Bargain Mom's 13 Frugal Gift Ideas for $5 or less (With Photo Examples)

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THIS IS A POST FROM LAST YEAR, HOPEFULLY THE NEWBIES CAN LEARN FROM IT AND THE VETERANS CAN ADD TO IT:

Here are some great frugal but fun gift ideas for less than $5 - perfect for teachers, hostess, work, postal or service workers, neighbors or to brighten someone's day.


Really it's limitless as to what you can turn into a gift - wrap it nicely and you've created a sweet token of love and appreciation for the recipient.

Here we go:

1. WORDS IN PICTURES -- register for CVS, RitzPix and get free prints and you can pick them up in the store.  Then create this project.  It's easy and easy to frame  with double stick tape.  You can cut your own matte frames with poster board.  Or simply do an initial.  If the last name is long, do a word instead - Pray, Love, Family, ETC.
Here's a project I did featuring letters in ordinary settings -- for more ideas:

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2.

Organized coupons in a canceled check folder.

The canceled check folders are $1 to $2 at Target at Walmart.  (Get the plastic kind) Label it or not.  But include extra coupons or make it a theme of coupons -- for instant a new baby --- include baby coupons etc.

3.

Coffee mug with free coffee samples

- You can find fancy beautiful mugs at Marshall's and TJ Maxx for $3 or less or stop by the Dollar Store for a Christmas mug.  OR even cheaper swing by the Thrift store and pay 30 cents or less for a mug -- make sure you remove the china marker pricing.  Put your sample in the mug wrap it in a clear bag with bow.

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4.

Hot sauce with a Chili Mix

- - The sauce  small bottles are less than $2.  A chili mix is less than $1.  Great for firefighter gifts.

Go

.

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5.

Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice

- Deliver with a big ribbon on it.  Dollar General as them on sale for $2.  There's a coupon for $2 off when you buy 2.  It's under the beverages tab at

.

6.

Baked goods in frugal homemade cookie tins

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etails and a video.  Great lesson in recycling and giving.

7.

Kitchen hand towel with kitchen utensil in bow

- Check Target's $1 area.  You can also check the dollar store.  Roll it up, wrap it with bow and include a wooden spoon in the bow.  You can get a pack of 4 wooden spoons at Dollar General or the dollar store.

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8.

Gift Baskets -

Use all  those free shampoo and toiletry samples in a gift basket, cosmetic bag or tote.

9.

Tea or Hot Chocolate in mugs with an ornament.

Stop by the thrift store and grab some silverware for a nickel or dime.  (Wash them of course and wrap them in the bow)

10.  Custom photo mug - $1 at Dollar Tree for a small version or $2 at Dollar General for a larger version.  Use the wrapper as a template and cut out a photo, fabric or other decorative piece  of scrap b

11. Placemat or towel apron - include some favorite recipe note cards

12

. Be practical

For Teachers -- Mid-year restock. Use your coupons for restocking tissue, wipes, soap, paper towels etc. for the classroom.

For co-workers -- Think about the desk -- antibacterial hand gel, lotions, Tide stain sticks with card are great, I'm thinking of you but practical.

13.  Don't forget all the samples you've snagged over the past few months.  Go here to see some ideas for sharing the love.

Now let us hear from you -- what are some of your favorite frugal gifts?

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