Ideas for College Student Care Packages

Photo credit

My oldest niece is starting her first year of college this fall (boy, does that make me feel old!), and she's going to be moving away from home - pretty far away - for the first time. Although I was only 100  miles from home when I attended college, I remember getting a care package a time or two after I moved.  It was the most amazing thing to see that little slip of paper indicating I had something that was too big to fit in my tiny dorm mailbox.  Opening it was like Christmas morning each and every time - even when the things included were not big and luxurious.  It was amazing to know that someone was thinking of me and helped bring a little bit of home to my dorm room in those first uncertain, exciting months away from home.

So I have vowed to myself that at least once a month, I will be sending our niece something just to lift her spirits and (hopefully) make her smile.

Of course you can always do a themed gift box that includes toiletries, first aid stuff, candy, foodstuff, holiday items, or any other "theme" you can think of.  But you can also just throw in a number of things that are in no way related one another, but you just wanted to send.

And being on this website, I cannot go without saying that some of these things you can get for cheap or free because of seasonal purchases, sales, and playing drugstore shopping games. =)  Go with what you can find.  But if you are looking for some ideas, these are perfect.

click here for printable version

Any other good ideas to add to this list? I'll add them to the list! What did you receive at college that was a must have?

Store Brand vs Name Brand

Source: Paul Jerry

As I was walking out of the door for work this past Tuesday, I reached into the pantry and grabbed the breakfast of champions.  No...not that cereal.  Pop Tarts.  I opened them up and took a big bite of my frosted strawberry name brand breakfast treat and realized that I had been eating store brand toaster treats for long enough that I no longer have a taste for the name-brand product from Kellogg's.  I actually prefer the store brand. 

There are some products that I cannot differentiate between store brand and name brand.  I taste little difference in pasta, milk, breads, canned fruits or vegetables, ethnic food products, and the like. I could not tell you in a blind taste test whose soup, sour cream, or hot dog buns I was eating. No idea whose box that jello was in or what the package of those frozen veggies looked like. Salad dressings?  Except for ranch, I have no preferences.


There are other products that I can tell a difference, but don't mind the store brand. Typically fruit juices, sodas, bottled water, potato chips, sliced bread, frozen pizza, frozen french fries.

There are products that I actually prefer the store brand - Publix ice cream, Walmart sandwich cookies, store brand cereal bars, Publix brand yogurt, and others. 

But there are a few products that I cannot handle a store brand.  Peanut butter, saltine crackers, cheese,  ketchup (although strangely, mustard is all the same to me), ranch dressing, buttery crackers, and Oreos.

So that made me want to ask, what about you?  Are there some products that you MUST have your preferred name brand?  Are there others that you cannot tell a difference?  Are there some that you prefer the store brand?  Let us all know!  You might let us in on some delicious treats for less money!

22 Great Graduation Gifts from Etsy

I love all things homemade and handmade, so etsy really is a weakness for me. So much so that I try to stay away from it so I don't things unnecessarily.

But now that graduations are happening all across the country, I thought that etsy would be a great place to go to get something for a grad that was unique and meaningful.  So I thought I'd share a few of my finds with you.  Keep in mind that there are LOTS of things at these shops similar to what I've featured...just click through to check out their shop! 

Cute pillows for the dorm bed - modest pillows

Unique recycled zipper bracelets! Love them - Rezipit

Custom state necklace for those moving away from home - also cufflinks, keychains and others - from sudlow

Some inspirational wall hangings - from Cottage Sign Shoppe

Art inspire mug - from Brookish

Customizable state pillow - all states available - from love, california

mustache mug - lots of fun choices here - from LennyMud

Rock, paper, scissors pillows - there were so many fun choices here it was hard to choose which one to feature. =) - Yellow Bug Boutique

Vintage Map Keychain - so many maps available - Daisy Mae Designs

Mardi Gras bead mosaic - you pick the school! - Bayouland Beads

Silk dyed ribbon bracelet - customizable - D2E Gallery

Awesome glasses pillow - from Pillow Throw Decor

Dr Seuss keychain is just part of a larger graduation collection- from White Lilie Designs

Personalized state map - from Cedar House Keepsakes

Personalized all purpose bag - from The Palm Gifts

Personalized Laundry Bag - great for him or her! - from Cre8iv Gifts

Personalized Cosmetics Bag - from Connie Stitches

Great compass money clip - from Quaint and Curious

Compass map necklace - customizable - from Sora

Science/Geek Magnet Set - from Art Altered

Spine Keychain - perfect for aspirations in medicine - from Anatomology

Custom-made college sign - you choose the school! - from MannMade Designs

What unique gifts would you recommend?  Have you found anything on etsy lately that you want to share?

As a side note, none of the shops I  mentioned have not sponsored this post in any way - I just like their stuff.  =)

Inexpensive and Practical Gifts for Graduates

Photo Source: hhsara

It's that time of year again. Time for high school seniors to walk to "Pomp and Circumstance," cross a stage and receive that long-awaited diploma.  Some will go on to college and some will go straight into the work force. All will be making major life-changing moves into the "real world" though.

And so the graduation invitations start pouring in. But you're on a budget. What can you do?

Here are a few inexpensive gift ideas that will suit a new graduate perfectly:

Any Graduate:

• A copy of The Tightwad Gazette, The Debt-Free Graduate: How to Survive College Without Going Broke by Murray Baker, or another similar favorite would not necessarily be the sexiest gift they received, but it would keep on giving if they dared to open the cover and learned to live within their means. 
• A mop bucket filled with cleaning supplies that you score from pharmacies for cheap or free.  Include anything from sponges, glass cleaner, a dustpan, cleaning clothes (think bag o' rags), a toilet brush, all purpose cleaner, some Bar Keeper's Friend, some Magic Erasers (make your own), vinegar and baking soda, scrubbing brushes, cleaning wipes, and whatever else you'd like to include. These will all need to be purchased by the grad but aren't a lot of fun for them to spend their own money on, so this will be a huge help. 
• A bin, basket, container (whatever you can find for cheap or free) - something that can be used as a shower caddy/tote - and fill with toiletries - also gotten at pharmacies and the like for cheap or free.  Think shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, disposable razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, handheld/makeup mirror, shower poof, lotion, sunscreen, nail clippers/file, tweezers, flip flops (for a community or shared shower) and any other item you might can think of. Again, they will need to buy anyway, so this will help offset their living expenses. 
• First Aid Supplies - whether you buy a prepackaged kit or make it yourself, this is yet another in the category of the last two of things they need anyway.  Include alcohol, peroxide, bandages, gauze, ibuprofen, Tylenol, Pepto, cotton balls, antibacterial cream, sunblock, tweezers, aloe, and anything else that you have in your medicine cabinet. 
• Tool Kit - This one you can opt for an actual tool box as a package or, for a less expensive route, just a bucket or box.  Include hammer, small panel nails, screw drivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers, screws, hangers like Command hooks, batteries, adjustable wrench, tape measure, utility knife, a small level.  These will be invaluable!
• Office Supplies - Always a help to college students, but this gift is still perfect for those who will be setting up their new apartment/home away from the nest. Everyone needs pens, highlighters, tape, paperclips, stapler, staples, staple remover, correction fluid, post it notes, scissors, stamps, envelopes, notebook, day planner, rolodex/address book, and maybe something like a flash drive. 
• Laundry supplies - Grab a laundry basket and fill it with laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softener, a roll of quarters, a mesh laundry bag, AND (most importantly) instruction on how to launder basic items and treat stains.Throw in a word find, Sudoku, or crossword puzzle book too.
• A case of Raman noodles. Trust me on this one. 
• A water pitcher with filter, filter refills, and a few reusable water bottles. Throw is some flavor packets if you so choose. 
• Sewing Kit - this was one of the seemingly most strange gifts I got when I graduated high school and I still use it today, 15 years later.  Get a sewing organizer or just any plastic container with a lid. Include scissors, needles, safety pins, straight pins, a sampler of thread, and anything else you think would be helpful. I love mine still and have fixed so many holes/buttons/seams, etc in a pinch. 
• A recipe book.  It can be How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman or it can be a binder full of the student's favorites (and some new ones to try). We've all got to start somewhere, right?  And there is nothing like home cooking. 
• If it is a family member, like a child or sister, give them a day planer or calendar with birthdays, anniversaries or other important dates filled in. Include surprises like, "Dinner with brother"  or "the day sister comes to do my laundry." 

Photo source: aprilbell

Those Going to College: 

• A basket full of food they can cook in a dorm room.  Think microwave pasta (include a can opener) Mac and Cheese, popcorn, Ramen noodles, PB&J, Nutella, nuts, crackers, oatmeal, soup, pudding, hot chocolate mix, tuna, and the like. Throw in a sponge and dish soap as well as some ziploc bags too. Their choices are limited in what they can cook in their room, but give them a basket of ideas to help!
• Umbrella. Seriously. They'll be walking all around creation in wind, rain or shine. And unfortunately, many people don't think of one until they need it (too late!).
• Some small select dishes like small tupperware, cereal bowls, a handful of utensils, a couple of microwavable plates, and a few cups should do. It's not like they'll have a lot of room to store dishes. 
• Bed raisers (you can find them many places, but I like these adjustable ones) Sounds odd I know, but real estate is at a premium in a dorm room.  These gems will allow you extra storage underneath the bed with little effect on the space available in the room.
• Baked goodies - wait until they arrive and send them cookies or brownies or whatever else they would love. You can do this anyway even if you've already given a gift for graduation.
• Test Survival Kit (credit comments section here) - I had to include this because I thought it was adorable and genius at the same time! " How about a “Test Survival Kit” with all of the things that make for a great cram session. You could include notecards (LOTs of them), highlighters, colored pens, page flags, maybe even a few self-laminating sheets for those formulas or principles you will use over and over again. Also, a cram session would not be complete without some form of caffeine – think Starbucks Via packets or Mountain Dew. AND if you really want to make it great, top it off with a baseball cap and body spray – because they will more than likely roll out of bed with just enough time to make it to class the next day."

So what do you have to add?  Do you give any great, inexpensive gift ideas or any that are particularly practical?  Did you receive anything that really blew your socks off?  Leave us comments so we can all have more ideas!

Free Prescriptions at Publix

Publix has been offering a certain selection of free prescriptions for a few years now, but in case you never got the news, didn't live in a Publix area until recently, or just simply forgot, I wanted to remind you.

In efforts to help families manage healthcare costs, Publix offers a selection of some of the most often prescribed medications at NO COST to you.  There is no limit how many times you use this service, who your insurance provider is (or if you have one), or how many you need filled that day.

Here is a current (5/7/12) list of prescriptions you can currently get for free at the pharmacy inside your local Publix grocery store:

• Lisinopril - An ACE inhibitor, lisinopril is used to prevent, treat, or improve symptoms of high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, diabetes, and certain chronic kidney conditions. Get a 30-day supply of this vital prescription FREE* only at your Publix Pharmacy.  * Maximum of 30 days supply (up to 60 tablets). Lisinopril-HCTZ combination products excluded.
• Metformin - As part of the Publix Pharmacy Diabetes Management System, you can get up to a 30-day supply (90 tablets) of generic immediate-release metformin (500mg, 850 mg, and 1000 mg) FREE.
• Antibiotics - Get up to a 14-day supply of the following generic oral antibiotics free:
• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Cephalexin (capsules and suspension only)
• Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP)
• Ciprofloxacin (excluding Ciprofloxacin XR)
• Penicillin VK
• Doxycycline Hyclate (capsules only)

So if you are prescribed one of these, make sure to go to Publix to get it. Even if you have a low cost insurance plan, this will keep you from paying that low cost AND from filing it on your insurance. =)  Win-win!

Handmade Christmas Gifts to Save You Money

If you are anything like us, you are finding yourself this year on a more limited budget than you might have found yourself in the past.  Or maybe you're just attacking debt.  Or maybe you're doing fine financially but decided there is no reason to spend a lot of money on Christmas presents when you can make some that mean more to the recipients.

Regardless of why you're reading this post, obviously you are looking for some low cost alternatives for Chritsmas presents.  Here are some ideas that I've run across (mostly on Pinterest) for some great gift ideas that won't break the bank.

Click through below (sorry - I didn't want all of the photos clogging up my front page).

What to Buy That Teenage Girl

What would you pay for a happy teenager? I know...that must seem like a mythological creature to those of you who have teenagers living with you. But I bet you can have a happy teenage girl on your hands for less than $25 this Christmas (okay...she might break a smile out for you at least).

I have a 15-year old niece on my shopping list. Ahhh...teenagers. What to do with them? Can't wait for mine to reach that age (since I can't type with a "tone" of voice...that one was dripping with sarcasm).

However, you can get some really great deals on makeup at E.L.F right now and what teenage girl doesn't like make up?

First of all, sign up at shopathome.com. Although I am signed up through upromise and mypoints, E.L.F. doesn't offer any rebates through those two sites, but they do throught shopathome.com. =) They actually offer 7% cash back! While you are there, you can check out a plethora of coupons that they have for E.L.F as well as MANY other stores.

If you aren't familiar with E.L.F--all of their make up (standard) is $1.00. Standard shipping is $6.95, so you should stock up while you are there. I have used it and I like it.

Some of my favorites for this particular shopping extravaganza:

• Save 75% off make up cases with code EH75CE.
• $1.98 shipping on $15 purchase with coupon UNDER2SHIP through 11/30
• Free Shipping on Orders over $35! Use code 35SHPFREE through 11/30
• Get a free Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder when you spend $10 at eyeslipsface.com! Just use coupon code BRONZE at checkout.
• $25 Restaurant Gift Card with $15 Purchase. Use code YUMMY
• 50% Off All Bath Items with code BTH50OFF
• FREE 27 Piece Mini Makeup Kit With Any Purchase! Use code LOYAL thru 11/30
• Spend $15 and Get a Free Smokey Eye Kit with code GTLSEYE
• 50% Off Minerals with code MIN50LTD

You can only use one coupon code, so choose wisely.

How am I using it today? Well, I'm buying a large make up case for $3 (usually $12) and filling it with makeup and brushes for a total of $24.95 shipped. Plus I'll get 7% back since I'm shopping through shopathome.com! =) Not a bad price for a happy teenager.

Great Discount Sites

With the holidays coming up, I have really been scouring discount sites for gift-giving needs. In this process I have used some oldie-but-goodies as well as been introduced to some new ones. I thought with everyone currently trying to snag great bargains, I could help you out by making sure you knew about all of the ones that I frequent.

Slickdeals - Now I don't usually visit slickdeals personally, as there is a LOT of information there to sort through. My recommendation (and personal practice) with SD is to subscribe to their blog feed to get some hot discount updates. Also I usually stop by there to do a search through their forum if there is something in particular I am looking for a good deal on.

Woot - This is a fairly new site to me. This seems to be hit or miss depending on your personal preferences. I haven't ordered anything yet, but I have seen what would be good deals if I was in the market for the featured product of the day. This site updates it's single featured product once a day (or when the product of the day sells out). A funny feature to this site is their "Bag of Crap." Everyone once in a while, unannounced, they sell a BOC for $5. You seriously have no idea what is going to come in it. It really could be something worthless or it really could be something awesome. I've heard accounts of both. I'm sure it's whatever items that they just have a few of in their warehouses. The article that goes with each product is also entertaining at least. Example - Today's featured item is a Gateway 11.6" Notebook computer for $279.99 plus shipping. There are forums to get more information/comments about the products.

Similarly there is Kids Woot, Wine Woot, and Shirt Woot for special interest. There is also Sellout Woot via Yahoo.

1 Sale a Day - This is a very promising site that a friend just introduced me to about 2 days ago. Similarly to Woot, every day they feature one main product (can be anything) but also have categories for Wireless, Watch, Family & Jewelry. Two days ago they featured Wii Sports Pack (tennis racket, golf club, etc) to attach to your Wii nunchucks for free (you paid only $5.99 shipping) although they normally retail for $79.99! Yesterday they had freshwater pearls - an 18' necklace - for only $15.00 (normally right at $200). My friend ordered from them for the first time (the Wii package), so I'll let you know how that goes.

Retail Me Not - Not a discount site, but where I ALWAYS check for coupon codes before ordering ANYTHING on the internet. I have saved so much money through them!

So those are my recommendations. None of these sites asked me to mention them...I am truly just passing along what I hope to be helpful information.

Happy shopping!

You Wouldn't Willingly Risk Your Child's Life, Would You?

I learned something not long ago that I feel is vitally important information and definitely worth sharing in my little corner of Blogland where maybe someone can benefit from learning it too.

Did you know that car seats expire? Yep.

So if you think you are saving money by buying used, you might not be as smart as you assumed.

It seems that the shell of the car seat, made with a plastic material, will break down over time, especially considering the heat it is exposed to while sitting in your sweltering vehicle day in and day out.

How do you know if yours is expired?

Well, some manufacturers are helpful enough to put an expiration date on a label on the seat itself. My first recommendation would be for you to look all over the bottom and sides of your seat and try to find an expiration date. If you cannot find one, you can call the manufacturer for this information, being sure to have the model of seat that you have. You can find the date of manufacture on any seat and this will assist the manufacturer in telling you whether of not your seat is safe.

If you cannot do this, a safe assumption is 6 years after the date of manufacture. Note--not 6 years after you bought it, as it may have sat on a shelf in a store or in a warehouse for a year or so before it came into your household. Always use the date of manufacture.

And if the manufacturer tells you something other than 6 years, it is okay to trust them. Some (very few) will last up to 10 years safely after the DOM, but this MUST be acknowledged by the manufacturer.

So what do you do if your seat is expired? Certainly you must go out and get another that is not expired. Almost as importantly though, you must destroy yours. How? Cut up the harness straps to render them completely unusable, hammer or saw the base in half, or make sure you watch the trash truck crush it.

Is this a ploy to make us buy more car seats? If you think that, just watch this video of a 10-year old Britax car seat. Enough said.

So although you buy those convertible seats and think, "I'll never have to buy another seat again, " you can now reconsider that. You can assume that your child will most likely be 5 years old by the time you reach the expiration date on the seat he/she is riding in if they have been it from infancy.

Also, this is a good reason not to register for larger car seats at a baby shower thinking that this will save you from buying it 4 years down the road.

The fact is, your child's life is more important than any money you can save by reusing an old seat. Keep this in mind the next time you shop for your deals. If you find one that will last long enough to get good use out of it, by all means grab it up, but know that not every deal is as good as it appears.

Frugality is Not Always Worth the Money

There are times that it pays to be frugal--cereal, clothing, cleaning supplies, etc. And then there are some times that the money is NOT worth it. There are several items that I will NOT buy generic--saltine crackers (I love my brand), peanut butter, chocolate milk, and others. I buy quality that I will not sacrifice on classic pieces of clothing and buy cheaper accessories or little tops that are trendy.

There are times, though, that being frugal can compromise your well-being. That's right...you think you're being smart by not paying big bucks until you realize that those big bucks were worth the cost. One of those items? Sunglasses.
I thought that this would be an appropriate topic since summer is here (it's in the mid-nineties here in the lovely city of Savannah, GA). Please do NOT buy the dollar store sunglasses for you or your kids. I know--kids break things. However, you really do not need to sacrifice their vision for your quest for cheapness. That's right--buying dollar store sunglasses is not frugal, it's cheap. That's because tinted glass (or plastic actually) does nothing to protect your eyes. It might make you feel better because the sun is not so bright anymore, but unless your specs are rated as UVA/UVB protection, you are not actually protecting yourself from anything, so GO BUY SOME REAL SUNGLASSES! If you take care of them, you will get your money's worth. I purchased a pair of RayBans about 10 years ago. I still wear them. That means that the quality eyewear that I paid over $120.00 for have served their purpose and I have gotten my money's worth while saving my vision.

As for kids...this is what we bought for Patrick. They are UVA/UVB rated and are incredibly (and awesomely) flexible as well as scratch-resistant. No lenses pop out. No tint peels off. No legs break off. And it is healthy.

Seriously...don't compromise on the wrong things.

Buying expensive stuff works for me...sometimes...when it's important.

Go check out Rocks in My Dryer to see what else works...

sweaty

10 Awesome Father’s Day Ideas - Part 5 of 5

So, after today you are on your own to shop, but you can't say that you've gone away empty-handed after reading my series on Awesome Father's Day Ideas. Let's wrap it up...(I'm so punny!)


9.) Office Gear:
Most men define themselves by their professional or career standing, but certainly are proud of the family they are providing for. Why not let them grace their office (home or work) with signs of his family to inspire him while he works?

--Big Bucks: A Blackberry or iPhone might be to his liking. Or you can have his diploma framed or feature the school that he calls his Alma mater.

--Smaller Bucks: Frames to showcase his awards or certificates, photo frames of his family, a desk set (you can get any themed one you desire...just Google it) or organizer. If he works at home, you might invest in a paper shredder or professional stationery. You can get personalized cartoons (framed, note cards, mouse pads, etc), laser pointers, a personalized world-travel map, a unique desk clock, a talking email microphone (what?!), a business card scanner, a desk-top air conditioner (for the man who doesn't control his office thermostat!), a classic for desks--Newton's cradle, or a personalized career sign (love these). If he can have "toys" at work, try corporate flashcards, a golfers sand trap, a golf-tee paperclip holder, or a roll-top desk organizer (cool!).

--Few Bucks: If he works out of home, offer to organize his workspace for him (don't throw anything away...trust me). Buy him some business cards (or get them free). Have kids create a DAD photo frame, a personalized note cube (LOVE this idea!), a cute photo frame, a homemade paperweight (Love this one too!), a desk set, or a coffee mug. If you're buying, try out a stress ball, a personalized "Never Question" mug, a mini file cabinet for cards (like this too!), or a dartboard decision maker.


10.) The Ultimate Gift - TIME:
Whatever you do, spend time with him. Make sure he knows that he is appreciated. Write down those things you appreciate about him, have kids act out a play of their appreciation, take him to dinner at his favorite restaurant. Spend a day doing whatever he enjoys (concert, museum, sporting event, stroll in the park, grilling out with the family, time around the pool). Make sure he knows that he is the focus of the day and appreciated for being the family's provider and strength.


BONUS: WRAP IT UP:
You can wrap your gifts in whatever you have, including frilly wrapping paper. However, if you want to make it a little more manly, you can certainly do that. Use newspaper, Kraft paper with twine tying it up or a duct tape bow, use sale papers from Home Depot or Lowe's, use flyers of his favorite places or schedules of his favorite teams. Make it themed with the present (for example, if you give him car washing supplies, put it in a bucket or wrap it in a drying cloth). Even put it in a brown paper bag with some cute note that makes him realize that it is done thoughtfully and not because you haven't taken it out of the bag you bought it in.

If he's a musician, wrap it in staff paper; if he's an engineer, wrap it in drafting paper. Just make it personal and creative. He'll love the thought you put into it.

Now, you have less than a week to finish shopping, so get out of here and go get/make him something!



Photo credit: Shanghai Daddy, Coffee Monster, mm904ut

10 Awesome Father’s Day Ideas - Part 4 of 5

In this fourth installment of Awesome Father's Day Ideas, we will review some more typical dad-type items that are certain to get him excited.


7.) Sports:
What man doesn't like sports of some type. Football, baseball, basketball, soccer, NASCAR, golf, hockey...why they even call bowling a sport (no doubt it takes skill, but "sport" might be stretching it here). Growing up, my dad watched whatever was on. His first choice was Atlanta Braves' games, but anything that was on would do.

--Ultimate Gifts: Tickets to major sporting events, golf school packages, Richard Petty Driving Experience (mentioned under hobbies as well--I warned you of some overlapping), a sporting package from your cable or satellite company, a man's-man recliner to watch his favorite events (some have coolers and remote storage built in and you can even get one in team colors!), serious collectors items, or lessons with a tennis or golf pro!


--Gifts with a Savings: There are ways of getting him up close and personal to the real thing while only having to pay for lodging, like volunteering him at Disney's Wide World of Sports--he'll still see the events and maybe get to rub elbows with celebrities! And a good cause will benefit from his work. You can even buy sports edibles and beer brewing kits affordably! Of course, there is always the fathead option if you don't mind these things on your walls or collectibles from his favorite team or college (google those specifically). Also, he might appreciate folding chairs (with cup holders, you know) and ponchos for tailgating! Look into any minor-league or local sports teams' schedules and buy tickets.

--Frugal Fan: Take dad for his own day or sports. Ride bike trails, take advantage of some golf courses being free or discounted on certain days/times (maybe you could arrange this with his boss without his knowledge?), take him to a sports' museum, spend a day at the park playing baseball, basketball, Frisbee, or whatever tickles his fancy! Take pictures and make him the all-star or the day. Have the kids make sports ball key chains, baseball frames, a golf business card holder, a billiards clock, a sports pencil holder, a baseball cap organizer, a baseball plaque, a can holder, foam crafts, or dough crafts - including magnets. Here's a homemade baseball themed card as well.


8.) ______ of the Month Club
If there is something your guy really, really loves, why not let the gift giving continue throughout the year.

--Most Out of Pocket: You can opt for any of-the-month club that would satisfy him. There is almost something for EVERYONE! You can choose from chocolates, cigars, wines, cheeses, neckties, salsas, hot sauces, BBQ sauce, coffee, pizza, beer, movies, or even a variety club where the gifts swap up. Visit any of these sites for help: Club Offers, Amazing Clubs, Awesome Clubs, or Sports Gifts or the Month helps.

--Least out of Pocket: Create your own. Wife may want to create her own (no links here...this is a family-friendly site, people!), but anyone can give a Chore Book, or you can even give him a get-out-of-chores-free cards that exempt him from a chore at the time of asking. You can make these expire within 24-hours, "when the game is off," "never" (really would not suggest this one), or "this weekend." Maybe you could give him coupons for breakfast-in-bed-of-the-month, kid-free-day-of-the-month or date-out-with-wifey-of-the-month (hey...you both win here!). Whatever he would like...be creative.

So tomorrow we will cover the last two gifts and some wrapping ideas. Come back to join us for the final post of this series!


Photo credit: Bisayan lady, Tim Yocum

10 Awesome Father’s Day Ideas - Part 3 of 5

As a continuation of the Father's Day Gift series, we will move forward and look at some great ideas for that manly man in your life.


5.) Electronics:
This category seems to be a hit with any man, as they are--lets face it--big boys who are often stuck with a Peter Pan syndrome. The big money ones are easy to think of, so I will try to help you with inexpensive variations!

--An Arm & A Leg: A GPS (to go with his beloved ride), a computer, a Bose home theater system, or satellite radio (including monthly subscription). An iPod or cell phone can possibly put you into this upper range easily to get all of the bells and whistles (which you know he'll want!).

--Just an Arm: Maybe a digital camera (these are getting cheaper by the week)--as I've been told that unless you're planning to print out 8 x 10 photos, you don't need any more than 6.0 MegaPixels. Look at just a memory card or stick for his camera or computer. A universal remote for all of the gadgets he already has could be a winner or possibly a cell phone or iPod charger or accessories.

--Barely a Fingertip: Take a camera walk using the camera you already have: tour some place special with a picnic lunch and a ball & glove or frisbee to entertain. Take plenty of photos. If you want to have them developed immediately, take to a 1-hour place and have a treat while you wait. Then put them together in an album to treasure that special Father's Day. Make a CD Photo Frame or a Denim MP3 Player holder. Put a Screensaver on his computer especially for him (make sure the site is safe to download from!). Create a free personal web page about why your dad is incredible and share it with him! You can use photos, quotes, poems, music, clipart or whatever you want...all for free!


6.) King of the Grill/Outdoors:
It must have something to do with being allowed to play with fire, but guys really seem to love their grills. It is a "manly" way to cook and a way to impress their friends with their ability to handle meat. And although many of them will not do flower gardens, they usually take pride in maintaining their yards and often get to ride around on big tractor-like lawn mowers to do so.

--Super Duper: There are those big name items--the megagrill, smoker, and riding mower. A hammock is a great gift, but can fall into this category if you get a top-of-the-line quality one.

--Super Still: A brander for his steaks (2 links there), BBQ sauce, tools for the grill, a grill cover, steaks, or a gift basket of stuff for his grilling abilities (combine many of the items listed here or in the next category).

--Super Saver: A gift basket of stuff from your own kitchen, a chef's apron--personalized, or your own blend of BBQ sauce. You can also find inexpensive grill gadgets if you look.


BONUS: New Dads/Dads-to-Be:
I wanted to take a moment and recognize those brand new dads or those who are soon going to join the ranks of parenthood. It's a scary time for them and they need to be recognized as well!

--Costly: A camera, camcorder and are all going to be a hit with the proud new papa. To show baby off in person, dad will like carriers and backpacks "for him." Or put together this great New Dad Kit for the hospital (can actually be in any price category depending on what you want to put in it and what he already owns!).

--Less Costly: A Dad's Tool Bag, a Daddy Belt (alternative to diaper bag), a helpful book or two (two links), this funny Diaper Master kit, engraved baseball bat to celebrate the occasion, or a Daddy's Burp Bib. Or you could contribute to the nursery in a way that will please dad with this baseball mobile (several teams available).

--Not at All Costly: A greeting and congrats from the White House (although this will not arrive by Father's Day, still a cool gift). Better than the above "Less Costly" items, put together your own Daddy belt (buy gardener's tool belt or carpenter's tool belt and add accessories).

Don't forget to join me again on Sunday (Saturday will be a weekly round-up) for Part 4 where we'll look at Sports and Clubs of the Month!


Photo credit: clix, hbeyhs, vivekchugh

10 Awesome Father’s Day Ideas - Part 2 of 5

As we continue our series of great gifts for Dad, I wanted to touch on the "traditional" gifts for him:


3.) Clothing Accessories:
Although I have no supporting facts and figures to back this up, I firmly believe that the week before Father's Day must be the single biggest day in tie sales annually. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with a tie, but we'll try to examine how to make this often mundane type of gift a little more personal.

--Black Tie: A brand new watch, some snazzy bejeweled cuff links, and designer sunglasses are all wonderful accessories to add to that wonderful man's wardrobe. You can also buy expensive dress shirts and ties that he will love.

--Khakis & Polo: A less costly way to accessorize your guy is to give him a wallet or these slippers with headlights (what guy wouldn't think THAT was awesome?!). Have the kids make this lunchbox shoe shine kit (and you can stock it) or buy some less expensive dress attire (but only if he really likes it...do not use this as a fallback gift)--you could opt to personalize a simple tie with his monogram if you have an embroidery sewing machine for an added touch

--Blue Jeans & Sneakers: I challenge you to show me any man who wouldn't love to have this duct-tape wallet! Make a personalized t-shirt for him. Let your kids crown him for his special day.


4.) Tools:
What man could feel masculine without owning at least a few hand tools? Most will prefer the powered variety, but all need to feel that power in their hands. Let's help them out:

--Big Bucks: Power tools can be costly as well as large mobile tool chests. You can even spend a lot of money on a shop or garage organization system to help your man feel as though he has control of his surroundings. However, this is some high-end stuff. If you'd like to spend a little less, try:

--Some Bucks: Hand tools, accessories to his existing tools (does he have a screw extractor set for his drill or a battery charger), or a workbench. Or have him signed up for a class at a local trade school for some how-to tips on a project he's been wanting to tackle. Maybe some eye protection (really...he needs to be wearing that if he's playing with power tools). What about a point-and-click tape measure?

--Almost No Bucks: Make this awesome secret safe for dad for the shop! Have a jar set aside for something that dad wants--one of the bigger items above, maybe? Label it as a Father's Day Fund. Everyone's (mom, kids, dad) change DAILY goes into this jar. It doesn't cost you much on a day-to-day basis, but will be a constant reminder to him that you are all working to get him that big purchase he greatly desires. Organize his garage or shop area for him (although please avoid this if he is a Type A personality, as he may not like you messing with his stuff!).


BONUS: Cards:
You can always support your local pay-out-the-rear-for-a-folded-piece-of-paper-with-a-pre-written-message-on-it card shop. Or you could make your own. Here are some great ones I found:

--Actually Paying: If you do want to purchase something, make it personalized. CVS, Walgreen's, Snapfish, and other photo developers are always offering deals on photo books. Make one of dad and kids and work on it a lot to give it that truly personalized, time-invested appearance of a professional publication. Create a memory book of either his childhood or his life as a dad. You might move him to tears.

--Homemade: Wow...I'll just give you links here:
*DLTK offers cards, coloring pages, crafts, printables, and jig-saw puzzles
*Kaboose has some great cards like tent card, bird and bark card, and fish card
*Family Corner has a great easy photo card
*Making Learning Fun has some cards, coloring pages, crafts, & math lessons
*These Martha Stewart paper airplane cards are great! (bonus: can be used by dad as a toy!)
*Enchanted Learning has a tie card, dog card, and a pop-up card!
*How about this shirt cuff card? ADORABLE!
*Dad Award: here, here, here, here, here, or here...or just make your own!


As long as your gift is from the heart, he'll love it! Come back tomorrow for the third installment!


Photo credit: mai05, Shenky

10 Awesome Father’s Day Ideas - Part 1 of 5

Welcome 16th Carnival of Money Hacks goers (hosted by Daily Money Hack)! Since you have found yourself here, I'm guessing you'd like to get some Father's Day ideas--you have lucked up because the entire series is now posted! Have fun looking around and make yourself at home! If you like what you see, feel free to subscribe (right margin) and you are welcome to comment anywhere you feel inspired! Have a great time!

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and with the success of my Mother’s Day series for gift ideas, I didn’t want to leave those hard-working dads out. Thus the birth of this Father’s Day Gift Series.

I must admit that this series was more challenging than the Mother’s Day series because many of the categories that I discovered overlapped. Is fishing a sport or a hobby? Or is it considered “Outdoor?” So, I have done my best to categorize these. Yes, some will overlap, but just ignore that and keep reading…

So, without further ado, in no particular order, I present to you, 10 Awesome Father’s Day Ideas:

1.) Automobile Stuff:
Many men really love their cars. I don’t mean appreciate their car as a mode of transportation—I mean that their car might hold their attention more than their wives (yeah…stop that, guys). For your auto enthusiasts, let me offer these ideas:

--High End: A car. Yep. Some people get a CAR for Father’s Day. Even a nice new stereo system or some great add-ons can cost more than I can personally spend on a single gift. For the man that really WANTS a car and a wife that cannot afford such a gift, try these alternatives…

--Inexpensive: Floor mats, a steering wheel cover, a bucket full of cleaning products for his love, those much needed wiper blades, a gift card to his favorite auto accessory store.

--Frugal: Book of coupons for free wash, free wax, free vacuum (via you or the kids). Put together a travel kit. Make some great gifts from the kids like this Mechanic’s Pencil Holder, this Car Nut Frame, or a personalized “license plate.”


2.) Hobby:
Dads love a number of different things (cars are just one of them) and you can easily feed his hobby. The danger here is to make the gift sincere and not one of those regular fall-back gifts (does EVERYONE give golf balls to that golfer in your family?)


--High End: A hunting or fishing trip, Cloud 9 Living experiences, and racing extravaganzas are some of the high end activities that you guy would enjoy.

--More fun for less: Gift cards to favorite stores (like Bass Pro Shops?), subscriptions to magazines or books about his hobby, or have that home-movie buff's previous videos put on DVD for him. If he is an avid movie watcher, a collection of DVDs and some popcorn accessories might make him happy (and make for a fun family night). Fill a new tackle box with lures if you know what he likes. How about hunting and/or fishing licenses (he’ll need them, you know)?

--Fun with even LESS invested: Set up a camping or fishing trip for the family or just between child and dad. Let him teach them how to build a camp fire and pack goodies for them like smores ingredients. Make a bamboo fishing pole for your fisherman or some photo bookmarks for your reader. Make this Gone Fishin’ chalkboard from the kids. Does he loves puzzles? Try out these mazes, crosswords, or word searches. You can even create your own!


Come again tomorrow for Part 2!

Photo credit: Ginae, krayker