i know its early but hoiliday gift time tips

[tiffinpa]

Originally Posted by Kristinemomof3

These are my baskets that I made last year:
Here's my gift baskets....

Just took a peek. Fabulous baskets and the best part is I already have on hand most of what you used!! Seems I'm in better shape than I thought.

[coupondiva29]

Thank you thank you Kristinemomof3! I needed some visuals! I think alot of us are making gift baskets this year. Thanks again!!!

[Leanna]

I've been making homemade foods and storing/freezing them - ahead of the holidays to cut down on stress! So far, I've made applesauce (using apples from my trees and apples on sale), blackberry jam and blueberry jam (picked those from the bushes). I'll also bake and freeze some quick bread mini-loafs and possibly granola. I plan to make up gift bags with these items, and can add in some lotions, chocolate, candy canes, fruit, etc. I even thought it would be fun to add cat and dog treats for my pet owner friends since I've gotten quite a few with Q's (and my pets are well supplied).

[shellyrae1]

If you have a Melting Pot restaurant (fondue) nearby, they have a buy one, get one free special on $100 gift certificates. This may seem pricey, but if you give them to couples, you end up spending $25 per person. If you've never been to Melting Pot, it's a very nice romantic place to have a dinner and you will easily spend $100 for one evening.

[Leanna]

Those restaurant.com gift certificates could be a source of good, inexpensive gifts, too.

I was just thinking about Christmas stockings - I used to cringe when I realized how much all those little things in DD's stocking ended up costing. Last year, I was so happy with all my q finds that helped slash costs. This year will also be great with free/cheap body wash, lotions, makeup, lip glosses, perfume samples, candy.

[Live4Coupons]

This week is the "Save $2 on any 2 Gold Emblem Nut items" coupon from the CSO at CVS. They have small packs (1.5 oz. or so) of cashews, peanuts, almonds, chocolate covered nuts, etc. that are 99 cents each. Scan your card every day while the coupon is being issued, and get two packs of free nuts with each Q.

The Qs seem to reappear on a cyclical basis, usually several weeks between each cycle. So I'm always sure to scan my Extra Care card at the beginning of each week just to see if this is the coupon of the week. If so, I stop in at CVS every day to scan my card and get the Q.

Normally I wouldn't even buy cashews (which I love!) because they're so expensive. Now I get them for free. These are perfect size packs to put in stockings, gift baskets, college care packages, movie night gifts, and so forth. Or you can use cashews instead of other nuts in your holiday cookies, Chex Mix, and other goodies. Yum!

[lucid]

Live4Coupons, thanks for that tip! I will definitely try to score at the CSO.

[WonderWoman23]

It’s really fun to make your own basket full of handmade goodies like bars, brownies, and cookie mixes to give away as gifts to friends and family. It’s not only cost effective, but great for making your gifts more original and personal.

Take a look at our recipes for Edible Ornaments and Mixes in a Jar at Sweet Ideas from Domino® Sugar.

[jojoshort]

And don't forget to make that peppermint bark that was on the forums!