Creativity=Frugality
Remember my Post-Holiday “Follow Me Monday” video? Well, in the video I went to Michael’s and snatched up a very inexpensive “make your own” Pirate ship craft for my son. This was part of their Halloween line, so that’s why it was so cheap!
Anyway, he worked very hard on his Pirate ship all weekend and finally finished Sunday evening. You can see the final result above! I was so proud of him! He asked if I could post it on my blog because he just knew other reader would be very interested in seeing his pirate ship!;) I, of course, said sure!
I know my blogs all about being frugal and saving money, so why this post? First, my son wanted to show his amazing little Pirate Ship, but I also wanted to point something out.
There are so many toys on the market these days and lots of toys don’t let kids explore there imagination and be creative. I love that this inexpensive pirate ship let him do all those things and the best part–it built up up his confidence! When he brought down his pirate ship, his head was held high and that grin was not coming off his face.. priceless!
Remember, gifts under your Christmas tree this year don’t have to be “typical” gifts. Be creative and like I always say, think out side the box!
My daughter, Piper, is getting lots of Halloween costumes to play dress up in. I even found an adorable chest (from a thrift store) to put all her dress up clothes in. I’m actually going to wrap the chest up and put it under the tree too!
My oldest son, as you can see from above, is my artist. I starting picking up odds and ends when all the school supply deals started back in July. I’ve now built up a nice stash of “artist supplies”. I will be packaging them up in his very own artist kit, personalized with his name.
…And finally my middle child, Ayden, is Mr. wild man! He absolutely LOVES being outside and is very active. Being the middle child isn’t the easiest, though, especially when you’re competing for attention with your younger and older sibling. To make sure our little Ayden gets the attention he needs, we’ll be making him a coupon book. Basically we’ve filled an envelope with coupons he can use on the weekends. The coupons have different activities he gets to do. One says, “play soccer with dad”… another coupon says, “make brownies with mom” …and another “go to the park as a family”. He’ll get to choose one coupon every other weekend for the whole year! Getting to be the decision Maker is such a big deal for a 4 year old. I know he’s going to be excited about this present!
I’d love to hear the creative gift ideas you have?
GREAT idea on the coupon book! I think I’ll make one for my 5 year old!!! Thanks!
once again this is why you are my favorite! Love it! Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Love the ship!! That’s a great job! BTW I just went to Walmart & ours had 90% off ALL Halloween costumes & accessories! I bought 4 costumes for $4!!!
I saw that pirate ship craft at our local Michaels. Thanks Collin, I might snatch some of it on Veteran’s Day. I believe they have 15 % off on your entire purchase
I also get the clearances Halloween dress-up items for Christmas presents for our kids.
The clearanced craft items are also great for birthday parties. We usually have all sorts of different stations for kids to do crafts at our kids birthday parties.
I will be presnting $aving Christmas at my church in a couple of weeks and have worked on creating great gifts that are inexpensive and meaningful. One that I have come across is great for just about anyone. . especially if a loved one lives far away. A MEMORY JAR have friends and family write a short memory, inspriation, Biblical scripture and send to you. Then put all the notes on small business card size pieces of cardstock fold over and tape. Then for the next 365 days the recipent can pull out one everyday. What a great way to start the day! Althought I must admit I would probably have to read all before the end of the first day. 🙂
excellent ideas!
The idea for crafty stuff is awesome! I did that for my daughter last year–a big gift bag full of glue, paper, markers, etc and that was her favorite gift!
awesome on the pirate ship!
I made a travel book for my brother who is going to spain in the spring with a map & great places to go there! Complete with address labels for family as well 🙂