Christmas is coming, and it's time to start thinking about what you need to do, in order to be prepared and save some money in the process.
I've covered in previous articles the cheap alternatives & environmentally friendly for
party supplies ,
seasonal offerings and even some of their gift suggestions, like the
plush bath robe.
This is just a few cheap and easy ideas, in order to be prepared for the pending gift giving season.
Going to a party? Along with the bottle of wine, why not bring some glasses as a gift too? Only $4.99 for six and will stand out as practical against the boxes of chocolates that begin to pile up. Or some tree decorations, only $7.99 for sets of six.
Turning up for dinner? Why not bring a 3D gingerbread tree? Only $3.49. Or bringing a salad, give the salad bowl for them to keep ($6.99).
Ikea does have a huge range of well priced gift wrap and bags, but for environmental reasons, think about the gift bags, as they can be reused and ultimately reduce the waste all round. This year, they also have the forethought to include sticky tape with the wrapping paper display - so no need to get home and realise you're out of tape!
Another idea, I picked up a stack of tea towels for 49 cents. Cheaper than wrapping paper and more practical.
If you have kids, get some painting supplies - you could even use the xmas cookie cutters as stamps. While all up this comes to $24.97, you will have 30 metres of wrapping paper at the end of it, days of kids craft activities and you don't have to hang onto a pile of 'art'.
Visiting friends with children? This white board marker & eraser set is only $4.99, and if you picked up a handheld white board from a $2 shop, you have restaurant entertainment for about $7, and a practical low-cost gift to boot.
Got a person with everything? Why not give them a new hobby? Ikea has juggling sets for $39.99.
If you need a few 'just incase' gifts on hand, why not grab a few umbrellas and rain ponchos, for $4.99 and under? Always practical, always welcome and if you don't give them away, you can always use it yourself.
So get in early and take away the stress of the festive season. It's easy to do at Ikea.