A REALLY FRUGAL STOCKING FILLER FOR SMALL KIDS!

If you have a mucky box full of tiny wax crayon stubs that tiny fingers can't really hold, then gather them together (try to group similar colours), break them into even smaller pieces and place in an old bun tin (shaped moulds are even better if you have them) and melt them in the oven at 150 degrees for around 20 minutes (until all lumps are melted), then take out and allow to cool.

If you don't have any old tins that you are willing to sacrifice, then carefully line tins with foil to protect them. You will have new (bigger and easier to hold) crayons to fill the corners of Christmas stockings!
More Christmas gifts to make HERE!

SAVE MONEY - GET CHRISTMAS CRAFTING!

We still have a bit of time to make something lovely for Christmas - and even if you don't have much craft stuff stashed away, there are always bargains to be found - but get in quick, when December 1st hits us everyone will want the cheap stuff! I've just seen the yarn (pictured above) on Ebay - this is pure wool in a lovely dark seasonal red, with gold sparkle mixed in - ideal for knitting or crocheting small craft items, such as small tree decorations, door hangers or even gifts such as doll's clothes, mitts, hats or scarves. And it has a starting bid of only£4.99 for 13 25g balls! Even if you can't knit or crochet, you can always plait it to make a swag type decoration intertwined with holly and ivy or use it to embellish a jumper or cardi!
For more ideas for Christmas crafting click here!

MMMMM! CHRISTMAS CHUTNEY!

Well, my Christmas Chutney is made - what about yours? I have to say, I haven't made us much as I would have liked to this year, which may mean I don't give any as gifts! I was lucky enough to be given two carrier bags full of eating apples - I think they were Russets, and they made no difference to the chutney at all (except to the cost!).
I'm also ashamed to say, I've already eaten one jar and started a second - I suppose I should really make some more soon! Of course that's the beauty of chutney - it does taste great if you keep it. I once found a 12-month-old jar at the back of the pantry - it was great! It had a richer stronger flavour, but actually you can make it right up to Christmas Eve and then enjoy it all the year round with cold meat or cheese- mmmmm!
For more Christmas gifts to make click HERE!

MAKE YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE SELECTION PACKS!

You know those chocolate selection packs that seem to be popular every Christmas? Well, have you ever really considered how much chocolate you are actually getting for your money? You get tiny packets of chocolate buttons, tiny fudge bars, tiny chocolate bar, in fact, tiny everything - and they're not cheap. Why not make your own this year? Think creatively - instead of a load of plastic packaging, put your chosen selection of chocolate bars inside a mug, glass, make-up bag or pencil case (depending on the recipient!). The size and shape of most chocolate bars is ideal for this and you can buy mugs, glasses, pencil cases and make-up bags in pound shops - or even charity shops! Depending on your budget, you also pop in something else that is small (keyring, lipstick, batteries, biro, little fluffy toy - the list is endless).Then at least you are giving something useful and fun!
More frugal gifts to make HERE!
Happy frugal present making!

62 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS!

Yes, the horrible truth is that it is only 62 days to Christmas and, as the TV pundits have just told as, many people only have 2 more pay days before then. Of course, quite a few unlucky people don't have any paydays at all, which somehow puts it all into perspective for me. I am already tired of the TV ads for expensive perfumes or even more expensive gifts from wherever and soon we'll be treated to adverts for tables full of party food, telling the lie that we will somehow be inadequate if we don't invite the neighbours in for drinks and piles of finger food!
Listen carefully to this advertising and you will soon realise that it tries to convince us that everyone else is buying their kids an X-box or whatever the latest "must-have" toy is this year. Well, I think many people won't have the cash to do it - and I hope those people don't use their credit card instead. I believe our children will grow up into better and more resourceful adults if they understand that there are things that their parents just cannot afford, that money has to be earned and that if you lose your job, or aren't very well paid, then some of these things just cannot be bought.
I'm reluctant to admit that cynical advertising, capitalising on Christmas, almost makes me want to cancel the whole thing! Actually I'll be starting my Christmas shopping soon, probably if I see any sales on in the shops when I go away for a few days at half-term! I'll be looking out for a bargain or two in the charity shops as well - it's always good to trawl through a different collection of charity shops, somewhere new! However, I certainly won't be spending what I can't afford.
Happy Christmas Present Hunting!

10 GREAT NEW CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO KNIT AND CROCHET!

These lovely Christmas gift patterns are certainly new to me - so I hope you like them. You can choose from Christmas throws and afghans, a lovely little dog's coat, a fairisle jumper, holly slippers, a Christmas stocking, a snowman family to crochet and crochet tree ornaments.
Get your free patterns HERE.
More Christmas gifts to make HERE!

£1 STOCKING FILLERS FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE!

Yes, it's true, it can be done -I do it every year - buy stocking filler presents from Poundland! There's a sort of an art to buying from Poundland if you don't want to be buying complete tat and these are my tips:

• Go with a list - most important. Know what you've already bought for the "stockings" so that you don't overspend.
• Do not go on a Saturday!
• Try to buy only branded goods if possible, particularly if it's smellies, cosmetics, sweets, etc., Obviously for stationary and "fun" type novelties, it's not so important.

So, what is there to choose from? Well, here's a few of my suggestions:
Rightguard deodourant.
DVDs - choose from Dragnet, The Michael Jackson Story, Blade, Batman: Return to the Batcave, The Professionals, Ghost Towns.
Packs of novelty socks: The Simpsons
Packs of boot socks, or thermal socks - probably not the best quality, but you never know!
Black leather trouser belt.
Packs of Kodak, Sony or Panasonic batteries.
4 Gang socket.
De-icer.
WD 40.
Superglue.
Twix, Mars, Toblerone or Bounty - all 4 for £1.
Nivea Sensitive for Men shower gel.
Festive Boxer shorts.
24 shot disposable camera with flas.
Mini remote.
USB mouse.
4 port USB hub.
Earphones.
Packs of blank CDs and DVDs.
You will find, of course, that some of these items will sell out quickly, or will not be available at your local Poundland (or perhaps any other!) but it's a matter of persevering with regular forays!
Happy Frugal gift buying!