. Personalize ornaments by popping in a photo of your kids - grandparents love these gifts the most!

Create your own gift basket for less than $20 -- bundle your own baskets with items that represent the recipient(s). For example, buy popcorn bowls (Mama found some in the Target Dollar Section), a DVD and a couple of bags of microwave popcorn and/or candy for a "movie experience" basket. Mama's was made for less than $20. Don't be afraid to browse the Dollar Section at Target and Michael's or the Dollar Store for items that can be turned into fabulous gifts. Another great idea is to make a "Hot Cocoa" gift of a festive mug, hot cocoa packet and a mix of marshmallows and chocolate chips. The mug gift package can be bundled for $5. Be creative and give a one-of-a-kind handmade basket!

Give a gift that can be shared as a family -- family game night is back! Nothing is better than giving a gift that brings the family together for a little fun. Travel size games of Scrabble and Scattergories are less than $10 each and can be used at home or on the road. Other great family ideas include giving a Family Membership to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park or SeaWorld, which is running a 2 for 1 special right now - buy one year get another for free. For more information and prices on membership visit SeaWorld.com and SanDiegoZoo.org.

Last minute shopping means good deals -- if you still feel the urge to go shopping to find last minute gifts, you'll be sure to find good deals as many stores have already started to slash their prices. Christmas items are half-off which includes ornaments, stockings and seasonal clothing like pajamas and bathrobes. Toy prices have been drastically reduced for $5 to $75 off the retail price of the toy. For HOT Toy items like Zhu Zhu Pets, they are still available at Toys 'R' Us for $9.99 each. For pajamas and seasonal clothing items like scarves, Old Navy has stylish items for every person on your list for $5-$20.


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