[Charlsey]

*Looking for ideas on Christmas gifts to request*
This year my family and I (3 adults) are exchanging super specific Christmas lists in an effort to give and get things the person really wants.

I am trying my best to set myself up for success in the new year to be as frugal and under consuming as possible.

So here is my dilemma: I don’t really know what to ask for…
I have enough makeup, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, etc to last me at least the next two years.

I use the library for books and DVD’s and our family shares streaming services.

I wear a uniform at work and have plenty of clothes for my off time.

I am also trying to break the habit of going out to eat so I don’t really want to ask for gift cards either.

What areas of my life am I missing that I could help my future self save money?

[Sara]

Why not just completely trash the goal of gifts; you can buy what you want anytime. Instead; come up with an experience you could all enjoy together. Ie.

Go to a concert or play. Have dinner together at a Brazilian steak house.

Spend a holiday together at an Air-b-B. The choices are there; create memories.

[Kristel]

Things that would make life easier to continue your frugal ways. So if you want to cook more…. what would make that easier?

When in doubt.. spices… you save so much making your own mixes. If time is an issue… maybe an air fryer or instant pot?

Maybe you need new peelers, spoons, cutting boards? Storage for prepping food?

A vacuum sealer to portion and freeze meals for future nights? A great cook book?

[Kimmie]

Ask for tickets to museums, theater shows, movies, amusement parks, concerts, etc.

[Darla]

Ask that they adopt a child in need for Christmas and donate gifts in your honor.

[Doreen]

Every year I give my grown daughters a household present. Laundry soap, toilet paper, dish soap, Kleenex, Clorox wipes etc.

They said they look forward to this gift more than any other gift! I stick up all year on sale items to prepare.

One year I filled a laundry basket, another year a clothes hamper, even have used a garbage bag and they got the box of bags!

Point is I put items into something they can use also.

[Brooke]

I live in Florida and have asked for a radio for when hurricane season hits.

[Christa]

We give gifts of an Experience, then it’s something to look forward to down the road after the rush of Christmas.

And you’re creating great memories.

Perhaps a cooking class, a show, or theatre, a painting class together with the kids.

[Lisa]

Grocery gift card
Store gift card for a place you’d use

[Lisa]

Hair salon gift card. If you mail things, postage stamps. Plants, certificate for tomatoe plants in the spring, lessons if some sort. Computer ink.

[Melissa]

Gift card for gas, oil and filter change or groceries, a collection of spices, teas a favorite coffee hot chocolates, popcorns.

Meat and cheese gift box, collection of dehydrated soups or fruits, solar lantern to charge on window sill for night light or emergencies.

Usb reading light. Go big and ask for a portable power bank and solar panel.

I charge my personal items and plug in a lamp by my chair. I save about $50 on the electric bill, each month.

Fun socks, slippers, blanket for cuddling on cold nights. Usb, mini fan to put next to reading or tv chair.

A year paid on your favorite subscription. Magazine or television. Pashmina.

I have several and use them when I travel as a light blanket on the plane in the car or train. Wear as intended, use as a runner on the table.

Keep in the car for emergency “want to look nicer” outfit fixer. Garden gifts, sprout jar, indoor or outdoor herbs, fruit of the month club, box of beef or seafoods… just a few ideas

[Maryann]

one year, I asked for a really good flashlight. I was tired of cheap flashlights always going out.

My sister got me a magnalight. I think that was about 25 years ago and it’s still going strong.

[Elizabeth]

Maybe ask for food. In my family it is common to exchange food gift baskets at Christmas.

Last Christmas I gave my dad and grandparents a basket that included Sam’s club pulled pork, hamburger buns, a bag of chips, and their favorite drink.

[Christine]

What gives you Joy? An autumn scented candle? A pen that writes so perfectly it makes you want to journal again?

I’m a very frugal person, too, but every once in awhile it’s okay to treat yourself and ask for something just because it brings you Joy.

[Josie]

Portable recharger when power goes out to recharge ur phone,perhaps a radio …I didn’t know how handy they were until I got one, ‘just in case purchase’.

Torch, big one, head torch perhaps instead.

Baking utensils, new cake or baking trays,
premade baking cake, slice, brownies mixes

Airfryer , multicooker, smoothie maker, dehydrator, vacuum sealer.

Any tools for urself like mini screw driver set, spanners., cordless drill….u can pop attachments on to clean with
Mini car vaccum….

[Stephanie]

Cookware/ bakeware
Knives?
Specialty ingredients- olive oil / wine / international spices
Diet specific ingredients- gluten free / dairy free options
Supplements/ protein options

[Clare]

Do you need any new bed sheets or dish towels, maybe something decorative?

[Jennifer]

Pick your favorite charity and ask that the person give a donation in your name

[Amanda]

A heated blanket so you can lower your thermostat.
A gas card. 1 or 2 new tires.
Healthcare or pharmacy gifts cards.

Meal prep food delivery gift,
Ex: Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Factor
Spices, Condiments,
Cleaning supplies

Streaming Service subscriptions:
Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Audible, Spotify
AAA auto service subscription
A garden center gift card for plants.

Experience gifts – Message, Hair Salon, Movie Tix, concert or event tickets

[Esther]

Cherry Preserves, knife sharpener, upgrade to ergonomic OXO kitchen utensils, membership to botanical gardens that reciprocate.

[Cindy]

Grocery gift cards
Baked goods
Premade meals
One year we asked for freezer meals and it was just awesome to have on hand

[Colleen]

AAA membership or a years membership to some particular venue.

[Madison]

I love getting gift cards for local small businesses, bakery, butcher, consignment stores, etc.

They often carry things I consider a treat or too expensive but like every now and then.

My Mother in Law also takes us to either Sam’s club or the local meat locker to get some things and stock up on basics.

I’ve also asked for higher quality items I use regularly, a nice cordless vacuum, stainless steel pots and pans, etc.

[Christine]

I love receiving car wash gift certificates, movie theatre tickets, special event tickets, etc.

I like to be able to do fun things but I hate spending money on myself.

[Maria]

Re usable zip lock bags, a food saver (buy in season then use the saver to save items for the off season.)

Do you have your own tool box. How about gas cards?

Oil change gift certificates? Do you have a spare pair of shoes as well?

[Cindy]

Gift card for where you get your haircut, gas card, oil change gift card, grocery store gift card

[Author]

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