Need Gift Cards?

If you are purchasing gift cards for Christmas gifts, you may want to check out Hornbachers. From Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 through Nov. 30 you will get a coupon for $20 of free groceries when you buy $100 or more of participating gift cards in a single transaction. The coupon will print out when you check out and may be redeemed on your next shopping trip. The coupons expire 7 days from issue date.

Some of the participating cards are Macy's, Sears, KMart, Applebees, ITunes, JCPenney and Lowes.

You could also purchase the cards to use if you are purchasing gifts at these stores to get the free groceries.

Unique Boutique

Another program to help those in need during the holidays is the Unique Boutique at the YWCA Shelter. On December 9, current and former residents of the shelter will be able to shop for presents for their immediate family members from items that have been donated. They are in need of donations of gifts and wrapping paper. Also, if you are interested in volunteering before the event and during the event. Gifts should be delivered to the shelter by December 5. For more information contact Amber at (701) 232-3449 or adahl@ywcacassclay.org.

Click here for a copy of suggestions of gifts they are requesting.

The shelter is also in need of items for children and babies at this time. Through September, the childcare center within the shelter has met the needs of 559 children and on average six pregnant women each month. With this demand the supply of baby-related items has been depleted. Click here for a list of items that are needed. Some of the most urgent needs are diapers (sizes 4-6), baby wipes, Good Start infant formula and Winter coats, snow pants and boots (for school aged children).

Another program is to Adopt a Family from the Transitional Housing program for the holidays. By purchasing gifts for a family, you will brighten the holidays for a mom and her children. Gifts must be delivered to the shelter before December 15. To receive a family’s wish list or more information contact Erin at (701) 232-3449 or edahl@ywcacassclay.org.

Kids and Money Gifts

There are many different types of banks to help kids learn about saving. One I have found is Money Savvy Bank. They come in different colored pig banks and also football banks. They have four separate chambers for Saving, Spending, Donating and Investing. I gave these to my 6 nieces and nephews last year. I do have some of these on hand if you are interested in them.

Financial Peace University Junior is aimed at children from ages 3-12. It teaches children the importance of saving, spending and giving. There is a also a selection of books.

Generation Change is a program for teens with a workbook and DVD lessons.

I have put together a Page a day calendar with websites and other resources to teach kids about money.

Gifts in Cans

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In a previous post I described how to transform a cereal box into a gift/treat box.

I did a similar thing with nut cans and coffee cans. Cut scrapbook paper to make a band around the can and glue the edges together. You can also cut a circle of paper to glue to the top of the can. There are several recipes for snack mixes, here is a blog post I found with some ideas for snack mix recipes. The cans can also be used to give other gifts such as hot cocoa and other drink mixes

Photo Canvas Deal

In a previous post I wrote about the different photo gifts that are available. Last year for Christmas I gave my parents a photo canvas of our family photo.

The site I used Canvas People is having a sale now. For a limited time you can get a free 8x10 canvas (you pay $14.95 shipping) or 40% off a larger size and free shipping.

I have heard from some people that the 8X10 is kind of small if you want it to be a major focus of a wall. You can have the canvas framed by the company also for an additional fee.

It would be a great gift idea or something different to do with favorite photos or vacation photos. I also had a canvas made from a photo I took on the Caribbean cruise I took last winter.

Gifts from Game Pieces

One idea is to make extra game pieces into gifts or decorations. If you have extra game pieces and puzzle pieces, there are easy ways to make them into crafts and gifts. You may also be able to find games and puzzles at second hand stores.

I have made a Pinterest board with some ideas I found online for frames, ornaments, and decorations. You can also glue magnets to the back of game pieces to make personalized magnets.

You can also decorate with games and games pieces by hanging game boards on the wall with the pieces in a bag attached to the back of the board. Also, for a game room or kids room, you could glue game pieces to a lamp shade.

This is part of a 90 day series with tips to help make your holidays easier. Click here for previous posts.