Homeschooling and Manipulatives

 

Manipulatives have been a wonderful addition to our homeschool journey so far.  They seem to hold his focus for longer than anything, including regular toys.  At this point I am trying to incorporate them into our daily lives more.  The fact that he wants toys but then doesn't play with them bothers me.  Yet, if I set out manipulatives of one form or another, he will sit and paly with them for hours.  Focused.  Getting him to focus on anything for more than a few minutes, if we are lucky, has been a challenge.  I call it a win.  Even if he isn't using them for their intended purpose, his brain is working and learning.

For instance, take math cubes.  They are meant to count, addition, subtraction, etc.  We did that briefly.  Then we used them to create patterns.  I would create something that he would then continue on the pattern.  That turned into him making his own patterns, and asking how patterns work.  Now, he has figured out that he can build things with the cubes.  

We have magnetic tiles, magnetic cubes, a marble run, legos, etc.  Currently the math cubes are his focus.  He gets creative with them.  They are rather limiting since they only have 1 connection spot.  He has figured out how to build things in layers to create animals, people, etc.  The amount of problem solving he is using is amazing.  He will keep build and tear apart repeatedly without getting mad over and over again until it looks the way he has it pictured in his head.  It is fantastic to see.

Mosaic tiles are another favorite of his.  There is a grid with pictures you can create with the colored tiles.  He patiently creates these pictures, as well as creating his own.  It has helped with him looking at something and trying to copy it.  Whether that be a letter, number, or simple picture.  He is making that brain connection.

These manipulatives help with fine motor development, problem solving, creativity, etc.  The best part is he is working hard, focusing, and learning while he thinks he is just playing.

Frugal Homeschool Adventures

 Now that the weather is cooling down around here we are setting out on our adventures.  It is time for nature hikes and trails without sweating heavily and burning to a crisp.  This also means a lot less mosquitos to contend with.  It makes for more enjoyment in our adventures.

There are many trails we can do in our area without going very far.  All of these are free with the exception of the gas to drive there.  We just add these trails onto our days when we are already in the area.  Pack a lunch and drinks and we are good to go for a while.  

The boy loves to just run through the trails at full speed for a while.  The joy of being untethered in nature.  He looks for butterflies and moths as he runs.  Asking many, many questions about the sounds he hears, as well as the trees and flowers he sees.  Questions about the animals we see and hear, the trees that are down, as well as many others.

Collecting rocks, flowers, pine cones and a myriad of other items from outdoors is a daily occurrence with him.  He brings me small gifts from exploring outside.  He is very thoughtful.

He is definitely in his element outdoors.  He spends a lot of time outside exploring at home.  Nature trails and paths are the highlight of his day when we fit them in.  Unfortunately, we are not able to do this every day.  His disappointment shows up more and more in his behavior on the days we do not go.  I wish this could be an every day adventure, but unfortunately life has many other demands.  Working full time from home gives me some freedom to go on short  adventures, but I still have to work.

Homeschooling and Activities

 I have always been against signing kids up for activities just to give them something to do.  Too many people sign their kids up for activities that they don't like or want to do.  And then, on top of that, they have them in multiple activities so that they are doing something constantly.  

I have seen people around me have their kids in regular school and then an activity or sport almost every day after school.  I see this as detrimental to kids.  They need time to decompress, especially if they are going to a traditional school.  

We don't like being busy from the time we get up until we fall into bed at night.  Why would our kids want to, why would they like it?  I have been of the mind that if one of my kids showed an interest in something, we would explore it.  If they wanted to try something out, we would find a way.  The stipulation being that they had to put an effort into it and then if they didn't like it or enjoy it, they were allowed to drop whatever it was.  The other caveat was that if it caused negatives in their life or our family life that it would be stopped.

That being said, a year ago now, my four year old (then 3) jumped off of a jungle gym and broke his arm.  I realized then that he needed something to burn off energy and teach him limits.  He is very stubborn and determined child.  Not a bad thing if funneled away from harm.  I am not opposed to him taking risks.  However, I decided it was time for him to try something that would feed into that desire in a safer environment.

I looked into a few different options in our area.  I knew I didn't want a sport that required a lot of practices and games.  Between work and caring for his disabled adult brother I knew those would not be possible.  In my search I discovered Taekwondo for kids.  Our area has several different places that offer this.  To my surprise, one was very affordable with a monthly plan and flexible classes.  Add to that, they have 2 mornings a week that are set as a homeschool group.  Fantastic and the most affordable option. 

We gave it a try.  It took him a bit to adjust to a group setting and an instructor, but he loved it.  In a few weeks we will hit a year in.  He has thrived.  It has helped in so may ways.  He is becoming a very very outgoing child.  He is making friends with kids and adults.  He is learning how to trust his body, how to pay attention to his body and muscles.  I never expected this.  In this year he has moved up to a group of the next age group of kids.  

This class teaches anti-bullying techniques at the age and development level of the kids.  The instructors are really good with the kids.  I never expected to have my child in a "sport" 2 days a week.  But, he is thriving with this.  

Team work and working together is part of every class.  Moving his body in a healthy and positive way instead of just wildly throwing himself around has been a huge improvement.  He is learning how to identify and target certain muscles for movements, stretches, etc.  This has become a family activity in a way.  His dad now goes to the adult classes.  We practice exercises, stretches, and movements at home together.  I am allowed to watch his entire class time.  I am then able to help him practice at home.  

Secondary to an activity for him to burn off energy was self defense.  Some things have happened in my life the last couple of years where it has become a bigger concern.  He needs to be able to physically defend himself if needed, as well as know when it is needed.  I have needed this as well.  I don't ever want my kids to face some of the things I have in my life.  I want to set them up the best I am able for their future, and that includes personal awareness and safety.

Homeschooling Adventures in Nature

 Now that spring is upon us we are getting out in nature as often as possible.  There are quite a few nature paths and trails near us.  It is quite easy to fit a trail into our day. 

Trails, streams, woods, anything outdoors brightens the boy's mood.

Exploring the trails opens up an endless chain of questions.  Anything and everything is an optional topic.  He asks the most random questions at times.  His curiosity, as all over as it is, leads him to explore and absorb everything around him.  He is learning about many different things simply by being present and fully immersed in his environment. 

I have found a small kids book on trees and rocks to help him answer some of his many questions.  It allows him to search for answers on his own.  He loves these books, and will just sit and look through them at home.

Lately, we have been seeing a few different birds in our apple trees.  He loves watching them.  Next on our list is to acquire a bird book for him.

The physical exercise is really good for him.  He loves being outside.  The outdoors brings him into a better mood when he is having an off day.  I do have to say,  it lifts my mood as well.

He does a lot of learning out in nature, away from books and workbooks.  I know he remembers these adventures more than anything we do on paper.  He asks to go for walks frequently.  And now, even at 4, he knows which trails he wants to go on.  He has his favorites already.

Homeschooling and Learning To Read

 

I have tried many, many methods of teaching my 4 year old how to read.  He has refused to cooperate with any of these methods/ curriculum.  In November I decided to shelf everything.  He was just not ready.  

I decided to just focus on to reading to him as much as possible.  I started slipping in how to sound words out while we were reading since he wanted to repeat all the words that I read to him.  He already knew his letters and sounds, mostly in part to the Caterpillar alphabet game that he loved.  We also used bits and pieces of curriculum from workbooks as he tolerated doing them.  

He has been memorizing stories that are read to him for over a year now.  A few months ago he decided he was going to "read" to me.  He was "reading" his memorized books to me.  I had to slow him down and encourage him to look at the words and run his finger along as he "read".  When he would miss a word in the story I would tell him the word and then sound it out.  This worked here and there, he usually wasn't patient enough for this.  

Every once in a while I pull out some of the Bob phonics books and would read with him through them.  About a week ago he started, on his own, to try to read books to me that he didn't have memorized.  To see if he was actually reading the words, I pulled out a few phonics readers we hadn't used yet.  He read me more than 75% of the words.  

He is very proud of himself.  He is a stubborn and determined boy.  The way our homeschooling journey is going, it isn't happening unless it is his idea.  I have been trying to just toss all age expectations out.  

I am trying to embrace unschooling.  The problem I am running into though, is family and acquaintances.  Everyone seems to think it is ok to ask him if he is able to do something, or quiz him on stuff they think he should be doing.  It's very frustrating.  This is his journey and he is naturally curious about everything.  

I recently purchased a field guide for rock identification as well as a book on tree, plant and flower identification.  He always wants to know what everything we see is, I figured he could learn to look things up.  He was excited and already going through the book.  They will be a nice companion to our warm weather trail and nature walks.  

I have been trying to focus on teaching him how to learn.  So many things fascinate him and learning how to research his interests and questions will be an important skill for life.

The Start of our Homeschooling Journey

 

Our homeschooling journey has begun for my 4 year old son.  

Up until this point I have been following his interests and supporting them with materials as needed.  At the beginning of September I decided to switch things up a bit with him.  He currently has an intense desire to know what every word he sees says.  I have started working with phonics and increased our reading together.  He loves books and has his favorites.  Granted, those favorites periodically change.  He has started memorizing these books and reads them with me.  He has the desire to know what each printed word says.  I was really worried about my ability to teach him to read, though at this point I think he has taken the reigns in that department.  All I need to do is support and guide him right now.

He is a very active and squirrely boy.  It appears that he may not need as much pushing and heavy guidance as I thought.  He is really interested in learning many skills.   

As I tend to do with a lot  of things, I may have went overboard in trying to figure out what to use with him.  I have multiple different methods of teaching to read in various forms.  I have flash cards, electronic phonics and books, BOB Books, workbooks, a teach your child to read book,  and Montessori tools and books.  So far I have been using all of them in one manner or another.  

I am still testing out to see what type of learning method works for him.  We tried the hooked on phonics program this summer for a few months as well.  The idea of it was good.  It started out really well.  However he got bored of the lessons pretty quickly.  There are only a few different formats of lessons.  He realized pretty quickly how the lessons were set up and got tired of them.  I also realized I wanted to combine learning to write the letters with learning to read.  

We worked consistently all summer on getting a good pencil grip and confident movement of said pencil.  I realized that he tends to only want to do physical activities and that I needed to push him into writing, painting, etc. in a relaxed and fun manner. We are getting there.  He is still struggling with tracing letters and numbers.  However, he does know how to count to 20 and understands the value of the numbers.   He is a negotiator of the quantity of things.  We have been using a Monkey scale balance game to reinforce numbers, quantity of the number and the names of numbers.  He really enjoys this  method.  It is hands on with no writing.  I'm hoping he learns to enjoy writing, drawing, etc.  But for some reason he tends to try to get out of it.  

When it comes to using scissors, we have been practicing holding them correctly and cutting things out.  He is quickly improving in this area and really enjoys it.  I have also introduced glue.  That has become an obsession of his.  The little goof ball wants to glue everything.

Nature walks are a frequent additions to our days.  He loves running down trails and exploring.  Creeks and rivers hold great fascination.  He asks many many questions about everything he hears and sees.

With endless curiosity, boundless energy, and a thirst that absorbs everything around him, he is plowing his way into learning.  It is amazing to see everything he is learning and picking up by just following his lead.

Frugal Adventures

 Frugal Adventures

One of my favorite things to do is to explore and enjoy trails.  My youngest really enjoys the outdoors.  He spends a lot of his time playing outside.  He has become my walking buddy.  

There are quite a few trails in my area.  Free or frugal, depending on which trails I use.  Some require a pass.  Those trails that require a pass I will purchase a year long pass and then plan to use it as much as possible.  I don't do those every year.  The majority of the time I pick a free trail to enjoy.  Once my son is older we may switch things up and do more of the other trails.  

It was a beautiful day, so we stopped at one of the trails that follows a river.  He had a blast.  He ran and explored, full of joy.  Rock throwing into the river was a fun activity.  Inspecting trees and rocks.  Asking many, many questions.  The boy loves rocks and sticks.  He collects both. This turned into a good activity for him to burn off some energy.  

Watching him explore his environment gives me joy.  He absorbs everything around him.  A good homeschooling activity even if he is just a toddler.  Playing in the sand, running through the woods, exploring, inspecting rocks, sticks, etc may seem like play to us, but for him it is hands on learning.  It may not be measurable, but he is learning about everything around him, in his way. 

Now that warmer weather is here we will be hitting up trails as much as possible.  It brightens his mood while physically wearing him out.  

Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

 Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl is a simple, quick and frugal dish.  It only has a few ingredients and can easily being adjusted to fit different tastes or flavor profiles.

In my family everyone has a different taste preference.  Toppings or add ins can completely change this dish up to fit everyone.

Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl

1 lb. ground beef

12 oz bag of coleslaw mix or chopped cabbage

1 Tbs.  butter

1/2 finely diced onion

2 cloves minced garlic

1/2 diced pepper (or more if desired)

1/2 c. beef or chicken broth

1 tsp.  each salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder

Optional toppings or add ins: sriracha, orange ginger sauce, sour cream, soy sauce, liquid aminos, etc

In a large skillet pan melt the butter and saute the onions, garlic and peppers until tender.  Add the ground beef cooking until done.  Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder mixing well.  Add the broth and the cabbage.  Stir well until well mixed.  Cover and cook over medium to low heat, stirring occasionally until cabbage is to the desired texture.  We prefer very tender.  Taste and add more seasoning if needed.

At this point you could add a variety of sauces or other seasonings to the dish.  We prefer to serve it and then each person adds whatever they like to top it.  Another option, though probably unusual, is to top with shredded cheese and let it melt.  Sour cream is also chosen on occasion.

  Baby Led Weaning Keto Style

With myself living a meat based keto lifestyle my goal was to continue this with my son.  He was about 4.5 months old when I started.  He was sitting up on his own and showing an intense interest in the food being eaten around him.

I wanted to minimize the risk of choking on food, but I also didn't want him eating purees.  I started with steamed veggies such as broccoli and carrots.  I gave him large strips of cooked steak and let him gum on it and suck on it.  He loved this the most.  He absolutely loved cheese sticks as well.  He would suck on them and gum them forever.  As he got better at moving food around in his mouth I moved on to berries.  Mushed blueberries and raspberries.  Eventually I gave him blackberries.  He wanted to try everything he saw me eating.  I let him taste almost everything.  He usually just wanted to lick it and taste it.

Now that he is 3 he eats or at least tries almost everything.  He has no qualms to going up to anyone eating and asking for a bite.  He prefers food with flavor.  He will stick his nose up at bland food.  

A short list of foods he started out with:

    1.  Steamed veggies

    2.  Cheese Sticks

    3.  Large pieces of cooked meat

    4.  Avocado slices

    5.  Keto Ratio yogurt

As he was more and more able to move food around and mash it in his mouth I added in:

    1.  Mushed berries

    2.  Steamed and seasoned squash cubes

    3.  Scrambled eggs

    4.  Sausage sticks

   

Once he mastered chewing and swallowing his food I added in:

    1.  Small bite size pieces of tender meat

    2.  Small pieces of cheese

    3.  Keto Ratio yogurt with berries and granola

    4.  Shredded chicken

    5.  Pulled Pork

As he continued to master chewing, swallowing, and using utensils I started to offer him everything I was eating.  He has developed his own taste preferences.  To this day he seems to prefer his food either cold or room temperature.

With drinking in mind I started him on a small shot glass size cup with a tiny amount of water in it.  It took him a lot of practice to actually get it to his mouth and drink it.  He preferred to dump it, stick his hands in it, and splash in the spilled water.  It was well worth the mess.  At 3 years old now, he uses a regular cup easily.  Uses the water dispenser on the refrigerator to fill it.

I had a huge fear of him choking when I started out.  I quickly learned that he was capable of knowing his limits.  He had a few times of gagging on food, but coughed it out all on his own.  He seemed to learn from these incidents.  Food was played with more than eaten for a long time.  That is ok.  He was learning from this through feeling and manipulating the food.  He was engaging all his senses and thoroughly enjoying himself.

Frugally Preparing for Baby

 When I found out I was pregnant my brain immediately started calculating the cost of preparing for this baby.  They need a lot of stuff, and I'm not talking extras... I'm talking basic essentials.  My youngest was going to be turning 18 shortly after this little one was born.  I had nothing other than a few special things I kept back from my other kids.  I had to start over.  I also knew that I wouldn't be having anymore after this either.  The challenge to do this as frugally as possible began.

I decided to start figuring out what I would absolutely need once the baby was here.  I made lists of essentials and wants.  From this I decided I would need a plan.  I decided I would start as soon as possible, even though I was high risk for a variety of reasons.  

My search slowly began. I knew this would give me time to gradually spread the cost over a longer time.  I also knew that it was unlikely that I would have a baby shower.  I decided to figure out a way or ways to collect everything I needed without having to rely on gifts from others. This was a multi-step process that required patience and work.

First of all I started stopping at local thrift stores.  Babies outgrow things really fast.  Buying inexpensive used clothing was my goal for almost all of the clothing I needed.  In my area there are only a couple of thrift stores with baby stuff that is inexpensive.  I checked in these stores repeatedly, only buying what I found was a good price for the item and its condition.  Also, calculating about the sizes the baby would need based on the seasons.

Another good resource was creating online gift registries.  Even though I had not planned to have a baby shower, I discovered that some retailers give you a free gift box or bag once you complete your registry.  Some places charge for delivery.  Those I avoided.  I ended up doing Amazon, Walmart, and Target.  The gifts had samples, full size bottles, onesies, a blanket, etc in them.  

I signed up for rewards programs for different baby companies.  I received free formula from similac and enfamil in the mail along with large value coupons.  Granted, I planned on breastfeeding until I went back to work, but I knew I would need to wean to a formula after a month or two.  This came in handy recently with a baby that was having breastfeeding issues.  I was able to try formula out without purchasing a full size container.  

Watching weekly sales at local stores saved me a lot of money.  I purchased a pack and play when a store ran a 30% off as well as a promotional credit off your next store purchase if you spent a certain amount.  I signed up for a rewards program for a store that has in store coupons every week.  There are regularly coupons for baby products in this program.  

For new stuff I checked the clearance racks of Kohl's, Meijer, Target and Walmart.  For Kohl's I was able to stack offers.  I have their credit card, receiving percentages off my purchases.  Sometimes they will send you additional coupons.  These can all be used on the clearanced items.  I was able to get some really nice new clothes at really really cheap prices.  Meijer, Target and Walmart were hit and miss.  I just regularly checked their baby departments clearance areas.  I was able to purchase quite a few items steeply reduced.

As for Amazon, I managed to save a bunch of money.  Purchasing items through the baby registry eventually earned me an additional discount.  You are able to add things to your registry and then move it to your cart from there.  This counts as a registry purchase.  I waited until I unlocked my extra discount and found a crib and mattress that I wanted for about the same price as found locally.  With the extra discount it was a lot cheaper and free shipping.  No figuring out how to haul it through a store and home.  Win win in my book.  Especially being pregnant. 

Finding a New Normal

 It's been a while.  I've been trying to find a new normal for my life.  I have had some major life changes since I was on here last.

I gave birth to a wonderful baby boy on August 1st.  He has been a blessing and a life changer.  Throughout my pregnancy I struggled to find a new normal.  Between my already challenging day to day life, life's demands, Covid, and being pregnant it was difficult.  Before I knew it he was here.  

Rafael's arrival has brought about more challenges than I anticipated.  I'm still learning how to balance taking care of a newborn following a c-section, taking care of my disabled adult son, getting my daughter back and forth to work, as well as keeping up a household.

For being only a month old, this little guy is challenging me in ways I don't remember with my other kids.  I started out exclusively breast feeding, and he was doing wonderfully.  This past week I have been supplementing with formula.  We have had several weeks of his constant hunger, and wanting to eat around the clock with short naps.  When I supplement he sleeps better and is a happy little guy.  I was really hoping to breast feed him as long as possible.  I am trying to come to terms with the fact that my milk is just not enough for him.  I want him to be as happy and healthy as possible, even if that means he ends up on just formula.  

Life has been so busy, even during my pregnancy, that I have come to rely on food prep.  I plan on sharing my version of food prep for my family that seems to work for us.

I struggled throughout my entire pregnancy about gaining weight.  It was hard on my mental health after having finally reached a weight I was content with.  I am still struggling with this as I still need to lose 20 pounds to get back to where I was before this pregnancy.  

The plan is to share here not just my frugality, but also my struggle to find a new normal.  I will share my journey as a new parent with 2 adult children, the good, the bad and the frugal.  The challenges are there, but that doesn't mean frugality has to take a hit.  Frugal living will remain a focus of our journey.

Crochet Dishcloth

An easy crochet project for the home or to be used as a gift is the dishcloth or washcloth.  This is simple to make, even for the beginner, is inexpensive as well comes together quickly.  You can easily adjust it to the size you want without any issues.

To start with I am currently making a set of dishcloths for a family member.  They needed to be thin enough to be easily wrung out when wet.  For this I am using Lion Brand's Impeccable yarn with a size G hook.

Chain 41

Row 1:  sc in the 2nd chain from the hook, (ch 1, skip the next chain), sc in the next stitch.  Repeat this all the way to the end of your chain, ending in a sc.  Turn.

Row 2:  Chain 1.  Sc in the first sc, ch 1,  sc in the ch 1 space.  Continue across with a sc in a ch 1 space and a ch 1 over the sc of the previous row.

Row 3-36:  Ch 1 and sc in the first stitch of the row, sc in every ch 1 space, and ch 1 over every sc of the previous row.

To finish, evenly sc around the outside of the square, placing 3 sc in every corner.  Slip Stitch and weave in your ends.

This pattern can be done with any type of yarn.  Keep in mind that the thickness of the yarn may require a different size of hook.  A larger hook will yield a larger dishcloth with bigger holes.  A smaller hook will yield a smaller dishcloth with tighter holes.

Frugal Homemade Gift ideas

Gifting homemade items is a more personalized way to give gifts, at least in my eye.  It is also a way to save money during the holiday season.

Some homemade ideas to consider are:

Crochet or knit blankets, scarves, hats, mittens, slippers, sweaters, dish cloths, dish towels, pot holders, coasters, etc.

If you sew, make quilts, clothing items, bags, etc.

For those that can bake or enjoy making things in the kitchen, consider: Muffins, cookies, cake, bread, jams, applesauce, granola, etc.

If you enjoy making things but are short on time you may want to consider making nut clusters, sea foam, peanut brittle, cocoa mix, mug cake mixes, trail mix, mason jar mixes, etc

If you draw or paint:  Personally made cards, or a framed piece of artwork you have created.

Think about your skills and hobbies, the odds are pretty good there is something that you could utilize toward gift giving.

You could create a small cookbook for the budding cook in the family.  Pass on family favorite recipes this way.  There are so many ways you could do this.  You could type and print it all out, use a binder, notebook, index cards, photo copy your own recipes, etc.  

For the book worm in the family there is always the used bookstore.  Although this one should be done only if you know they wouldn't mind used books, and if you know what they read.

15 Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

For Christmas I usually put together gift baskets for those that I give to.  I like being able to customize the gift to the person receiving it.  Affordability is also a key component.  Doing these, I am able to give to more than just immediate family.  I also give to a few friends as well as a couple of businesses that I frequent.

There are a variety of types of gift boxes you can do.  Some themes are:

1.  Coffee lover:  Bag of coffee, creamer, mug or travel mug, cookies, snacks, etc

2.  Young Child:  Coloring books, colored pencils, markers, crayons, stickers, erasers, pencil sharpener, paint set, paint brushes, candy, etc.

3.  Play Dough Child:  Variety of play dough colors, form shapers, etc.

4.  Older Kid or Young Adult:  Coffee mug, mug cake packages, hot chocolate packets, cookies, candy, etc.

5.  Mom or Food lover:  Homemade jams, applesauce, food items, flavored oils, etc.

6.  Alcohol:  Flavored moonshine, shot glasses, snacks.

7.  Beauty #1:  Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, face mask, lotion, hair accessories, etc.

8:  Beauty #2:  Manicure set, lotion, nail polish, nail stickers, etc.

9.  Beauty #3: makeup, nail polish, makeup removing cloths, etc.

10.  Artist:  Sketchpad, pencils, eraser, markers, colored pencils, charcoal pencils, paint, paint brushes, etc.

11.  Movie Lover:  Movie, microwave popcorn, hot chocolate packets, snacks, etc.

12.  Food Lover #2:  Homemade breads, muffins, cookies, trail mix, hot cocoa packages, etc.

13.  Single Young Adult:  Coffee, hot cocoa single serve packages, single serve mug cake packages, mug or travel mug, snacks, et.

14.  Budding Baker:  Measuring cups, measuring spoons, spatulas, whisk, baking pans, cookie cutters, rolling pin, etc.

15.  Chocolate Lover:  Specialty or home made chocolate bars, chocolate nut clusters, brownies or brownie mix, homemade hot cocoa mix, chocolate covered pretzels,etc.

All of these gift basket ideas can be customizes to the person you are creating it for.  It can be as inexpensive or expensive as you want. 

If you have the time or inclination, a lot of gift basket items can be made.  this cuts down on the cost and enables you to customize the basket even easier to the person you are giving it to.

The dollar stores are a great place to look for gift basket items.  This is my go to place after I have made the gifts for the baskets.  It is a good place to round out your baskets.

Another good idea is to keep an eye out for sales throughout the year.  For those people you buy for every year, you have a good opportunity to find something at a steal of a deal. 

Frugal Christmas Gift Baskets

Since Christmas is less than a month away I figured I would share one of my favorite frugal gifts to give out.

I like assembling gift baskets or bags that are either consumable or  usable to the person receiving it. If you keep the person in mind as you assemble this basket, it will keep the the cost low but thoughtful.

I use a box about the size I want the basket to be.  You can reuse any box you have hanging around or ask for any boxes that are going to be tossed out at a local store.  Most places will happily give you any boxes that they are going to toss out.

To this box, cut off the top flaps, leaving your box with a bottom and sides.

Now, you need wrapping paper of whatever design you want.  Measure the length around your box as well as the height.  To the length add about an inch.  To the height add about 6 inches.  Cut this piece of wrapping paper off the roll.  Tape the paper to the box so that the height is in the middle of the total height of the paper.  Pull the paper around the box so that the other end meets the edge you taped.  Tape this spot. I try to start and end in a corner to make it look as seamless and neat as possible..

Fold the bottom paper that is overhanging as if you were wrapping a present.  Tape into place.

Fold in the top overhanging paper neatly.  Tape into place.

If you are like me, you may end up with this....

Add several pieces of tissue paper to the inside so that it over hangs the outside of the box in at least two places.  You have now created a frugal gift basket.

To spruce it up I wrap ribbon around the box, tie it and curl the ends.  Add a bow to the knot.  I also create tags out of card stock or colored paper.  Poke a hole in one corner.  Place a 3 to 4 inch piece of ribbon through this hole.  Tie in a knot.  Tape this loop just inside the box so the tag hangs in the front.  Make sure it is behind the tissue paper.  Another option or add on is to attach a dollar store ornament with the tag.