This Reader Used Coupons to Make Thoughtful Gifts for Under $10

It’s that time of year where I want to emphasize giving back especially in ways that incorporate my kids learning that Christmas is about more than how many presents are under the tree. I’m so grateful for the many people who invest in our family.

From school bus drivers to Sunday school teachers, preschool staff, library program workers, educators, speech therapist, and community sports league volunteers ,we benefit every week from others giving of their time, talents, and resources. So I decided this year we would make useful and frugal gift bundles of household supplies to show our appreciation.

While I pulled many items from my stockpile, I also used a Meijer’s coupon of $10 off $30 in Kleenex and Clorox to purchase the Kleenex Perfect Fit size (These are so handy in vehicles as they fit in the cup holders) and Clorox wipes. Amazon has also been running a $10 off $50 household purchase and a deal on Scotch gift wrapping supplies including double-sided tape. I grabbed up 2 and 2.5 inch ribbon at our Dollar General for $2 a roll.

I found sets of 5 items worked just right to bundle without being too large for my kids to handle. We did combinations of paper towels, all purpose spray, hand sanitizer, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, and hand soap. After arranging in the best format, I circled the items twice about 2/3 of the way from the top with double sided tape. Then cut the ribbon to go around on top the tape and used a small bead of hot glue to hold it down on the end. Using extra bows left over from prior years, I hot glued one on the top of the Kleenex box where the tissues come out.

Finally, my 4 year old helped “write” on the tags along with the message: “Thank you for taking care of me. Please use this to take care of you.”

Each bundle came out to be between $7-10 my cost. Plus, it was so easy to have everything either on hand, curbside pickup using online coupons or shipped to me free from a promotion. While the gift costs were minimal, the fun memories and lessons learned by my kids are priceless.”