Just had to jump on here and post this because I started thinking about while I was picking up and putting things away. It actually started last night as I was taking a pan out of the oven, and found the finger end of my oven mitts has really worn down. As I quickly put the pan on top of the stove, I blurted out “I need new oven mitts!” To which my oldest replied, “Now I know what to get you for Mother’s Day”.

Then this morning, gathering dirty towels, and replacing them with clean ones, I realized I only had one clean dish towel. To which I said to myself, “I need more dish towels!” Now I know what to tell Hubby to have our youngest give me. They both like to have something to give me, and every year it’s generally something that we need. One year I got what we thought would be a life-time supply of chip clips!

Gift giving in our family, at least when it comes to my husband and I, and from the kids, is generally more of a practical thing than an extravagant one. Maybe that’s worded wrong. We to have the money to spend on each other thanks to Mom putting it in the budget. However, it’s just always been in agreement that for the most part our needs often-times dictate our gifts.

I honestly don’t mind getting new dish towels and oven mitts for Mother’s Day. I might not be able to justify the expense if I just went out and bought them for myself (well for the household ;) ), but with Mother’s Day coming up I look forward to it!

So, this is the question I pose to you…
What do you do about Mother’s Day when it comes to yourself? Do you tell them what you want, what you need, or let them surprise you?

I hope you’ll chime in below in my comments here. :)

And, Happy Mother’s Day!

MomsBudgetPlan.com

Holiday Budget PlanDo you need nice, inexpensive gifts for your neighbors, or your child’s teacher? Do you have any clue what to give them? This Christmas, don’t stress yourself out by shopping for just the right gift. Instead, make your own homemade holiday gifts. Try these ideas that your neighbors, and teachers are sure to love.

1. Layered Cookie, or Drink Mixes
Buy a box of Mason jar and lids at your local grocery store. These are usually available year-round. Purchase a small amount of fabric, to decorate the lids with. Using your favorite cookie and drink recipes, layer the dry ingredients inside the jar. Print your recipe on a small card, punch a hole in the top corner, and tie it around the lid.

2. Homemade Jams and Jellies
If you grow your own fruit or veggies, homemade jams and jellies (or pickled veggies) are wonderful gifts to give. Make sure to can/jar extras during the summer months when you harvest. Then you’ll have ready-made gifts on hand at the end of the year! You can “pretty” the jars with your own decorations, if you wish.

3. Inspiration Jar
This is a nice gift for neighborhood kids, as well. Write special, inspiring or motivational messages on small slips of paper. Fold them in half and drop them into a small, clear jar or bowl. Then write a special message on a card to go outside the jar, telling your friend or neighbor that the next time she’s feeling down or sad, take a message out of her “Inspiration jar” to help cheer her up.

4. Homemade Goodies
Who doesn’t love homemade cookies, candy or bread? Plan a special day just for baking. Create all your favorite treats, including your famous homemade bread, or handmade candies. Prepare trays of treats for your neighborhood holiday party, to share at the office, or your child’s school. You can find inexpensive plastic trays at most dollar or department stores.

This time of year, you want to show those who play a part in your life that you care. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and when it’s homemade it shows that it comes from the heart.

Holiday Budget PlanAre you tired of giving the same old commercialized brand name gifts to friends and family? Are you looking for something unique and personalized to give this year? On a budget and trying to be creative? Here are five great places to help you get started on your quest!

1. Etsy - Etsy is a website that sells vintage items along with handmade items. There are some real artisans here. You can find everything from home goods to beautiful pieces of art and jewelry on Etsy.

It works much like eBay in that each seller has their own store. Etsy takes PayPal, which makes paying for your purchases quick and easy. And you can contact the artist or seller to ask questions. One of the wonderful things about Etsy, besides the variety of products you can purchase, is the unique nature. Many items are one of a kind items that you just cannot get anywhere else.

Additionally, there’s something satisfying about helping small business owners and artists make a living. The Etsy website is http://www.etsy.com/.

2. Foodzie - If you love food or the person you’re buying for is a real foodie, consider visiting Foodzie. Much like Etsy, Foodzie is a website set up to help chefs, bakers and food artists from around the world sell their wares.

You can buy anything from kicking hot salsa to amazing cookies and baked goods. Candies, cheese, meats and just about everything under the sun is available at Foodzie. It’s a great place to try new food and to buy unique gifts at a low cost.

You may want to try the food before you give it as a gift to make sure it’s what you’re looking for. You can also read reviews posted about the sellers to help minimize risk. Like Etsy you can pay via PayPal.

Consider using Foodzie to create one of a kind gift baskets. The website is http://foodzie.com/.

3. Ebay - If your recipient loves vintage, consider shopping on eBay for their holiday gift. Many of eBay’s items are auctions; however, there are also some great buy it now offers. Antiques, vintage jewelry, and even photographs and movie posters can be found online at eBay. It’s a fun place to do your holiday shopping.

4. Charities - Every year more and more charities are promoting themselves as a gift giving option. You can donate in your recipient’s name to anything from the Red Cross to buying a cow in Africa to feed a family. You can help children learn, deliver water to families in drought-ridden areas or help the homeless. It’s a kind and rewarding gift.

5. Your local gift shop - Finally, don’t forget to wander the shopping district in your own home town. Local small gift shops are jam-packed with unique gift ideas and again, it’s just plain fun to support local small business owners.

There’s no end to the unique gifts you can give to your friends and family. Check out these five ideas today, some you may have thought of, some maybe not. Then get started on what may be the best holiday yet.

Happy Holiday Shopping!
MomsBudgetPlan.com

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