Christmas on a Budget

I know we all are on a budget this year (yet again). We all know the traditional budgetary gifts (making breads, cookies, candies, etc). but I was thinking of more creative options this year.  Here's some of the top gifts that I'm giving this year.

1.  Daffodil bulbs. Here in Central PA, the winter months can get rather gloomy.  I love to give this gift as it has the promise of spring built right into it. (And the price is right)! 

I had a pack of daffodil bulbs in my garage refrigerator that I got last spring for free.  They were a give away from one of those bulb catalogues.  (I know our Walmart has some spring bulbs out now so you can still get them). I bought the glasses and decorative rocks at the Dollar Store.  So my out of pocket cost for each of these is about $1.33. 

Super easy to make too:  Put a few rocks in the bottom of the glass. Place the bulb in the glass and put stones around it. Add about an inch of water, put in a sunny window, and in 6 weeks or so you will have a bloom.   Who wouldn't love to receive this as a gift?



2. Books, books, books.  Most everyone I know loves to read but the cost of most new books tends to knock that gift option off my list. I've learned to keep my eyes open though as you never know where you can find some pretty amazing books.  Case in point:

I got these books (and more) from the Dollar Store (new) and the library (used). They were the perfect fit for at least 6 people on my gift list.  I also check out the books section at thrift shops.  If you keep your eyes open, you never know what you will find.

3.  Vintage t-shirts.  I traveled some in 2011 (Toronto and Los Angeles) and in each city, I made a point to hit up thrift shops. I found some AMAZING treasures!  I picked up 20 or more t-shirts in L.A. that I'm giving for Christmas gifts.  I got Lakers, Dodgers and Raiders, as well as some just plain cool shirts (Jesus is my Homie; Bad Ass Coffee Company).  I didn't spend more than $4 on each shirt (average cost was $3).  They are sure to be a big hit.  (Sorry, no pictures as they are already wrapped). Trust me, it's worth a trip to the thrift shop.

I know not everyone likes to bargain shop like I do. But if you want to save money, you've got to buy throughout the year.  I buy when things are on sale and keep for Christmas. (The hardest thing to do is not give someone their gift early, however, it really defeats the purpose of saving if you give someone their gift in August. Believe me, you will be out buying them another gift - and spending twice as much).

What creative ways are you using in gift giving this year?

Netflix on Droid 2

This weekend Verizon automatically updated my Droid 2. Initially I was not happy as the update changed alot of cosmetic things and it threw me. (While I love change when I initialize it, it makes me very unhappy when it is thrust upon me). 

Not knowing what changes were actually made, I decided to explore Android Market and see what apps were available. I noticed the Netflix app so I installed it.

I am so glad I did! This app streams smoothly (no fits and stops). All my "instant" choices are there for me to choose from.  What a sweet treat to watch a movie on my phone! (I tried running both Netflix and Hulu on my phone when I first got it but they were not supported on the Droid 2 at the time).

I haven't tried Hulu yet but if you have  Netflix account, I highly recommend seeing if the app is supported on your phone. It's pretty sweet!

Rayovac AAA Maximum Plus Alkaline Batteries: 100 for $8.99

The Graveyard Mall is listing 100 Rayovac AAA Maximum Plus Alkaline Batteries for $8.99. What a deal! According to their site these batteries are "cosmetically imperfect". (Who knew there was such beauty discrimination in batteries)?! The details state:

• 100 unpackaged AAA batteries
• Cosmetically blemished, but otherwise new and in perfect working order
  Alkaline batteries
• Approximate ship date of May 01, 2009
• Batteries have expiration dates in 2010 - 2013 so they're good for quite some time.
• These batteries are new, not recharged and not tested and slightly used or pulled out of some camera. They are new, unused, have plenty of remaining dating, they just have cosmetic blemishes.

There were some comments on several other websites as to whether these batteries are used or not. According to http://buxr.com/, who contacted "Graveyard" directly, they are NOT used in any way (apparently there was alot of discussion on the meaning of the last bullit).

If you are like me, we go through batteries like crazy! This seems like a pretty good deal. This deal can be found at http://www.graveyardmall.com/raaaamaplalb.html