In this article, we’ll discuss seven popular holiday activities that are 100 percent free to do. You can do these things alone or with a partner, or they can involve an entire family with young children. Hopefully, one of the activities on this list piques your interest, and you can help keep your family occupied without breaking the bank. So if you need some holiday activity inspiration, keep reading!

Attend a Holiday Fair/Parade

Usually, around major holidays like Christmas or Hanukkah, towns will host large holiday parades and fairs. Sometimes, these parades will be filled with people from different local organizations, clubs, or governing bodies. Usually, parades will be during the late morning/early afternoon and last for a couple of hours, so it’s a great way to get your family out of the house during the day. 

Additionally, Christmas or holiday fairs are prevalent during the later months of the year, as they often feature DIY crafts or handmade gifts from local businesses or artisans that you can purchase. If you are looking for gifts, holiday fairs are a great way to find unique items to give to friends and family. However, there’s no need to buy gifts here if you want to keep your excursion genuinely free. Instead, have a look around and get some ideas for making your own holiday gifts. 

See the Christmas Light Displays

In nearly every town, there will be people who go “all out” for Christmas in terms of their outdoor displays. Now that Christmas light technology has advanced in recent years, many festive families feature massive light displays, blow-up creatures/figures, or ice and snow sculptures. Additionally, many families choose to link their Christmas light displays with radio stations so their lights will chime and light up alongside the music. If you have botanical gardens or parks near you, they may also have massive Christmas light displays. So pack up some snacks and make a night of visiting these enchanting displays!

Go Christmas Caroling 

Christmas caroling is one of the oldest Christmas traditions, and it’s one that’s completely free and very enriching! Teaching kids how to go house to house and sing Christmas carols is a way to spend quality time with them and enrich their musical talents. 

For many people, caroling is also a great way to socialize without needing to go anywhere. Some people also can’t leave their homes due to illness, old age, or even the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic if they have a weakened immune system. By showing your family how you can help others and cheer them up during the holidays via the gift of song, they will likely feel more thankful for the lives and connections they already have. And, even better, caroling is entirely free to do!

Visit Santa Himself

Most malls and shopping centers will have special “visits from Santa” during store operating hours. Usually, an actor will come and play Santa, surrounded by a small set of gifts, a large throne, and a fireplace. The set is generally created for memorable photo ops, which can be pricey depending on the cost that the professional photographer sets. However, you can usually go during the hours Santa is present and ask for no pictures to be taken. 

That way, your child can still have the happy experience of sitting on Santa’s lap and telling him what they want for Christmas, but you won’t have to break the bank for this memory. Of course, if you do want to have those photos, they are always an option for an additional cost. Some towns even host free photo sessions with Santa!

Have a Family Photoshoot

As we just discussed, professional photos from photographers can sometimes be quite pricey. However, having an intimate family photoshoot around the holidays doesn’t need to cost anything. If you own a camera or even just a smartphone with a camera, technology has advanced so much that you don’t need any expensive equipment. You can set your phone up on a smartphone tripod or even up against a stack of books if you don’t have one. If you have a camera, you can set it up on any flat surface or tripod and enable the timer function. From there, get your family dressed up, sit against a lovely backdrop, and smile away!

DIY Some Gifts 

If you want to keep your family occupied while knocking some things off your to-do list, you can enlist your kids to help you with some DIY Christmas gifts. Especially if you have young kids, some extended family members would probably love the things they make or the DIY crafts embellished with their handprints and writing. 

While your kids work on their own projects (which could include making some DIY wrapping paper or drawing Christmas cards), you can work on crafting or wrapping some gifts of your own. Depending on the craft supplies you already have at home (or your online design skills), DIY gifts could be completely free!

Bake Some Christmas Cookies 

Many people already have the ingredients in their pantries to make some Christmas cookies, whether they’re three-ingredient peanut butter cookies or highly complex holiday cutout cookies. It doesn’t really matter what kind of cookies they are, as long as you and your family can spend time together and learn about the process of baking them. Baking with children can help teach them about measurements, math, patience, and cooking in general! Baking can even help to ignite a lifelong love of cooking in them. Even if you have to buy a couple of ingredients, baking a batch of cookies is incredibly cheap, if not free. 

Enjoy the Cold Weather

If you live someplace in the frozen North, you’ve got built-in 100 percent free activities that never get old. And as anyone who grew up in a snowy place will tell you, there are plenty of cold-weather things to do that won’t break the bank:

• Have snowball fights
• Go sledding or tobogganing
• Build a snowman 
• Make snow sculptures
• Go ice fishing
• Build snow forts and igloos
• Go ice skating
• Go ice fishing
• Do frozen balloon experiments
• Shovel snow (This is a great first job for kids)
• Make snow angels
• Make a bonfire and roast marshmallows
• Gather evergreens to make wreaths
• Play with bubbles 
• Make a bird feeder and feed the winter birds
• Play at a local park
• Go for a nature walk
• Gather pinecones to make ornaments

Keeping Kids Entertained During The Holidays 

It’s no secret that keeping kids entertained during their holiday breaks from school can be difficult. You have your own to-do list to handle, Christmas rapidly approaches, and you may still be working during the day. The key to keeping your kids occupied during their breaks is to find fun, festive activities that you can plan ahead of time. If you already have craft supplies in your house, set up some craft bins or sensory activities that you can whip out if your kids are getting restless. Additionally, have a list of cheap activities to do with your kids when you have some free time to get out for a while during the day. 

The post Seven Holiday Activities That Are 100% Free appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

Ornaments 

Ornaments for Christmas trees are a perfect gift to make yourself because the recipient can use them for years—sometimes even generations—to come. When you gift a Christmas ornament, someone can hang it on next year’s tree and remember you fondly. And they may even pass your gift down to their children later on. 

Christmas ornaments can become family heirlooms, and you can make many different types. For example, you could make simple salt dough ornaments and let your kids decorate them, or you can go all-out and print old family photos onto fabric and sew them into unique decorations. The choice is up to you; there are truly limitless possibilities!

Candy/Cookie Containers

Everyone goes crazy for baked goods around the holidays, and with good reason. Holiday desserts are characterized by their festive nature and addictiveness. Whether you make some candy, bake some signature cookies, or assemble special treats you buy at the store, containers of goodies are a surefire way of showing someone you care. 

You could also make breads, chocolate-covered pretzels, or cupcakes as gifts. You can customize food-related gifts however you want, so find your favorite recipe and get cooking! 

Wreaths 

Wreaths make excellent gifts, and there are so many themes to use. For example, you could choose to make a holiday wreath or one that your recipient can hang on their door or wall door year-round! Some ideas include:

• Arrange ornaments in a vintage bundt pan and tie them all up with ribbon and wooden spoons for a baking lover’s dream. 
• Fasten a bunch of cookie cutters together, secure it with garland, and have an adorable gingerbread man-style wreath that will never get dull. 
• Buy a plain evergreen wreath and attach your own homemade ornaments and decorations to it. This is a variation of the first idea on our list.
• Craft a more temporary wreath using local flowers and foliage. Temporary wreaths are an excellent gift for those around you who don’t want any more “things” cluttering their home since they can throw them out later without guilt.

In addition to wreaths, there are many other Cheap and Creative Christmas Decorations you can give as gifts. 

Candles

Making candles is a great way to go if you’re the crafty type. Whether you make them scented or purely decorative is up to you! Scented essential oils are easy enough to find in craft stores, especially if you want to make a scented candle. Pour candles using an old container, glass, or vase for a unique look. Additionally, if you have a Cricut machine or something similar, you can make a festive cutout and line the glass before pouring in your wax.

Hot Chocolate Bombs/Stirrers

Similar to the baked goods DIY idea, making hot chocolate bombs or hot chocolate stirrers is a great surprise gift. These are unique because most people don’t even realize what they are at first!

Hot chocolate bombs are chocolate orbs or shapes filled with hot chocolate powder, marshmallows, peppermint chips, and other fun ingredients. Drop them into hot milk or water and stir to create a nice cup of gourmet cocoa. 

Hot chocolate stirrers are plastic spoons or sticks covered in marshmallows, chocolate, or peppermint that are used to stir hot chocolate and add extra flavor. 

Gift Wrap

DIY gift wrap is a great way to celebrate the holiday season, and giving it to someone earlier in the year helps them reduce the stress of gift wrapping. Handmade gift wrap can be deeply sentimental, beautifully crafted, or even humorous. 

One way to do this is to bring ordinary wrapping paper to life by sprucing it up with paint, stencils, markers, or stamps to give it your own personal flair. Another way is by making a stamp roller, painting dots, or writing out some typographic gift wrap. Whatever you decide, it makes gifts all that much more fun to open!

Snow Globe

Snow globes are a holiday staple in so many families, but buying pristine, hand-crafted snow globes can be a massive financial undertaking. Instead, consider making your own snow globes for the adventurous and curious kids in your life. 

For the most simple DIY snow globe, you’ll need a mason jar, glitter glue, water, and some form of holiday figurine (like a little Christmas tree or gingerbread man). Then, secure the figurine inside the jar lid, mix glitter glue and water, secure everything inside the jar, and shake it up to watch the magic happen!

Knitted Goods 

If you have knitting or crocheting skills, put them to work this holiday season! While the materials to craft something by crochet or knitting can be expensive, some sweet mittens, a hat, or a scarf handmade by you can be the perfect gift for a friend or family member. 

Gifts like these are especially great if you already know the recipient’s favorite color, design, or flower, allowing you to customize the gift based on what they already like. Additionally, a gift like this will keep the recipient warm through the winter, and they will think about you every time they use it.

Coasters

Every household needs a good set of coasters. Luckily, there are a few different ways you can make them if you want to give a set away as gifts:

One option is buying a simple set of coasters and then using things like acrylic paint, gold leaf, or other materials to spruce them up and make them more attractive. The second way is to purchase some air-dry clay and shape the coasters yourself. Then, personalize them with paint and varnish for a beautiful and practical gift. 

Spa Gift Box 

This gift is especially great for the women in your life. Pretty much every woman wants a break or some peace and quiet for Christmas, and gifting her a spa gift box so she can treat herself is the next best thing. 

In the spa box, you can include things like:

• Sheet Masks
• Body Scrubs
• Eye Masks
• Smoothing Moisturizers
• A Jade Roller or Ice Roller
• Bath Sponges
• Bubble Bath
• Bath Salts
• Manicure or Pedicure Supplies
• Shower Gel
• Microfiber Towel
• Scented Soaps
• Lip Balm
• A Luxurious Towel

You can make this gift as affordable or as expensive as you want, so this idea fits any budget. 

Should I Make My Own Christmas Gifts?

Working some DIY magic for your holiday gifts is an excellent idea for anyone, whether you’re on a tight budget or not. Handmade gifts are sentimental, and the recipient will know that you have put time and thought into creating a gift just for them. Additionally, making your own gifts can be a fun and relaxing way to express your creativity and offload the stress of our busy world. Hopefully, this list of the best DIY holiday gifts has given you some great ideas!

The post 10 Best Homemade Holiday Gifts appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

This article will discuss several tips to help make your Thanksgiving dinner less expensive, especially when you are providing for a crowd outside of your immediate family. Whether you’re hosting a regular Thanksgiving dinner or a “Friendsgiving,” there will surely be tips on this list that will help you prepare without breaking the bank. 

Tips to Save on Thanksgiving Food

Below, we will discuss some of the best tips to help you save on Thanksgiving food. These tips encompass both things you can do on your own and with a bit of help from your guests as well. These tips are designed to save money on the dinner as a whole. 

Set A Budget Ahead of Time

One of the most important things you can do before your Thanksgiving dinner is to set a strict budget ahead of time. Before you even go to the store, have a fixed dollar amount that you will spend to make your entire Thanksgiving dinner happen, and don’t go over it! 

If you have a strict budget rather than just aimlessly trying to “save money” where you can, you will likely be more careful with your purchases. 

Have A Budget Friendly Grocery List

Keeping a tight grocery list is one of the ways to abide by a strict budget. If you’ve ever gone to the grocery store toward Thanksgiving without a list, you know the drill. Often, you get sucked into buying seasonal items that are either highly overpriced or will end up being wasted when you don’t eat them. 

So this year, enter the grocery store knowing exactly what items you need, and don’t buy anything else. This will help you save money and not end up with ridiculous amounts of food that you will end up wasting. 

Larger Turkeys Are Less Expensive

This might seem counterintuitive to our last couple of points, but the reality is that larger turkeys are often less expensive by the pound than smaller turkeys. While you may not think you’ll be able to eat a 22-pound turkey as opposed to a 7-pound turkey, you actually might be quite surprised at what you can do with it. 

For example, that turkey can serve you for more than just Thanksgiving dinner. You send all of your guests home with a to-go plate, but you can also use the leftover turkey to make soup, sandwiches, casseroles, and pot pies in the days following. Once you discover all the clever ways to reuse leftover turkey, you’ll never think twice about buying a large bird again. 

Cook an Alternative Protein 

Another option when considering the turkey is to choose an alternative protein. There is no rule that states you must eat turkey on Thanksgiving! Instead, many people opt for a ham, which can also be popular to freeze half of to use later at Christmas. Additionally, some people with vegetarian or vegan family members opt for a tofu turkey instead of an actual bird. 

Remember that turkeys are often inflated in price during Thanksgiving, so choosing a different protein can often be less expensive. Consider cooking a large chicken instead. If your family isn’t crazy about meat, you can also just make a variety of side dishes instead of a protein. 

Host a Potluck With Friends or Family 

One major money-saving tip is hosting a potluck rather than just making all the food yourself. First, decide what dishes you want to have at your Thanksgiving dinner, and then delegate those dishes to each of your family members, friends, or groups coming to the feast. That way, everyone’s favorite dish will be present at your Thanksgiving dinner, but you’ll only need to cook the main dish, desserts, or whatever else you decide upon. 

Usually, hosting a potluck also means that there won’t be too many leftovers that get wasted. 

Make Instead of Buy

It might seem easy just to buy a premade turkey, salads, side dishes, or pies. It certainly is more convenient. However, it is much more in your favor if you are on a budget to actually make these items. This may seem obvious to some, but even though dinner is labor-intensive, it’s usually much less expensive. 

You might even have many of the ingredients already at home to make recipes like mac and cheese, stuffing, cranberry sauce, or other side dishes. Pumpkin pies from Costco might seem tempting if they are already made, but there’s truly nothing like a dish made with love. 

Don’t Make So Many Side Dishes

Many people overestimate the number of side dishes they actually need to complete their Thanksgiving dinner. While you might want mac and cheese, cranberry sauce, stuffing, collard greens, sweet potato casserole, and even more, you need to consider what you and your guests will actually eat. 

You won’t want to make so many dishes that you have too much food left over because it will probably end up being wasted or going bad before you can eat it. Therefore, you should poll your family or friends to see what the most popular or requested side dishes are and then make those instead of making every possible option. 

BYOB

For Thanksgiving parties that are primarily adult, there might be a lot of alcohol present. People are having a good time, partying, and enjoying each other’s company, so a few drinks are probably in order. However, the alcohol bill can stack up quickly if you are purchasing all of it yourself as the host. 

Instead, you should let your guests know the event will be BYOB (bring your own beers/booze). That way, you’ll only need to get as much alcohol as you and your family in your immediate household will drink. 

Decorations Aren’t Really Needed

Unlike Halloween or Christmas, Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where decorations aren’t really the event’s focal point. Instead, the centerpiece is really focused around the food, drinks, desserts, and family present. 

Therefore, to cut your bill down, avoid buying expensive decorations and focus on the more essential parts of the holiday. Thanksgiving comes and goes so quickly that, for the most part, decorations aren’t even relevant anyway. 

Remember the True Spirit of Thanksgiving 

In the midst of all of this holiday planning, it’s important to remember what’s at the heart of the Thanksgiving holiday. At the end of the day, you should focus on giving thanks, being grateful, sharing a good meal, and showing love to those around you who care for you. If you have all of those things, you have created a successful holiday. Even if you can’t afford to host some fancy dinner at all, just having the people you love around you and being grateful can be more than enough to make Thanksgiving great. 

The post Cheap Thanksgiving Dinner for a Crowd  appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

You can find Easter decorations in every shop you visit, but many of them are ridiculously overpriced. If you want to bring some joy and brightness into your home, there are plenty of ways to do it that are easier on your wallet. From Easter egg wreaths to springtime centerpieces, we’ve got you covered. 

Most of the ideas on our list are kid-friendly too! So whether you’re a crafting pro or a complete beginner, these four simple projects can be completed in an afternoon and will help get you into the Easter Spirit. Read on for instructions if you want to get started on these cheap and fun decoration ideas for Easter.

Looking for more family-friendly ideas that won’t break the bank? Check out our fun and cheap family activities to do on a budget!

Getting Started

Don’t you hate articles that promise to give you cheap DIY ideas that actually aren’t cheap at all? We do too! After all, most of us are looking for DIY ideas that help save money, not spend it!

You’ll be happy to know that all the supplies you’ll need for the crafts on this list really are as cheap as it gets. You can find many of the things you need right at home. If you do need to buy anything, you should be able to find it at your local dollar store. 

If times are tight, a side gig like paid online surveys can help fund a crafting weekend. You can get paid to take surveys about the products and services you use every day. It’s a fast, free, and easy way to make a little extra cash on the side. And the best part? You can get paid right away for that supply run to dollar tree. 

Easter Egg Wreath

Create a classic plastic egg wreath you can use year after year.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Large round platter
• Desert plate
• A big piece of cardboard (you can use the side of an unwanted box.)
• Faux plastic easter grass
• Plastic easter eggs
• Ribbon
• Wire for hanging
• Hot Glue Gun
• Scissors or box cutter
• Pencil

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. The first thing you need to do is gather your scissors and the cardboard to make the base of the wreath. You can make the wreath any size, but a large round platter makes a terrific pattern. 
2. Turn your platter over and trace it onto the cardboard with a pencil.

Place your dessert plate in the middle and draw another circle. Now you should have what looks like a large donut on your cardboard. Cut this out. This will form the base of your wreath.

3. Next, using your glue gun, start gluing your plastic eggs horizontally on the cardboard donut. Glue as many eggs as you can possibly fit without overlapping. Don’t worry about spaces between them. This is where your easter grass will come in.
4. Once the first layer of eggs is dry, you can add another layer on top of the eggs you’ve already placed. Let dry.
5. Using your glue gun again, put a dollop of glue wherever you see bare spots of cardboard showing through. Immediately press some Easter grass into the space. Not all of it will stick, but you should use enough glue to get a decent bunch of grass between the eggs. Do this all over the wreath until there are no bare spots and the grass is evenly distributed. 
6. After it dries, create a bow with your ribbon and attach it to the top of the wreath, letting the ends hang over the eggs. 
7. Make a wire hanger, turn the wreath over, and attach it to the back with more glue. Let dry. Then, hang it over the mantle, front door, or anywhere else you need some Easter cheer!

Cupcake Liner Flower wreath

Make a simple, pretty flower wreath using just six items you probably already have.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• White cupcake liners (you can use other liners in pastel colors if you can’t find white.)
• White foam wreath form from the dollar store
• Acrylic or watercolor paint
• Paintbrushes
• Old newspaper or tablecloth
• Sewing pins (preferably with a white top.)

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Spread your work areas with the newspaper or old tablecloth to protect the surface. 
2. Paint the sides of each cupcake liner with your choice of bright spring colors. 
3. Paint the bottom center of the liner with yellow or leave it blank. This will be the center of your flower. 
4. Keep painting until you have enough painted liners to cover the form completely, plus a few extra just in case.
5. Let the liners dry completely.
6. Once the liners are dry, form each liner into a flower shape and attach them to the form with your sewing pins. Now, you have a pretty wreath to welcome spring. Hang it up and enjoy!

Paint Chip Egg Garland

This paint chip Easter egg garland from The Sweetest Digs is easily the most ingenious Easter idea on our list.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Pastel-colored paint chips
• String
• Tape
• Scissors

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Go to your local home improvement store and navigate to the paint section. You should find several racks of paint chips for free. Customers take these chips to choose the perfect paint for their next painting project. But you’re going to use them to make a garland. So pick Easter/Spring colors and choose chips with lines between the various shades. 
2. When you get home, use one of the chips to make an easter egg template. You can either do this freehand or look for free clip-art to get the shape just right.
3. Trace the egg template onto each paint chip and cut.
4. Turn the eggs over, so the colors face the table. Cut a piece of string the length of where you plan to use the garland. Place the string evenly over the eggs. Tape each egg into place
5. Hang it up! This project is adorable and takes just minutes to finish!

Jellybean and Fake Flower Centerpiece

This is the simplest idea on our list, with no gluing, cutting, or hanging involved. It also serves two purposes—one as an Easter centerpiece and another as a sweet snack.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

A wide-mouthed vase

Enough jelly beans to fill the vase

Fake flowers

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. Open your jelly beans and pour them into the vase. You can also just use a large drinking glass or even a mason jar if you don’t have any vases.
2. Arrange your flowers in the vase
3. Place wherever you want to spread springtime joy!

Variation: We’ve seen many cute variations on this idea. Some folks even arrange Easter Peeps in with their jellybeans for these centerpieces. Check it out!

You may also like:

• 10 Cheap and Creative Christmas Decoration Ideas

• Cheap Halloween Party Ideas

• How To Save Money on Valentines Day

The post Cheap and Fun Decoration Ideas for Easter appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

Be sure to check out our post on Cheap Gift Ideas For Christmas for more ideas.

1. The Tree

Between drought conditions in the Pacific Northwest and supply chain issues for artificial trees, you might find it harder to get a tree than ever. If you can cut a tree from your own land (or that of a generous neighbor), consider yourself lucky indeed. 

If you planned to buy a real tree and got sticker shock, you’re not imagining things. Prices escalated fast. Desperate times call for desperate measures, as they say. So if you find yourself treeless, you’re still got a few options:

• Head to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, or thrift store. Second-hand stores are often inundated with artificial trees this time of year, and will be glad to see them go out the door. 
• Ask around on social media. Many areas have Buy Nothing and Freecycle groups with members who just might have what you need. You can use the same method to acquire lights, tinsel, or decorations for the tree too. 
• Get super creative and make a tree. We’ve heard of at least one person who got super creative one cash-strapped year. All the family members traced hands out of construction paper, cut them out, and taped them to the wall in the shape of a tree. They remarked it was one of the most memorable Christmases they could remember. 

2. Glean From Nature

In addition to the tree, one of the best ways to decorate for Christmas on a budget is with things you can find outside in your own backyard. You can turn pinecones, berries, acorns, downed branches, and more into garlands with wire, a hot glue gun, and any other supplies you might have on hand. 

You can be as creative as you want with this! Once your garlands are all decorated, tie a ribbon or twine around the top and hang them in whatever spot you want in your house. If you’re short on space, you could even hang them from the ceiling.

3. Candles

Another easy and festive decoration is candles. You can go out and buy some inexpensive dollar-store candles, or you can make your own very easily. All you need are some old jars (or any other container), wax, wicks, and some essential oils (optional). This is also a great way to recycle old candles that have lost their luster.

Melt the wax in a pot on the stove (use a pot you don’t mind getting dirty). Add in your essential oils, make sure your wick is centered, and carefully pour the wax into your glass jars. Let the wax harden (this takes a while). Once your candle has cooled, you can tie a ribbon around it and place it anywhere you like.

 4. Scented Oil Diffusers

Scented oil reed diffusers are a great DIY project if you’re crafty. They can bring the scents of the holiday to every room in the house and can even be given away as gifts. It’s straightforward too. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Essential oils.
• Water.
• Rubbing alcohol/vodka (enough to fill the bottle 1/4 of the way full).
• Glass bottles or jars.

Fill up your jar or bottle with water, add about 20-30 drops of your essential oil(s), and then add in enough alcohol to fill up 1/4 of the space. Put the lid on tightly and give it a good shake before each use. 

For the actual stick part of the project, bamboo reeds are super cheap and usually available at the dollar store or Amazon. But if you can’t find any bamboo reeds, you can cut the pointed end off wooden barbecue skewers. 

5. Snow Globes

For a fun and fanciful project that the kids will love, try making snow globes. Get some small glass jars with lids and fill them up with water, glitter, sparkles, etc., until they’re about 3/4 full. Add a bit of glycerin for some extra oomph if you want. The glycerin helps make the little things suspended longer while giving them an extra shine.

Branded Daily Digest Tip:

Some of the projects on our list require supplies. And while we’ve listed items that you can easily find at craft stores, dollar stores, and other discount shops, you may still feel too broke to make even a small purchase. That’s where paid online surveys can help. With Branded Surveys, you can give your opinion by filling out short questionnaires and get paid for it! It’s a great way to afford the little extras. You can get paid via Paypal, directly to your bank account, or even take surveys for free Amazon gift cards!

6. Cranberry Centerpieces

Cranberries can make the ideal centerpiece, and this project is probably the easiest one on our list. Find any glass bowl in your house. You can use two and put them side by side, or one large one. Fill the bowl or bowls with a bag of fresh cranberries. Pop any white candle in the middle, and you have a simple yet elegant centerpiece that’s perfect for Christmas dinner. 

7. Salt Dough Ornaments

Making salt dough ornaments has been a popular Christmas activity for years. You might even remember creating them yourself as a child. This is a project for all ages and a fun & cheap family activity to do on a budget. Plus, salt dough is cheap and easy to make. All you need is:

• 4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Cup Salt
• 1 ½ Cups Warm Water

Mix all ingredients until you have a stiff dough you can work with. You may need to add more water or flour to get just the right consistency. Once you are ready, use a rolling pin and roll out your dough. The easiest thing to do is use cookie cutters to make the ornaments, but you can free-style them too. Use a drinking straw to poke a hole in each ornament for hanging. 

Place the ornaments on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake in a 300°F oven for around an hour. Once they are cooled, you can paint and let them dry. Then, hang them with a ribbon and put them on the tree!

8. Snowman Door

This idea is a new take on wrapping your door to look like a present. All you need is some black and orange construction paper and a long sheet of red-patterned wrapping paper. First, cut out two large circles about the size of a dessert plate. These will be the eyes. Next, use a styrofoam or plastic cut to trace 10 to 12 smaller circles on black paper. Half of those will be the smiling  mouth, and the other half will be the buttons.

Now, cut a carrot nose from the orange paper, and make a long rectangular strip for a scarf. Finally, construct your snowman on the door with tape or glue dots.

9. Paper Snowflakes

You remember paper snowflakes, don’t you? This may have been the first Christmas decoration you ever made, but they are still magical. All you need for this project is some white paper, scissors, and thread for hanging. You can make them as simple or elaborate as you want to, hang them from the ceiling, in the windows, or on your tree. We found some fabulous step-by-step instructions on Instructables.com that anyone can follow.

10. Christmas Wreaths

Finally, try making your own Christmas wreaths if you want to get really creative. This is a bit more time-consuming, but it’s so worth it in the end! All you need are:

• Some wire hangers.
• Green floral wire.
• Hot glue gun.
• Scissors.
• Any decorations you want to use.

Take your hanger and form it into a circle (you could also use a metal ring from the craft store). Cut about 8-10 feet of green floral wire and wrap it around the hanger. Keep going until the whole thing is covered. Once it’s all wrapped, start hot gluing things on. You can use berries, leaves, flowers, bells – anything that goes with your theme! Hang it up on your door or in a window and enjoy the festive look.

The great thing about most of these decorations is that you can use them year after year! So if you’re on a budget this Christmas, don’t worry – you can still have a beautiful and festive home without spending a lot of money. These are all easy, DIY projects that will add some extra holiday cheer to your house. Happy decorating!

The post 10 Cheap and Creative Christmas Decoration Ideas appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

However, while preparing a meal is usually not a big deal, Thanksgiving dinner just seems a lot more challenging. If you’re worried about pulling it off, don’t be. In this post, we’ve got you covered through the whole event. You don’t need to follow all the tips in this article to have a great Turkey day, but if you implement just a few of them, we guarantee it will be that much better. 

For Thanksgiving, You’re Going To Need a Plan

This is probably the most important tip on our list and the one you won’t want to skip. When you’re getting ready to host any event (whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast, birthday bash, baby shower, etc.), you’ll want to arm yourself with a plan. Planning is crucial for staying organized, and it will make everything run smoother, ensuring that you’ll get to enjoy everything as much as your guests when the big day comes. 

We recommend you grab a notebook and a pen before you move to the rest of the tips. That way, you can plan as you go along.

Figure Out How Many People Are Coming

It’s hard to budget for food if you don’t know who’s coming to dinner. So your first step should be determining how many guests you will be cooking for. In some cases, this will be pretty clear cut, but for larger gatherings, you may not know yet. 

One solution is to send out invitations and ask people to RSVP. This tip is especially great for larger gatherings, but you also need to plan it weeks ahead. If you’re running short on time, send out email invitations—they are faster and cheaper.

Determine Your Budget

While most everyone would love to plan a Martha Stewart-style Thanksgiving, it’s usually not in the budget for most families. The extra expense of the meal and decorations is typically not planned for, especially when Christmas is so close at hand.

If you’re looking for a way to squeeze a little extra cash out for the celebrations, consider a side gig like taking online paid surveys, or selling some unwanted items on eBay. 

It’s much easier to have a relaxing and enjoyable hallway when you can purchase the things you need without stress.  

Plan Your Menu

The Bird

Once you know how many guests you will be hosting, you can start planning the menu. Of course, the first item on your shopping list will probably be a turkey, but how big of a bird do you need? Most experts recommend 1.25 pounds per person, which equates to the following:

4 Guests: 5 pounds

6 Guests: 8 pounds

8 Guests: 10 pounds

10 Guests: 13 pounds

12 Guests: 15 pounds

15 Guests: 20 pounds

20 Guests: 25 pounds

25 Guests: 32 pounds

Note: If you purchase a frozen turkey, you’ll want to thaw it safely in your refrigerator, so it’s ready to cook on Thanksgiving day. The rule of thumb is that you will need to put your turkey in the fridge for approximately 24 hours for every four pounds. This means that a 20-pound bird will take five days, so be sure you give yourself plenty of time.

The Fixings

Next, you need to figure out what sides you want to make. This is going to depend on your family traditions, food budget, and cooking abilities. You might already have an idea of what you want to serve, but here are a few of the more traditional sides. Keep in mind—you do not need to make every single item on this list. Simply choose a few that are easy for you:

Mashed Potato

Stuffing

Gravy

Squash, Turnip, or Other Root Vegetables

Sweet Potato

Jello Salad

Green Bean Casserole

Tossed Salad

Cranberry Sauce

Dinner Rolls

You Might Also Like: 11 Ways To Save Money on Thanksgiving Dinner

The Dessert

Most people would agree that Thanksgiving is not complete without dessert. For many, it’s the highlight of the meal. The most popular Thanksgiving dessert is pie—apple, pumpkin, blueberry, custard, pecan—whatever suits you.

If you are not confident in your baking abilities, your local supermarkets and bakeries will typically have pies to go, or you can order them ahead of time and pick them up the day before Thanksgiving. And don’t forget the whipped cream!

Of course, pie is not the only dessert you can serve at Thanksgiving. Cookies, cakes, cobblers, and other desserts are great too. 

Potluck or Not?

Thanksgiving can be a real challenge to prepare alone. Some people love to prepare the food and are most happy when they are in the kitchen alone, creating delicious meals to serve to their loved ones. If this is you, skip right over this section.

For others, cooking is a dreaded chore, and the kitchen is a place to get out of as soon as possible.

Depending on your preferences and the number of guests who are coming, a potluck might be just the solution to your woes. Of course, everyone should be on board, but if you do a potluck, it will save you money and time. 

For many families (especially large ones), a potluck is standard at Thanksgiving. If you choose to go this route, you could plan on doing the turkey, gravy, and beverages and assign side dishes and desserts to your guests. Or you might do everything except for drinks and desserts, asking guests to BYOB and bring a dessert to share. 

There is no right or wrong way to do a potluck, so you can choose to do it any way you would like. However, be sure that everyone who is bringing something is going to be reliable. 

It would be a bummer if the person assigned to stuffing forgot all about it, or nobody brought desert because they assumed others would. So be sure to get a firm commitment from your guests or have a backup plan.

A Few Days Before Thanksgiving

The big day is right around the corner, and you don’t want to be stressed. Now is the time to start getting things in order. The more you can do ahead of time, the more you will enjoy the holiday. Here are a few things you can get out of the way now:

Assemble Plates, Cups, and Utensils

Something that is often overlooked is the dinnerware. If you only have four plates and you’ve got 15 guests showing up, you’ll need more than that. You can find paper plates, plastic silverware, and more at rock-bottom prices at this time of the year. Some even have cute holiday designs. 

Of course, you can always break out the fine china, too. Make sure it’s washed and ready to use. You can even lay the table ahead of time. If you’re worried about things getting messed up, lay a clean sheet over everything and uncover it on Thanksgiving morning.

Peel and Chop the Vegetables

You can peel, chop, and wash squash, potato, turnip, sweet potato, and other root vegetables, so they are all ready when it’s time to turn on the stove. The same goes for salad ingredients or any other fresh veggie you will be using, such as onion or celery in your stuffing. 

Store everything in resealable plastic bags in the fridge to save on space. You can even write the directions on the outside of the bag. That way, you won’t be scrambling for the info on your phone or in a cookbook when it’s time to start cooking. 

Make Deserts

If you plan on making desserts, you can (and should) get this out of the way at least a day before Thanksgiving. For example, while pies are not difficult to make, they do take quite a while to cook, and you’re probably going to need your oven for other things on the day of the feast.

Breath, Relax, and Enjoy

Yes, the chaos of getting ready for the first Thanksgiving at your place can be pretty overwhelming. But the real point is gratitude and celebration. Mistakes will happen, and perfection is an illusion. So what if everything isn’t “just so”? This is real life.

As you are going about your preparations, don’t forget to take deep breaths and focus on each task you are doing. Consider the love and good vibes you are putting into creating this meal for the people you care about, and savor the smells, sounds, and sights around you. 

Implementing some of the above tips while being mindful of why you’re doing them will ensure you are more than ready to host your first Thanksgiving celebration. 

The post Tips for Hosting Your First Thanksgiving Dinner appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

In addition to trick-or-treating, lots of people enjoy preparing and pulling off a smashing Halloween party. It’s a great way to bring family and friends together in the fall, and after a long time of social distancing, folks are ready for some fun and games.

However, planning a holiday party can get really scary when you start to add up the costs. After all, you don’t want to drain your bank account, especially for only one night of fun. So, in this article, we’ll talk about some spooky ideas to get the Halloween party started without you getting tricked out of your hard-earned cash.

Choose a Halloween Party Theme

You don’t have to choose a theme, of course, but it can make the planning a bit easier, and it also helps build excitement among your guests. If you have time before your party, look up images online of what each theme entails or search Pinterest boards dedicated to themed decorating ideas. Here are some great examples:

Pumpkin Party

Use orange and black colors to decorate your house and create pictures of pumpkins as decorations. There are plenty of free printable pumpkin decorations you can find online, or just make your own out of construction paper. Almost all children can draw or color a pumpkin, so this is an excellent option if you have small kids. 

At the party, you could have a pumpkin carving contest among older children, teens, and adults. If you prefer not to involve knives or sharp objects, provide art supplies and let your guests paint their own scary jack-o-lanterns. For food, the stores are filled this time of year with everything pumpkin-related. Older guests can sip on pumpkin-spice coffee, and younger ones can have orange soda! Whip up some pumpkin pie cupcakes or decorate a large round cake with orange frosting and a green stem. 

Ghostly Party 

A white and silver theme can be spooky and elegant too. This theme is a great idea for adults. Decorate with white sheets and old sheer curtains to create “ghosts” around the place. Spider webs are great, too– maybe even a graveyard scene if you have enough space. 

Use white or silver tablecloths and napkins as part of your table décor. Instead of orange refreshments, try making everything in white—white hot chocolate, white frosted cupcakes, popcorn, and more. You can also get some small white pumpkins for each guest to take home. 

These can usually be found at your local grocery store for around $1 each. 

Haunted House Party 

If the weather permits, this could potentially be an excellent party if you make it outside! Divide guests into groups and send them through a haunted house you’ve created using Halloween decorations like spider webbing and fake gravestones! You could make chocolate or candy pumpkins as a treat or even do some bobbing for apples! If you have the space, try turning this into a haunted hayride too.

Food Drive Trick-or-Treat Party 

At this party, guests bring treats instead of taking them! This is an excellent option for fundraisers – ask each guest to bring one or two canned or shelf-stable items to donate to the local food pantry or families in need.

Make sure that children also feel involved and excited about the prospect of giving by having them separate and sort the food into boxes or bags. Giving can become a new Halloween tradition and a night to remember for years to come. 

Ghoulish Delight Party 

This is ideal for those who love to be scared! Decorate with skulls and skeletons as well as monsters and other horrifying images. You can create your own haunted house effects with different lighting inside or use candles for a spookier feel. Play a terrifying soundtrack and decorate the table with “blood” (ketchup), white cloth, and lots of scary decorations. Serve monster-themed foods like green slime punch (pineapple juice, lemonade, and sherbet) or eyeball-deviled eggs.

Vampire Themed Party

This is perfect for adults or teens who have a dark sense of humor. Decorate with bats and black balloons and have your guests come dressed as vampires. Create a dance floor with some flattened-out cardboard boxes and have yourself a monster ball. 

Vampire party food can be anything you like. Bake some cupcakes and decorate them with red frosting and fake dollar store teeth. You could even make it an all-red menu and incorporate foods like strawberries, watermelon, and of course—blood-red punch.

Potluck Halloween Gathering

If your friends are into saving money like you are, maybe you could host a potluck. Lots of families get together on Halloween to go trick-or-treating together. This year, extend the fun and have a potluck dinner either before or after your annual candy-gathering expedition.

Have each guest bring their specialty—a casserole, salad, or dessert. You provide paper plates, utensils, napkins, and beverages. And, of course, make sure all your guests are in costume for the occasion. 

Invitations

Email is efficient, but there’s nothing like an actual, homemade invitation to get your guests in a festive mood. You don’t need to be an artist to create an invitation. Type up something on your computer and print off copies. Fold them into thirds, put them in a business-size envelope and send them by mail.

If all of your guests live close by, you can even forgo the envelope. Instead, just fold them up and staple them together. This is another project that the kids can help you with—let them hand-deliver the invites a week or two before the party.

Closing Thoughts

Throwing a Halloween bash does not need to be an expensive affair. After all, it’s all about getting together with the people you care about for a night of merriment and fun. 

Consider a side gig like paid online surveys if you can’t find the money to plan a party between household expenses and bills. Paid surveys can give you just the extra cash you need to plan a modest party that won’t break the bank. 

Remember, nobody will remember the decorations or the food in years to come. But they will remember how they felt, and your job as the party planner is to create those good memories. With a little bit of imagination, you really can live rich on a budget and still plan the best Halloween party ever! 

The post Cheap Halloween Party Ideas appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

Valentine’s Idea For the Kids

Celebrating Valentine’s with the kiddos doesn’t have to be a big deal, but doing something different or unique is one way of creating a memorable family tradition. One of the best ways to say I love you to your children is by giving your time, so each of these ideas is meant to be enjoyed together. 

Romantic Restaurant at Home

If you’ve got kids at home, this idea will keep the whole family busy on February 14th. Your objective? Create a fine dining experience in your own home. Let the kids plan and create menus, shop for ingredients, decorate the “restaurant,” choose the music, etc. Older kids can even help out with the serving and cooking. 

Treasure Hunt

If you’ve never created a treasure hunt for your kids, this is an activity they won’t soon forget. Depending on their ages, you can make the clues as simple or as complex as they need to be and write them on paper hearts hidden in strategic locations. For prizes, head to the dollar store for small stuffed animals, conversation hearts, or art supplies. This is an ideal winter activity, but if you live in a warmer climate, you can also take it outdoors.

Cookie Party

Who says decorating cookies is a Christmas-only activity? We’re willing to bet you still have plenty of red sprinkles and ingredients that can do double-duty for Valentine’s-themed cookies. (Hint: Crushed candy canes leftover from Christmas make great cookie toppings.) If you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, no worries, just cut out heart shapes with a butter knife. After you’re done, you can even take a walk to deliver a batch to a neighbor who could use some cheering up.

Write a Letter

Middle school and high-school kids will cherish a loving and encouraging letter from a parent for years to come. You could even make this a Valentine’s Day tradition. Let them know all the things that make them unique and how much you love them. It’s something tangible they can look at, and the rarity of it makes it even more precious. Believe it or not, this is a heartfelt idea with surprising benefits, like a better relationship with your children.

Go Sledding

If you live in the Northern part of the country, you might be sick of the snow, but use the winter wonderland to your advantage. A sledding day is just the thing to get out from behind the screen for some fresh air and exercise. You can easily turn this into a skating party or snowball fight too. Afterward, everyone can warm up with some hot chocolate and some heart-shaped tea sandwiches. 

Valentine’s Ideas For Your Honey

There’s no doubt that the past year has been a strain on relationships. Quarantining with another soul for months on end can put a damper on even the most passionate folks. And at a time when what you need most is a romantic getaway or night out to rekindle the flames, many couples are still in lockdown.

While the idea of a candlelight meal at home might seem about as exciting as loading the dishwasher, a little effort can brighten your loved-ones spirits. Here are some inexpensive and creative Valentine’s ideas for couples.

Leave “Why I Love You” Hearts All Over the House

This is a super-easy idea that is sure to brighten up a dull morning. Cut out construction paper hearts and write out one reason why you love your partner on each one. You don’t have to be profound. “I love you because you’re always on time,” or I love you because you make fantastic pancakes” will do nicely. Tape them strategically all over your place—on the mirror, the front door, the coffeemaker—you get the picture.

Have a Picnic in the Living Room

If it’s too cold where you live to go to the park or the beach, put a colorful blanket on the living room floor and have a picnic—complete with a bottle of (cheap) wine and your choice of lunch. Turn off the TV and find some nature sounds on your phone. Heck, you could even wear some flip flops and shorts or don a sexy bathing suit. Use a fan to mimic the effects of a cool breeze. There is no limit to the fun props you can add to this setting with a little imagination. 

Take a (Free) Online Class Together 

There’s never been a more prolific offering of online classes than right now, and what better way to shake things up a bit than by learning something new together. You can find plenty of free online courses on poetry, philosophy, French, cooking, yoga, massage, meditation, and more. Check out sites like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare together and develop a list of options, then select one you will both enjoy.

Be Someone Else for the Day

If one or both of you have a flair for the dramatic, consider a new persona this Valentine’s Day. Masks and costumes are great at Halloween, but they can be just as fun, sexy, and enchanting when it’s just the two of you. Role-playing can be a therapeutic way of acting out your deepest desires and strengthen your relationship, and it’s an excellent activity to heat things up in the bedroom.

Valentine’s Ideas For Yourself

If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, that’s all the more reason to treat yourself to what you really want. The relationship you have with yourself is the longest and most intimate relationship you will ever have, so show yourself some much-deserved love with these nurturing ideas.

Spa Day

A trip to the spa is expensive, but an at-home spa day can cost next-to-nothing. You know all those lotions, shower gels, and self-care products you’ve been saving for a special day? Now is that day. Break out the scented candles and the bubble bath and put some relaxing new-age music on your phone while you soak in the tub. Give yourself a pedicure, a manicure, or both. 

Order Out

Here’s something to be happy about: When you’re single, takeout costs a lot less money. Splurge on sirloin tips, shrimp scampi, or another favorite dish from a local eatery. You’ll be treating yourself and a small business this Valentine’s Day. Hint: Now would be the ideal time to use those Door Dash gift cards you earned from getting paid for surveys.

Shut Out the World for the Day

If Valentine’s Day is just too much for you to handle, maybe you need to take extra-special care of yourself for the Day. Pull down the shades, put on your most comfortable sweats, make yourself a cup of tea, and curl up with a good book. Avoid irritating reminders of happy relationships by staying off social media, and if you decide to binge-watch Netflix, opt for a comedy. 

Final Thoughts

When you’re looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the cheap, remember the whole idea behind the celebration is love, and love is free. However, if you still don’t feel complete without a heart-shaped box of chocolates, keep in mind that on February 15th, those coveted sweets will go on sale for a fraction of the cost and taste even better. 

The post How To Save Money on Valentines Day appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

 That is true whether your resolutions are about working out and losing weight or getting fit financially and getting rid of your debt. If you make your goals too lofty, you will quickly get discouraged and abandon them. If your plans are too easy, you could miss out on additional debt reduction and money-making opportunities.

 So what are your financial goals for the year just ahead? What do you want to achieve, and where do you hope to be at this time next year? Here are a few things to consider as you look ahead to a financially prosperous new year.

 Know Your Starting Point

 It is hard to start a journey if you do not know where you are. Without a starting point, it will be tough to reach even the most modest financial goals in the year ahead.

 Take the time to assess your financial situation now, before you get busy with other things. Do you have a solid emergency fund in place, or do you live in fear of the unexpected? Are you contributing to a retirement plan or relying on Social Security to see you through your golden years? Taking stock of your current situation is a vital first step toward reaching your financial goals.

 Grab Your Free Money

 If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar workplace retirement plan, you could be missing out on free money. It is sad but true that many workers do not contribute enough to their 401(k) plans to get the full company match, leaving money on the table that could have gone into their investments instead.

 If you are in this category, why not make this the year you pick up that free money and do something with it? You would never turn down a raise your boss offered, so why leave your 401(k) matching funds on the table? If you are not contributing enough to get the full match, then you need to march into your human resources office and make the change first thing Monday morning.

 Build Your Budget

 If you want to save and invest more in the coming year than you did in the year just passed, you need to find those funds. It all starts with a comprehensive family budget, and if you do not have one, now is the perfect time to start.

 Creating a budget is not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of ready-made templates online, and all you have to do is fill in the numbers. Once you compare your spending goals to the actual numbers for a few months, you can identify places to save and start to get your finances under control.

 Seek Extra Money

 Thanks to the internet and the gig economy, earning extra money no longer requires a steady commitment to a part-time job. Even if your busy schedule makes a part-time job impossible, you may be able to earn money in your spare time.

 Whether you fill out surveys for extra cash, share your opinion through focus groups, or drive your car for a ride-sharing service, every additional dollar you bring in counts. You can use the extra funds to boost your emergency savings, invest for the future, or just treat yourself to something nice.

Take Stock of Your Career

If you haven’t taken some time lately to consider the future of your career, do it now. Maybe you love your job and see yourself in your current position forever; that’s great. But if you’re unhappy, figure out why and take some steps to improve your situation.

There are currently thousands of free online courses that can help you hone your skills or explore new fields. You owe it to yourself to check some of them out, expand your horizons, and look at new opportunities. If you’re eyeing a promotion, learning some new techniques can improve your chances of landing the position and securing a better financial future. 

Reign in Your Spending

Typically, January is the time when most people tighten their belts and go into budget mode. There’s a good reason for that. The holidays encourage overspending, leaving many folks with unwanted debt when the festivities have ended.

If your finances are looking a little worse for wear, put yourself on a spending diet. Start by using the age-old method of recording every outgoing penny to see where it’s all going. You will probably be surprised at some of the money-leaks you find. Then, resolve to make do or do without for a while, relying on creativity and old-fashioned ingenuity to get by. Fix what’s broken, live modestly, and be frugal. You might not need to resort to a ramen-noodles existence, but there’s nothing wrong with a few nights of mac n cheese after the indulgences of December. 

Check Your Credit Report

Experts recommend checking your credit report at least once a year, and January is the perfect time to do it. In the frenzy of holiday spending, things tend to slip by. At the very least, checking your report ensures that errors and omissions don’t skew your scores. Plus, fraudulent activity is at an all-time high. Monitoring your credit reports regularly can help prevent identity theft and fraud before it gets out of control.

Federal law allows those who live in the US to obtain a free copy of their report from all three credit bureaus each year. You can do this all in one place at Annualcreditreport.com.

Make a Plan for the Next Holiday Season

Inevitable, many people find themselves wishing they had prepared better for the added expenses of the holidays. If you fall into this category, you can do something about that starting now. Remember Christmas clubs? While most people take care of their finances online these days, the old-fashioned Christmas Club still exists.

A Christmas club is simply a short-term saving account at a bank or financial institution, designed to encourage people to set aside money for the holidays. They were popular in the 1970s (back before virtual banking and debit cards). Often, you can even earn a little bit of interest. There is typically a penalty for withdrawing your money too early, which is great if you lack self-discipline. Check with your local bank or credit union to see what they offer. 

Final Thoughts

From establishing a household budget to examining your spending a little more thoroughly, you will be a step closer to freedom every time you set and meet one of your goals. The new year is the perfect time to get your financial house in order. Now that the old year is coming to a close, you can take a look at the big picture, find some ways to improve, and vow to do even better with every passing year.

The post Realistic New Year Financial Goals: Some Ideas to Get You Started appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.

Baked or Canned Goods 

Baked goods are always welcome around a roaring fire on Christmas morning. Consider a nice box or tin of homemade cookies, muffins, cupcakes, or the recipient’s favorite sweets. Don’t want to go the cookie route? Why not try out some tea bread, like banana nut bread or zucchini bread? Baked a day or two before and sealed up tight, such bread can be delicious and moist for days to come. 

If you prefer to err on the side of the long term, canned goods are an alternative. You’ll need some canning supplies, like mason jars and a pot big enough to boil them in. You can cook up fresh summer fruits to make homemade jam, or make up a mix of fresh veggies and create your own salsa. Alternatively, many people would love a gift of homemade pickles or relish.

Knitted or Crocheted Gifts

If you don’t like gifting food or want to give something that will last a little longer, why not try knitting or crocheting something? Everyone jokes about grandma’s holiday sweaters, but on a cold winter day, they can be a welcome gift. Or you can knit personalized stockings for the entire family to be filled and presented on Christmas morning. 

There are dozens of free online patterns for everything from scarves and blankets to hats and plush toys. Or, if you can’t knit but know someone who does, knitting supplies like yarn and needles make great gifts!

Gift Baskets 

Gift baskets may sound cheesy, but a lovely basket tailored to your recipient makes an excellent gift. The beauty of a gift basket is you can personalize it with anything you want. Choose candy and chocolate for the sweets lover in your family, tools and supplies for the crafty ones, or paperback books for kids who love to read. The sky’s the limit! Gift baskets fit any budget, just choose your size and fill them with whatever is affordable for you.

For a really cool presentation, add some shredded kraft paper, ribbons, or other decorations. Items like these can be found at most dollar stores, as can clear plastic gift basket bags so you can wrap the entire presentation.

Coasters and Magnets 

Some people hate coasters, while others swear by them. If you know someone who would appreciate a fresh set of coasters, you can make them with ease! For under twenty dollars, you can buy a handful of bathroom tiles, a little corkboard or felt for the back surface, and whatever paints, wrapping papers, or patterns you want to grace the top surface. Make sure to seal the top surface when you’re done, or else hot drinks can ruin the design. 

Homemade marble magnets can be put together for very little cash. All you need are small round magnets, glass or plastic flat marbles, and whimsical pictures to put between them! Seal them together with a little glue, and you can make festive holiday magnets, a family photo fridge set, or anything else you’re willing to cut up to put into a magnet. 

The Gift of Time

Many people are either too busy or physically incapable of tackling tough chores like a garage cleanout or detailing the car. For them, a gift of your time to accomplish some of these tasks is better than anything else. If you know what your recipient needs or wants, you can make a thoughtful card with a coupon inside for the service you will provide for them.

If you can’t think of anything right off, an IOU for three or four hours of your service can work too. Let your loved one know that you will be at their disposal for any household tasks, errands, or handyman jobs. They will appreciate the chance to get a burdensome task out of the way and spend some time with you as well.

The Sound of Music

If you have some music that you and your friend or loved one always fall back on to remind you of the past, why not create an old-school playlist. It’s still possible to burn CD’s or create a mixtape; just make sure your gift recipient has something to play it on. There’s nothing quite like taking a trip down memory lane with some tunes that remind you of days gone by. 

You don’t have to limit yourself to the past, either. Select any music you think your friend would enjoy, or put all of his or her favorites together. If you are musically inclined, you could even record your own songs to share. 

Make a Recipe Book

If you’re the keeper of recipes in your circle, sharing the tried and true staple recipes of yesteryear is a thoughtful gift. Write out your secret recipes on new cards, press them into a photo album, or photocopy the ones you already have (spills and all) to make a vintage recipe book full of old family favorites. The great part about this idea is you can replicate it and make several books—one for each family member.

Devise a Scavenger Hunt

This is an excellent idea that you can use for one person or a whole group of friends or family. Send your participants around the house, neighborhood, or even the town with a list of clues to uncover. The ultimate goal, of course, will be something everyone can enjoy at the end. (Think, Christmas breakfast, wine and cheese, a cake, or anything else you can dream up) This idea can be great fun for everyone, and you can make it as simple or complex as you want to. You can even use a theme like a particular color, local landmarks, etc. It also serves as the perfect ice breaker for holiday parties.

Make Your Own Playdough, Slime, or Arts and Crafts Kits

Whether you need to find the perfect gift for kids or just kids at heart, this simple idea can help, and you can use items you probably already have in your kitchen. Homemade playdough is a breeze to make, is nontoxic, and can be personalized with different scents and colors to suit each child’s tastes. The same goes for homemade slime, which is surprisingly simple to make. Plus, you will know where all the ingredients came from.

Wrap your gift by putting it in a decorative jar with a lid, and be sure to include any instructions for use on a handwritten note. 

Final Thoughts on Cheap Holiday Gifts

With these great cheap gift ideas, the holidays should be a breeze! It takes all the stress out of gift buying and ensures your gifts will be thoughtful and from the heart. While some of them require a little time to prepare, that time spent will be well-rewarded on Christmas morning.

Most of these ideas can be implemented for free, while others will require a small cash outlay for supplies. If you find yourself really strapped for money around the holidays, get creative and get paid to do surveys, selling unwanted items, pet-sitting, and more. For helpful ideas to make extra cash, check out some of our other articles here. 

The post Cheap Gift Ideas For Christmas appeared first on The Branded Daily Digest.