The problem is, how the heck do you wrap a CD when it doesn’t have a jewel case? Gaw! This is where readers like Sarah S. come in handy. Sarah emailed the other day ALSO looking for a way to wrap those shiny discs. Since we both have the same issue, I thought I’d get a little crafty with a free way to Make Your Own CD Covers.

 
Here’s how to make your own CD cover:

1. Go ahead and download the Printable CD Cover Template, and then print it out. Make sure your printer isn’t scaling the template smaller — a CD should fit into the inner square!

2. Use a pen or pencil to trace the template onto heavy card stock. Thicker paper is easier to handle and keeps the CD safe.

3. Use your scissors to cut the pattern out along the solid lines.

4. Fold the corners along the dashed lines. You may need to score the paper with a knife or scissors if you’re using very heavy stock.

5. Place your disc in the center and fold the CD cover closed.

6. Seal your CD cover closed with a holiday sticker or bow. Make your CD an ornament by using a needle and thread to add a tree hanger.

If you’ve got your CDs covered, then maybe you just need a gift tag for those last minute presents under the tree? Check out these free 6 Printable Gift Tags, (including these super cute printable gift tags from Santa!)

Many thanks to Sarah S. for suggesting this frugal fix for a common CD problem!

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

Since I’m big fan of financial literacy and have always LOVED the gift of knowledge, perhaps consider giving the gift of financial literacy to those on your list this year. Yes, that Twilight saga series is a lot of fun — but learning how to manage money is an essential lifelong skill, whether you’re an ancient vampire or a young human.

I’ve had a few readers ask for my favorite financial resources for kids, newbie investors, and financially-minded folks — so I’ve compiled this list of some of the best personal finance books around!

Personal Finance Books for Everyone

Maybe you need some gifts for him, gifts for her, gifts for dad, or gifts for mom. Whoever is on Santa’s List this year, there is something here for everyone.

General Money Matters

1. Personal Finance For Dummies | by Eric Tyson

   Sound and practical advice for those who want to get control over their personal financial lives.

2. The Millionaire Next Door | by Thomas J. Stanley

   Follow these seven simple rules and become the next “millionaire next door.”

3. The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness | by Dave Ramsey

   The very popular Dave Ramsey offers a comprehensive plan to get out of debt and achieve financial fitness.

4. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything | by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

   The authors make economics fun, especially in the chapter: Why Drug Dealers Live With Their Mothers.

5. The Complete Tightwad Gazette | by Amy Dacyczyn

   For the frugalist on your list. Lots of fun tips!

6. One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances | by Regina Leeds

   The organized way to get organized: a week-by-week plan to forever streamline all aspects of your life, including your finances.

Books about Investing

1. The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio | by William J. Bernstein

   Gives investors the tools to build top-returning portfolios­­ without the help of a financial adviser.

2. The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing | by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, Michael LeBoeuf

   One of my personal favorites — the authors take beginners and advanced readers alike through the paces of investing.

3. The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing (Revised Edition) | by Benjamin Graham, Jason Zweig, Warren E. Buffett

   A classic investment book. With Warren E. Buffett credited as an author it’s hard to go wrong here.

Money Books for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults

Got a kiddo on your list? Perhaps a teen needing some financial direction in life? Or how about someone in their 20s or 30s?

Gifts for Kids

1. Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday (ages 4-8) | by Judith Viorst

   Want to laugh at your own mistakes while teaching your kids about saving and spending? Then meet Alexander!

2. Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids (grades 4-8) | by Gail Karlitz

   Clear explanation of the theory behind investing and compound interest, for kids!

3. A Smart Girl’s Guide to Money: How to Make It, Save It, And Spend It (ages 9-12) | by Nancy Holyoke

   From the American Girl’s A Smart Girl’s Guide series, this smart read offers advice on earning, saving, and spending money. Topics such as feelings about money, launching a business, becoming a smart shopper, and investing are also covered.

Gifts for Teens

1. The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens: 8 Steps to Having More Money Than Your Parents Ever Dreamed Of | by David Gardner, Tom Gardner, and Selena Maranjian

   From the publishers: “The editors of the Motley Fool website offer sound advice on everything from finding a job, investing in the stock market and avoiding financial pitfalls.” Ages 12-up.

Gifts for Young Adults

1. Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance In Your Twenties and Thirties | by Beth Kobliner

   This updated version can help youngish adults in their 20’s and 30’s get a grip on their finances.

2. The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke | by Suze Orman

   Media personality Suze Orman has written a lot of books. This one is aimed at “Generation Broke” — those in their 20s and 30s looking to break free from student debt, credit card bills, and then find the path to investing in Roth IRAs and 401(k)s.

Books by Personal Finance Bloggers

Who hasn’t stumbled upon a fab personal finance blog in the last while? Smile. If you love money blogs, then maybe someone on your holiday gift list will love a tome by these big bloggers.

1. 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget | by The Writers of Wise Bread

   The bloggers at the personal finance blog Wise Bread offer thousands of ways to spend less while still enjoying life! Plus, they’re really really super nice people.

2. The 4-Hour Workweek Expanded and Updated | by Timothy Ferriss

   Want to escape the 9-5 rat race? Looking to live anywhere? Take a peek at this massive bestseller to get a grip on Timothy Ferriss’s “lifestyle design” principles — or read his blog, The Four Hour Workweek.

3. I Will Teach You To Be Rich | by Ramit Sethi

   A 6-week personal finance program for 20-to-35-year-olds written by Ramit Sethi, the blogger behind I Will Teach You To Be Rich.

Ok, Ok I wrote a book this year tooo and since I have a blog, here’s my contribution: 397 Ways to Save Money!

Money Books for Canadians

If you’re living above the 49th parallel then you probably don’t care too much for Roth IRAs and 401(k)s. So if RRSPs, RESPs, and TFSAs are where you store your toonies, then you may go loonie for my favOURite Canadian personal finance authors!

1. The Wealthy Barber: The Common Sense Guide to Successful Financial Planning | by David Chilton

   Chilton’s common-sense approach to investing and money management is timeless — and with over 1.5 million copies sold, The Wealthy Barber is the best-selling book ever of any kind in Canada.

2. Debt Free Forever | by Gail Vaz-Oxlade

   Gail Vaz-Oxlade, host of Slice Network’s Til Debt Do Us Part and financial guru, has just published Debt-Free Forever. I’m told that it’s filled with Gail’s brand of sensible but hard-hitting advice that everyone can use. I can’t wait to review Gail’s book in the new year.

3. How to Pay Less and Save More For Yourself | by Rob Carrick

   As the personal finance columnist for The Globe and Mail, Rob Carrick is one of Canada’s most trusted and widely read financial experts. I loved his book and will be reviewing it in the new year.

4. Personal Finance For Canadians For Dummies | by Eric Tyson, Tony Martin

   Sound and practical advice for those Canadians who want to get control over their personal financial lives. A must read.

5. Findependence Day | by Jonathan Chevreau (also available here)

   Jonathan Chevreau is one busy fellow. He’s a financial columnist at the National Post, the blogger behind The Wealthy Boomer, and author of the fabulous Findependence Day. From the book: “Findependence Day chronicles a young debt-ridden couple’s long journey to financial independence. After being humiliated about their credit card debts on a national TV show, Jamie Morelli vows his personal Financial Independence Day will be the day he turns 50.” I can’t wait to review Chevreau’s book in the new year.

6. 397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less | by Kerry K. Taylor (that’s me!)

   I’m really just a little guy when compared to these BIG Canadian authors! But my first book has been on the Amazon Canada Top 100 Bestseller’s List a few times. Not bad for a newbie! It’s a fun read for anyone looking to save some cash. Promise.

Money and Giving

Sometimes the best books about money are those about giving of yourself.

• Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace – One School at a Time | by Greg Mortenson

  A stunning read. One person can really make a difference.

Your Two Cents: Got a favorite financial read I missed on this list?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

Since I love a good scare — and I know you do too — I think it’s possible to have a howl of a Halloween without doing the Monster Mash (yes, it’s a graveyard smash) on your wallet. So I’ve dipped into my archives and searched the blogosphere to bring you some frugal Halloween costume, candy, and decorating ideas.

The Costless Halloween Costume

What’s up with costume rentals and expensive packaged ensembles? I’ve never spent a dollar to dress up for Halloween, and you don’t need to either. Here are some frugal costume ideas you may just find by shopping your closet.

10 Halloween Costume Ideas: for Kids and Adults

Ok, so #4 on this list is Bust out the bridesmaid dress. Now don’t fear fellas, there are plenty of costume ideas in this post that don’t involve you wearing a pink dress. But if you do feel like giving your chest a wax, then feel free to bust out and be a bridesmaid in a pink (or blue, or yellow, or sea foam) dress.

Launch: 10 Halloween Costume Ideas: for Kids, Adults, and Kiss

10 Cheap Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Sometimes you’re stuck for time and need a quick costume to get yourself into the party. So don’t despair if you’ve got nothing to wear or you’re feeling dog-gone miserable about your outfit. Last minute halloween costume ideas are what this post is about!

Launch: 10 Cheap Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Yes, that’s my dog Pivo and she really does loathe my pink shoes.

Halloween Treats Minus the Costly Tricks

There are endless ways to satisfy your sweet tooth that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

Recipes: Gross, Easy, and Fun Halloween Foods for Kids

Need a frugal and fun Halloween activity to scare the pants off your kids? Try making a Freakish Frog. This is the most popular photo on this blog. I think it’s the tongue.

Launch: Recipes: Gross, Easy, and Fun Halloween Foods for Kids

5 Halloween Tricks that Will Treat Your Finances

I wrote this post for the Your Money Blog and shared some tips for cutting costs on candy.

Launch: 5 Halloween Tricks that Will Treat Your Finances

Frugal Pumpkin Fun for Everyone

Decorating your front door with a classic Jack O’ Lantern is pretty darn cheap, and fun. So get a gourd and get carving!

Printable Pumpkin Carving Stencils (easy and simple)

These stencils are insanely popular with the downloading bunch. This post offers 6 simple designs.

Launch: Free Printable Pumpkin Carving Stencils (Free and Scary)

8 Printable Pumpkin Faces (and Marilyn Monroe)

Looking for more of a pumpkin carving challenge? Then try these 8 pumpkin face stencils. There’s even one of Marilyn Monroe if you’re throwing a swanky soiree.

Launch: 8 Pumpkin Stencils: Scary Printable Pumpkin Faces (and Marilyn Monroe)

How to Carve a Pumpkin (without losing a finger)

If you’ve got a knife stuck in your pumpkin, then you may need some carving help.

Launch: How to Carve a Pumpkin (without losing a finger)

Blogosphere Halloween Links

I searched the blogosphere to share some frugal Halloween linking fun. Enjoy!

Got a Sweet Tooth?

• How to Save on Halloween Candy | Bargaineering
• Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe | Blogger For Hire
• Candy So Awful It Puts Hair on Your Chest | Through The Illusion

Throwing a Party? Going Trick-Or-Treating?

• Creating a Frugal Halloween | Million Dollar Journey
• Google Street View – Great for home buyers (and for planning a trick-or-treat route) | Four Pillars
• 28 Ways to Have Cheap Halloween Fun | Wisebread

Need a Cheap Costume?

• 7 Most Popular and Practical Halloween Costumes of 2009 | Savvy Student
• Homemade Halloween Costumes for Frugal Kids | Frugal Dad
• Frugal Halloween Costumes | beingfrugal
• 25 Frugal Halloween Costumes | Moolanomy

Your Turn: Are you spending big money this Halloween or keeping costs down?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

Due to popular request (you can stop emailing me now), I’ve used my pumpkin carving prowess to make pumpkin faces! So go ahead and carve a bat, paint a Jack O’Lantern, or get freaky with a Frankenstein face. These pumpkin stencils range from easy to challenging, so pick your favorite face and get carving! I’ve even included a Marilyn Monroe pattern for those looking to throw a more stylish Halloween party.

Download: Vampire Bat (PDF)	Download: Frankenstein (PDF)
Download: Marilyn Monroe (PDF)	Download: Bow Tie (PDF)
Download: Evil Devil (PDF)	Download: Ghost (PDF)
Download: Happy Jack (PDF)	Download: Classic Jack (PDF)

Want something else? Try these:

• 20 Extreme Pumpkin Carving Designs
• Kids’ Costumes for Under $20
• Frugal Adult Costumes
• Halloween Candy, Accessories, Décor, and more!

Pumpkin Carving Stencil Instructions:

1. Download and print the pumpkin stencil you like best.
2. Use scissors to remove the black area of the stencil. Leave the white space free from scissor marks.
3. Trim and make small incisions in the stencil. This helps it to lay flat on the face of the pumpkin. Tape the edges of the stencil to the pumpkin.
4. Transfer the pattern by tracing a marker or pen along the stencil. Alternatively, poke holes along the pattern with a tool or needle. Remove stencil.
5. Prepare your pumpkin by removing the top or base. Remove the pulp and seeds.
6. Using a sharp knife carve a scary face! See How to Carve a Pumpkin for some scary tips!

When picking your pumpkin from the patch be sure to select a squash that suits the stencil. Some patterns work better on rounder, squarer, or taller pumpkins.

More Halloween Fun:

• Free Printable Pumpkin Carving Stencils
• 10 Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids and Adults
• Recipes: Gross, Easy, and Fun Halloween Foods for Kids
• How to Carve a Pumpkin (without losing a finger)
• 10 Cheap Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Got a ghoulish and frugal fun Halloween tip to share?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

It seemed unfair to give only one parental unit a nickname, so my sister in her infinite wisdom to be fair and just, coined the name “Dard” for parental parity. To this day my father answers to “Dard” and my mother to “Marm”. Yes, my whole family is a little bit bent. Yours probably is too.

This has been an especially trying year for my Dard. A few months ago he nearly succumbed to meningitis, a severe and usually life-threatening illness caused by severe inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. Dard spent many days lying unconscious in a Toronto-area hospital while medical staff and my family watched close by. It was a precarious time, but Dard managed to beat meningitis. I don’t know how he did it, but he did.

Since this could have been my first Father’s Day without Dard, I am especially grateful this story has a happy ending. Over the decades (yikes, I’m getting old) I’ve celebrated Father’s Day with various gifts, long distance phone calls, and stuff. But in light of my own family scare, I think the most valuable gift you can give your father is time.

Time is a special resource one cannot buy back. I don’t care how rich you are. Time is here today. Time is right now. So this Father’s Day why not pass on pricey presents and find a way to spend some time with your dad.

I’ve put together a list of 6 thoughtful gift ideas you can share with your dad this Father’s Day. In crafting this list I’ve tried to think about kids of varying ages, because a 35-year-old adult is probably in a different space than a 3-year-old kiddo (I hope).

This Father’s Day perhaps think of going for personal over pricey and aim for style over looks. It doesn’t cost a thing to be thoughtful.

1. Father’s Day Tickets

This is a fun and frugal Father’s Day gift idea for a younger person or for a young adult. I call these printable Father’s Day Tickets and they are a fun free pass for thoughtful ways to spend time with (or helping) your dad. Just download and print using a color printer and place in a card. There are two blank tickets for you to get creative with your own thoughtful ideas.

2. Frugalicious Father’s Day Breakfast

Who doesn’t love to wake up to a delicious and healthy breakfast in bed? Duh! Start Father’s Day right with a frugalicious breakfast and then fill the day with lots of fun activities. Here are some breaky ideas to get your brain cells thinking!

• 5 Frugal Father’s Day Breakfasts

3. Music To His Ears

Got some favorite Father’s Day Songs for an iPod playlist? Go ahead and make some music fit for Dad’s ears by compiling a musical composition and burning it to CD. Get crafty and make some CD cover art for the occasion. This gift idea is great for teens with much music on the brain. Perhaps go down memory lane and find some “oldies” from Dad’s generation. Just don’t blame me if he starts groovin’ to the tunes.

• Squawkfox’s Sample Playlist

4. Feature a Father’s Day Photo or Poem

Looking for some Father’s Day crafts to celebrate Dad’s day? How about finding an awesome photo of Dad and then placing it in a frame of your own design? Getting crafty and making a custom frame with a theme to match the photo is an awesome and thoughtful gift for dads to cherish. Or perhaps you’re more a wordsmith and have a way with wordage? Writing a single or a series of Father’s Day poems may be the gift he keeps forever.

5. Dads Love Dessert

Who doesn’t like dessert? Try dishing some yummy dessert after a special Father’s Day dinner. Decorate an ice cream sundae, make some healthy granola bars, or roll up some chocolate truffles. Baking a cake and decorating it special for Dad is a yummy way to celebrate too.

• Some Chocolate Dessert Recipes
• Homemade Apple Pie It’s way different!

6. Phone Home

E.T. used to do it. You don’t need to be an Extra-Terrestrial to pick up the ringer and “phone home”. Dialing a few digits may be the best solution when distance prevents a face-to-face Father’s Day celebration. So be like E.T. and phone home.

I have to be honest, I’ve never been one to send gushing cards, buy lavish gifts, or get all mushy over birthdays or holidays. I’m just not built that way. But I am, and always will be, eternally grateful to my Dard for spending time with me as a kid playing soccer, going tobogganing, or teaching me to trumpet. So since I am far away from home I dedicate this post to My Dard.

HAPPY FATHER’s DAY DARD! LOVE YOU! Kerry

Got a favorite Father’s Day memory? Any unique gift ideas to share?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

I’ve also linked to some popular holiday posts, including wrapping gifts without paper and free printable gift tags. Free is frugal. If all else fails, give your loved ones a big holiday hug.

10 Frugal and Homemade Gift Ideas

There are lots of frugal and affordable gift ideas to choose from in this article. Everything from books, to mittens, to tea pots, and fab finds for the eco-minded. Many of these items can be found close to your home.

• 10 Frugal and Homemade Gift Ideas

Beginner Digital Cameras

Cameras are very useful and generous gifts. The prices of digital cameras have fallen in the last few years. A quality digital camera can now be had for under $100. So take aim and shoot for a digital deal.

• Beginner Digital Cameras (that won’t break the bank)

8 Homemade Gifts in a Jar

Steal some of the ideas from this insanely popular post. Do download and print the free gift tags too.

• 8 Homemade Gifts in a Jar (with free printable gift tags)

6 Free Printable Holiday Gift Tags

Free, printable, and ohh so cute. Download the whole set to use on your gifts.

• 6 Printable Holiday Gift Tags

11 Ways to Wrap Gifts without Wrapping Paper

Get creative and save some bucks by wrapping your gifts without wrapping paper. Be sure to read the readers’ comments. The readers are smarter than me (which is a good thing).

• 11 Ways to Wrap Gifts without Wrapping Paper

Got any last minute gift ideas to add? Have any frugal festive finds you wanna share?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

Anyprettypaper, after years of spending big bucks on wrapping presents, I’ve decided to put a wrap on this needless expense. This year I’m getting creative, green, and frugal when wrapping presents for loved ones. Besides, I’d rather keep the pretty paper in the forest, on the trees.

Here are 11 frugal (and green) alternatives to wrapping presents without gift wrap:

1. Roll it in Reusable Shopping Bags

Many readers have mentioned they are wrapping their gifts in reusable shopping bags this year. The readers are smart. Reusable shopping bags reduce the number of plastic bags released into our environment and provide an awesome alternative to gift wrap. Give a gift and give it in a reusable bag.

There are many colorful reusable bags to choose from nowadays. Here’s a frugal Reusable Grocery Tote Bag 6 Combo Pack ($9.95 Amazon) in multiple colors. Split the pack and you’ve got 6 ways to wrap gifts.

2. Swaddle it in Baby Blankets

If you’ve got a new parent on your gift list, try swaddling holiday baby presents in a receiving blanket. Very creative, and very helpful to new moms and dads.

3. Can it in Cookie Tins

Who doesn’t have a few cookie tins laying around the house? Get gifty this year by placing presents in a simple can. Vintage cookie tins make especially nifty gifties.

4. Put a Lid on it with Jars

Give a homemade gift in a jar. If you’re not into giving food then place toys or other smaller items in a jar, then put a lid on it.

5. Drape it in Fabric

Use leftover sewing notions to drape gifts in fabric. Add some ribbon and you’re good to give.

6. Bag it in Reused Gift Bags

Re-gift those gift bags and see if you get yours back next year. Snicker.

7. Tie it in a Scarf

Giving a warm winter hat with a pair of gloves? Tie it in a scarf to complete the set!

8. Crate it in a Jewel Box

If you’re giving something small, try placing it in an old ring box. So pretty.

9. Dress it in Wallpaper

Use your wallpaper scraps to dress up holiday gifts.

10. Wrap it in Used Gift Paper

Get some crinkled gift paper and wrinkle it some more. The extra folds and wrinkles give it an intentionally disheveled feel.

11. Pack it in Painted Postal Parcel Paper

Go postal with some simple brown postage paper and add some painted stripes. Get the kids to draw designs with markers, paints, or crayons.

For stripes, I often paint random and uneven lines to give it the homemade look. If you’re into perfection, here’s how to paint perfect stripes.

There are so many ways to put a wrap on gift paper. Got any other gift wrapping ways to add to this list?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

Just print these fun and frugal Santa gift tags to place on your presents. Be thankful to your friends and send them Santa thank you messages. Or just share jolly Saint Nicholas as a quick little greeting card to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Santa puts a smile on faces of all ages, so don’t keep these just for the kids.

Thank You Notes & Greeting Cards

Gift Tags

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

Softies are basically stuffed felt and fabric toys. They are fun to make, easy to design, and cost next to nothing if you’ve got some sewing notions kicking around the house. As far as sewing projects go, this one is super simple. Just make a cone, sew on a circle, stuff, then decorate. Done.

If you make one of these softies big enough, you can save some bucks on bark by leaving the real Evergreen trees in the forest. Or just take a pass on buying artificial Christmas trees. Anytree, you don’t need serious sewing skills to stitch a forest using this free sewing pattern. This little sewing project creates a softie Christmas tree standing about 6 inches tall. Get creative and have fun playing with the pattern dimensions to sew slimmer or plumper versions.

Get Your Free Sewing Pattern

Sewing Project Ingredients

• Free Sewing Pattern
• Thread
• Needles
• Scissors
• Fabric Pieces
• Beans or Rice
• Polyester Filling
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Notions (buttons, ribbon, or other tree decorations)

Sewing Project Instructions:

1. Use pattern to mark fabric with 1 cone and 1 circle base.

2. Use scissors to cut 1 cone and 1 circle base from the fabric.

3. Add tree decorations like buttons and ribbon before sewing tree (optional).

4. With cone inside out, use sewing machine to sew sides of cone with about 1/4 inch seam.

Do you like my old Singer Sewing Machine? It’s a vintage 1960s Singer Featherweight. My mom got it for me eons ago, for Christmas.

5. Pin circle base to cone. You may need to play around to match the cone to the circle base, depending on fabric.

6. Stitch circle base to cone with a 2 inch gap (for turning right-side out). The cone and circle base are now a softie tree. Turn softie tree right-side out.

7. Use polyester filling to stuff the softie tree. Do not pack too loose or too firm.

8. Use rice or beans to weigh the tree bottom for standing.

9. Hand stitch the opening closed.

Now get creative and plant trees for any frugal occasion! Seriously, this is a fun project for all sewing abilities.

Doing any handmade sewing projects this holiday? Got any Christmas tree decorating ideas?

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor

There are endless possibilities with what can be placed in a jar. Soup mixes are super for those who like savory ingredients. Jars containing layered mixes for cookies, muffins, and brownies are yummy for those with a sweet tooth. I’ve also given quality chocolates, bulk candy, and nuts in decorated jars. (For more inexpensive gifts, click Holiday Gifts: 10 Frugal and Homemade Gift Ideas.)

Gifts in a jar are easy to make. Just take a glass jar (canning jars, mason jars, or even recycled mustard jars), layer with ingredients, and then top with a gift tag. Combine a bunch of jars together to make your own gift baskets. How’s that for a frugal gift idea? To help you get your jar-on this holiday season, I’ve created several free printable gift tags for download. You supply the homemade goodness.

Here are 8 frugal holiday gift ideas (and recipes) in a jar:

1. S’mores in a Jar

Kids love to help make and eat S’mores in a Jar. If you’re into seasonal gift recipes, find some marshmallow Peeps to match your holiday.

Or get fun and use teddy bear graham crackers to line the jar for decoration.

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (one sleeve of crackers, crushed)
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows.
• Or substitute with 8 Peeps and 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows for seasonal fun. Line the jar with Peeps facing out.
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or mini Hershey Kisses or M&M’s
• 1/3 cup brown sugar

Printable Gift Tags:

2. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar

This recipe makes about 36 cookies.

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Mix flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour mixture into a 1 quart (1 liter) mason jar and pack down. Mix oatmeal in a blender. Pack on top of flour in mason jar. Add white sugar and pack down. Add brown sugar and pack down. Layer chopped nuts on top of brown sugar. Finish layering jar with mini or regular chocolate chips.

Printable Gift Tags:

3. Ultimate Chocolate Brownie Mix in a Jar

This recipe makes one pan of chocolate brownies.

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1 cup all purpose unbleached flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Any combination of: mini chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, junior mints, chocolate candy bar
• 1/2 cup almonds

Layer ingredients in 1 quart mason jar. Tap gently on the counter after each layer before adding the next. Add additional mix-ins to fill any small gaps if necessary.

Printable Gift Tags:

4. Chocolate Chip Muffins in a Jar

This recipe makes a single batch of muffins.

Ingredients:

Layer in a large wide mouthed 1 quart mason jar:

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips, or substitute raisins, dried cranberries, or nut.

Combine sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder. Place in quart mason jar. Add chocolate chips.

Printable Gift Tags:

5. Chai Tea Mix in a Jar

This recipe makes 2, 6 ounce jars.

Ingredients:

Layer in 2, 6 ounce jars:

• 1 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
• 1/4 cup black tea leaves
• 12 cardamom pods
• 4 2 inch pieces of cinnamon stick
• 2 tsp dried lemon peel

Divide all ingredients and layer equally between 2, 6 ounce jars.

Printable Gift Tags:

6. Chicken Noodle Soup in a Jar

This recipe makes a pot of soup.

Ingredients:

Layer in a 1/2 quart (2 cup) glass jar:

• 1/4 cup of red lentils
• 2 tbsp dried onion flakes
• 1 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 tsp dried dill weed or dill seed
• 1/8 tsp each celery seed and garlic powder
• 1 cup medium egg noodles
• 1 bay leaf

In a 2 cup glass jar, layer from bottom in the order listed above.

Printable Gift Tags:

7. Minestrone Soup in a Jar

This recipe makes a pot of soup.

Ingredients:

Layer in a 1/2 quart (2 cup) glass jar:

• 1/4 cup red lentils
• 1/4 cup green split peas
• 1/4 cup barley
• 1/3 cup beef bouillon powder
• 2 tbsp parsley flakes
• 3 tbsp onion flakes
• 1/3 tsp thyme
• 1/3 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp basil
• 1/4 cup macaroni

In a 2 cup glass jar, layer from bottom in the order listed above.

Printable Gift Tags:

8. Bulk Candy, Nuts, or Chocolate in a Jar

Choose your favorite bulk candy, nuts, or chocolates and layer in a glass jar of any size! Use any recycled glass jar to contain any amount of bulk candy confection! Once filled, decorate and add a pretty gift tag!

Free Printable Gift Tags: blank template

There you have it, holiday gifts in a jar. I hope this gives you some gift ideas for the holidays. All of these recipes are good last minute gift ideas as well. So get creative and see what you can come up with. Jar’s the limits!

Looking for more holiday gift ideas?

• Holiday Gifts: 10 Frugal and Homemade Gift Ideas

Got any great jar ideas? Perhaps stuffing a glass jar with a toy or another gift? Go ahead, share your jarring gift secrets!

	397 Ways to Save Money Spend Smarter & Live Well on Less By Kerry K. Taylor