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30 Free but Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas

Family Balance Sheet

Whether you’re trying to save money or just limit the amount of stuff in your life, it doesn’t make it cheap to gift your friends and family ideas from this list. They will appreciate the thoughtfulness and might also be looking to reduce the sheer amount of unnecessary stuff that comes into their homes during the holidays.

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The Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family Program

Family Balance Sheet

This is the ninth year that my family has sponsored another family through the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family Christmas program. I wrote extensively last year about how and why my family became involved with this ministry. The kids were outside playing, unsuspecting that someone was dropping off holiday gifts.

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9 Fun Family Indoor Activities

Family Balance Sheet

There are times at the end of the week that I realize our family has spent very little quality time together. We’re an active family who loves to spend time together outside, but as the days get shorter and the weather gets chillier, we spend much of our free time indoors where gadgets so easily grab out attention. Indoor Picnic.

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10 FREE (but Thoughtful) Christmas Gift Ideas

Family Balance Sheet

They really don’t need or want anything and both of my grandmothers are trying to downsize. The gift my grandparents really want is to spend time with my family and we enjoy spending time with them. This is a great idea for seniors, friends who don’t have family nearby, college students, or just about anyone on your list.

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Host a Cookie Swap {Day 8 of The 12 Days of Frugal Holiday Fun}

Family Balance Sheet

Day 8 of The 12 Days of Frugal Holiday Fun ~. When one thinks of Christmas or the holiday season, cookies most likely come to mind. I grew up baking Christmas cookies with my mother and grandmother and I definitely want to continue the tradition with my own girls. What's your favorite holiday cookie? Host a Cookie Swap.

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How to Organize a Cookie Swap

Family Balance Sheet

I grew up baking cut out Christmas cookies with my mother and grandmother. I froze most of the cookies and then took them to my extended family’s Christmas party. A cookie swap is a fun way to celebrate the holidays with your friends and family AND you can cross baking off of your holiday to-do list.

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A Simple & Frugal Gift Idea

Family Balance Sheet

This gift of time is simple, frugal, and the perfect gift for anyone, especially those close to your family or the hard-to-buy-for people in your life. They really don’t need or want anything and both of my grandmothers are trying to downsize. What simple and frugal holiday gift ideas do you have? Use the good china.

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