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There are several ways not to break the budget on Thanksgiving Day but most of them take work and time. Yet if you have more of this than money, then decide to really celebrate the day the old fashioned day! At least this is the one way of saving money while enjoying the day. Your biggest expense is a turkey and it is reasonably priced.

The rest of the food will not break the bank, especially if you make your pies from scratch, bake your own rolls and buy canned vegetables instead of the frozen packages or fresh.

Another way is to use what you have. Decorate with whatever you have on hand without rushing out and purchasing table cloths and napkins and center pieces simply because you are the host for this year’s feast. If your family is large, and it is at your place, then ask them each to bring food.

You fill in with what they don’t bring and everyone should have a good day and no one will have to do without for the next week or so until the next payday. If you still have one. If you don’t then certainly all you need to donate is your time and your table. Have them bring the food, of the bulk of it.

If you are without work and have no money, don’t hesitate to sign up for a Thanksgiving basket. With the chicken or turkey, potatoes, apples, oranges, cranberry sauce and other Thanksgiving items you should have no problem feeing your family well on Thanksgiving. This is a day to be grateful and no one is go hungry, or should go hungry at anytime, but especially at this time of year.

First, before you panic, look around you and see what you have that you can cook up into a delectable dinner table. If you live in the country and garden, your are the lucky ones. You probably have shelves of canned goods and a freezer stashed full of vegetables and corn on the cob and all kinds of food.

You don’t need my advice, but probably you could spare some of your stash for that family or two down the road that are out of work. Think about it. Yet, if you are the rural poor but have knowhow and can cook well then get to work planning a wonderful feast for your family.

If you have flour and jars of canned apples, but are not able to make pie dough from scratch, ask a friend to give you a hand. It’s not impossible. If that is out of the question, then settle for a casserole of stewed apples. It’s the apples that are so tasty and no one will mind that the crust is missing.

Use what you have, but use it in a delectable and tasty and creative way. If you nave kale or mustard greens and turnips growing in your garden, then you are in luck. Treat them as the finest vegetable, as indeed they are. Kale is about the healthiest antioxidant vegetable you can serve. I

Imagine this: A steaming dish of kale cooked with chopped onion and oil and a bit of that frozen Italian hot sausage from your freezer throw in for flavor, plus a dash of pepper and salt. To dress it up, boil a couple of eggs and slice them and arrange them around the bowl. Just innovate and your dinner will be the greatest ever.

Finding the right family pet for a small child can be a labor of love. Work with your child to find the ideal pet to adopt for your family and enjoy the results everyday.

Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience for a child. Caring for an animal can teach a child responsibility, compassion, empathy and other life long important values. Walking a dog can inculcate healthy exercise habits. Teaching a parrot to speak can help a child learn patience. Picking out produce for a bunny rabbit can help a child develop healthy eating patterns.

Once you’ve decided a pet is a good idea, many questions arise. What kind of pet best suits your family? How old should your child be when she gets her first pet? What’s the best place to acquire an animal for adoption? Should you go to the local animal shelter? Or seek out a reputable breeder?

Current Living Conditions

The answer to these questions depends on many factors. As the child’s caregiver, you will ultimately be responsible for the animal in question. Before answering, think about your current living conditions. Do you live in a house? A condo? Do you have a backyard? Is someone home during the day? Do you want to breed the animal? Are you physically active? Or more sedentary?

Many experts do not recommend pets for children younger than six. Six is a very good age for a child to have his first pet. Six year olds can easily learn to take care of an animal. Most six year olds can quickly learn to follow simple pet care instructions. Children often love the feeling they get from being trusted with, “big girl” tasks.

Hamsters, Gerbils and Mice

A good pet for a younger child is a small rodent. Diminutive furry animals like hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats can provide your little girl with hours of entertainment and fun. Have your child come with you so you can pick out a pet together. Buying a petite rodent will not put much of a dent in your budget. Most pet stores will sell all you need to get started for under $25. Consider buying more than one so they can keep each other company. Make sure that the rodents are the same sex or they may fight when one animal goes into heat. Brother or sister pairs make very good pets.

The Selection Process

When you go to the pet store ask if you can handle the animal. A good pet store will let you hold the animal before you make that decision. Look for an animal that has no sign of sickness. A hamster’s eyes should be clear. A gerbil’s fur should be soft and shiny. Healthy animals are less likely to disappoint your child and more likely to make good pets.

Once you’ve settled on a choice make sure your child understands all that is involved in taking care of pet. Help the child feed the pet and make sure that the pet has the right water as well as an exercise wheel in good running order.

Work with your young child to introduce her to the joy’s of pet ownership and help her kindle a life long love of animals.

Make, buy or barter your way to a thrifty holiday season.

Homemade coupons

Give the gift of your time with some creative coupons that your friend or relative can “cash in” later. For kids to give to parents or grandparents:
One car wash, One hour of weeding in the garden, One afternoon organizing old photographs
For parents to give to kids:
One afternoon at the beach, One trip to the museum, One hour of board games
For adults to give to each other:
One backrub, One homemade dinner of your choice, One game of tennis
Cheap, Cool T-shirts
New printing technology and innovative T-shirt retailers combine to provide inexpensive, individualized tees for every niche imaginable.

Use kids’ artwork

Grandparents, uncles and aunts can’t get enough of charming gifts from children’s artwork. FamilyFun magazine has a wonderful selection of ideas. Creating a personalized notepad featuring a child’s drawing on every page is an easy and inexpensive gift that brings pleasure to the recipient throughout the year.

Scour thrift stores for books and small toys

Get gently used books for pennies on the dollar at thrift stores, garage sales and public libraries. Nothing beats watching the look of delight on a child’s face as they open a box teeming with new stories for her to read.

Likewise, stuff a container with knick knacks and small toys gathered throughout the year and wrap it in a festive paper. Don’t be surprised if the cheap plastic playthings gets more attention than the new Xbox.

Buy ornaments in January for next year’s gifts

Christmas ornaments are the perfect gifts for your PTA buddies or kids’ teachers. Wait until after the holidays and find them at least half off their original price. Don’t forget where you stashed them when next Christmas comes around!

Make sane sale purchases
Try to resist buying an item to give in the future just because it’s on sale. You may never find the perfect mate for that Spongebob tie.

Inexpensive art

The Internet offers great suppliers of affordable wall art for the new homeowner or college student.

It’s that time of year when most of us are racking our brains trying to think of ideas for Christmas presents. It’s just too easy to buy something quick and be done with it, but it will be remembered as just that. Truly memorable gifts that last for months or years are ones that come from the heart. And, for those people who truly matter in your life, isn’t that what you want, to be thought of fondly and to bring a smile to their face?

Here are several examples of heartfelt gifts:

For the elderly: The elderly would rather receive something that they could use, a handmade afghan or warm blanket, or perhaps some warm bedclothes, robe, or socks. Of course, a photo album with updated pictures of the family is always welcomed.

For women:

They always say that “a diamond is a woman’s best friend”. Jewelry is always a good bet with women. Forget the iron or skillet, the ramifications won’t be pretty. Think about the interests or hobbies that the individual is involved with. Is this perhaps a single parent? The gift of time may be just what she would treasure if she can take some time for herself away from her children or obligations.

For men:

When asked what they remembered and treasured most about previous Christmas gifts, it was the gifts such as their first gun as a youth, or a bicycle that they rode for years. What connection is there between you and the man to be gifted that is unique to only the two of you. Siblings can recreate a favorable memorable time from their childhood with memorabilia, or find objects that remind them of family traditions.

For children:

The list to Santa will most likely be the latest plastic toys from China. Some of those have value in relating to their friends. It’s also time to begin to build childhood memories that last a lifetime. A handmade baby blanket or quilt with their name embroidered on it, or perhaps a personalized picture book with the child as the main character will be forever cherished. Older children remember bicycles, trains, and musical instruments as well.

For teenagers:

Technological gifts usually head their Christmas list with the ultimate gift of independence with their first car. That may be too steep for most budgets; instead, give the gift of teaching them how to drive safely and responsibly. Of course, only if you have the ability to do so in a calm manner!

Christmas time is all about feeling. Finding the right gift that lasts for a long time in the hearts of others is about your connection to them.

Buying for that special someone who has everything is a very challenging task but it can be done! Add in a little creativity and you’ve got a special gift.

In today’s market, there isn’t anything you can’t buy. Be a little creative and keep in mind that person’s interests and you can give a great gift this holiday season.

Gifts for men

Sports related items are the first to come to mind with most men. Be a little imaginative when purchasing that sports item. In many stores you can find mini gift card stockings with his team logos on them. Instead of a gift card, purchase lottery tickets to stuff inside. For the fisherman buy an inexpensive tackle box and fill it full of candies and nuts. If he’s a hunter, a camo hat or insulated lunch box can be filled with little sausages and jerky to make sure he never gets hungry out in the woods. A golfer will always enjoy his favorite sports team on balls, tees, and covers for his golf clubs.

Don’t forget with almost any hobby or interest he almost always keeps that hand towel handy. So get some inexpensive towels and a small amount of fabric with his favorite team or other interest imprinted on it and add a border or top off the towels with a simple stitch to add a nice addition to a bland towel. Every guy loves to eat and grill out. Make a gift basket out of tongs, oven gloves, barbacue sauce, etc, in nice coordinating colors.

Gifts for women

Women are so much easier than men. There are so many perfumes, body lotion kits, scarves, slipper socks, and inexpensive jewelry out there. You can almost walk into any store and find something fairly quickly. You can hardly go wrong with any kitchen item. Most people who have it all also have old things that need replacing.

If you want to get a little more creative get them a scrapbook album and fill it with pages full of pictures you have of their family or friends. Handmade ornaments can be easy to make and become a very treasured gift that they will remember every holiday. A gift that keeps giving is a subscription to one of their favorite magazines. For a bingo player, buy a bag or basket and fill it with bingo daubers. Most gals love baskets so fill them with bath things, candies, wine, flower seed packets, or any assortment of their favorite things. Anything you can find that showcases their family will definitely be a winner, as a woman’s life is centered around that family.

Presents for kids

Children are easy, teens a little harder but they are the most fun to shop for during the holiday season. Hitting the thrift store early in the season is a great idea for kids who have everything. A small jewelry box with plenty of inexpensive jewelry will definitely be a hit for any tiny princess. For a little girl find a cute purse and fill it with small toys or different types of candy. For a little boy, do the same with a small toolbox. Matchbox cars put into an appealing container makes a “can’t go wrong” gift for any boy.

Every child likes to get tons of toys for the holidays. Interesting and funny books may not be the favorite now but they will come to appreciate them later. Add in a stuffed animal or doll and it’s a winner. Teenagers love to shop, so let them. Buy gift cards from their favorite stores and slip them into nice little fingernail kits or a packet of baseball cards. It’s a win-win for the teen in your life.

If you keep your eyes open and be a little creative you will find there are plenty of things out there that the hard to buy for person doesn’t have and will enjoy.

Mom will like anything you give her, but here are some Christmas gift ideas that will make your favorite woman happy.

Unless your mom is a gourmet chef, I would steer clear of the pots and pans department. I think that moms really like any kind of jewelry, clothing, or anything made by their children or grandchildren. I would also discourage you from buying vacuum cleaners even if they are robotic. Give that to your dad, instead. Here are other Christmas gift ideas.

Jewelry – Easy Christmas Gift Ideas for Mom

Any kind of pearl jewelry is good. I don’t know about your family, but I think that some of those jewelry items with fake birthstones are a bit tacky…though if you look for something simple, it might be nice. Do ask yourself if Grace Kelly would wear it…and if you don’t know who that is, and why would you…just remember that simpler is better, when you are buying something of this caliber.

Pearls for Mom Bracelet: This says “mom” on it, but the writing is tiny, so it’s not gaudy. I like this and I would wear this. Well, remember that your mother will wear anything you buy for her, or make for her, because it’s from you.

Beaded Edge Mother’s Hand Stamped Necklace: This is also cool because it’s funky and hand stamped. I like it as shown without Swarovski crystals, which don’t really look good with silver or pewter. If everyone is pitching in for the $45.00 and you can’t fit all of the names, you could use nicknames or initials. This is cute and can be worn daily.

Sterling Silver Family Heart Locket: Most of the time, I think that jewelry without names or words is the most classic and, therefore, preferable to jewelry with verbage. However, if you want to give your mom anything that says, “Mom we love you,” you will make her tear up with happiness, and I will give you my blessing. This is a nice locket for all of the things that your mother has done, or tried to do, for you.

Travel Accessories

If your mom is a traveler, you can find quite a few inexpensive things that she will love.

Rick Steves Books: No matter how many times you’ve been to Europe, you will learn something new from the Rick Steves’ guidebooks. I don’t know how people do Europe without them. He gives so many tips that are exactly what you need to know. And, if your mom has never been to Europe, you should save up and send her someday.

Danielle Cosmetic Bags: These are becoming harder to find but if you google around for Danielle Makeup Case White, you may find it. They are well-made of a nice see-through mesh. You know it’s the right thing if it has a little airplane pull on the zipper. Get it in any shape or size that you can find because these unassuming little bags are exactly right in all of the sizes. I’ve used them for years and they last forever.

The Danielle makeup bags that I’m talking about are cheap, so you might want to toss a little blusher from the drugstore into it. And, if you can’t find the travel cases with the little airplanes, any kind of makeup case is always helpful for mom to have. Even if she isn’t traveling much in this economy, she can always use it to stash her stuff in the car.

New Mom

Ed Hardy Diaper Bag: If mom has little ones, you can get her a groovin’ Ed Hardy Bag. For a less expensive alternative, try Sourpuss or Jaminga. Look around online because there are rocking cool diaper bags everywhere.

I really have to assure you that you needn’t stress over a present for your mom. Mothers are usually so overlooked that they are thrilled to receive anything.

It`s time to choose a gift for Dad, but money may be tight this year. That new set of Callaway golf clubs may have to wait until your financial situation clears up. In the meantime, below are some great gift ideas for those who want to spoil their dad, but stay on a budget.

Custom Gift Cards for Dad

Let’s face it. Dads love to shop for “guy things.” They love electronics, gadgets, sports, games for the Wii, games for the Xbox, video games, etc. So why not contribute to your dad’s potential purchase? Many times dads won’t buy a game or electronic gadget for themselves because it’s a bit too expensive. However, if you purchase a $20 custom gift card at your dad’s favorite store, this can go a long way. For example, a Wii game costs anywhere from $30-$35. A $20 gift card will cover most of the purchase.

A gift card is a great excuse for your dad to spoil himself. Remember to be thoughtful and to choose a place your dad will definitely shop. Some ideas include the local golf shop, Best Buy, PC Richards, Radio Shack, the local electronic store, Brookstone, etc.

DVD Movies for Cheap, Choose Your Dad’s Favorites

A gift that we often forget about is the DVD. It’s a great, generic gift for men, and especially for dads because you know your father well. Ordering DVDs online is a great way to save money. With a $20 budget, you can order one, newer DVD he’ll love, or two older movies. Be sure to take shipping costs and tax into account.

Some favorite movies loved by men include Pulp Fiction, No Country for Old Men, Top Gun, The Hunt for Red October, A Few Good Men, Caddyshack, Das Boot, Star Wars, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II, Animal House, Apocalypse Now, Raging Bull, Patton, Blazing Saddles, etc.

You can also buy great television series on DVD and get him interested in quality shows. Some favorite television shows loved by men include Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights, CSI series, Mad Men, The Sopranos, Cheers, Taxi, Dexter, Rescue Me, Entourage, and so on. You can either introduce your dad to a new show that you know he’ll enjoy or remind him of his favorite old shows.

If you really know his interests well, buy specifically for them. Don’t stray from what he loves. It’s the thought that counts.

When Christmas shopping this year, use these Christmas gift ideas for dad to buy a personal, yet memorable gift. Keep to his interests and spoil him with thoughtfulness.

While money is probably the most requested gift among college students, some people would prefer to give the college students in their lives an actual present for Christmas and the other holidays. Shopping for a present for a college student can be a difficult feat for some people. However, there are several gifts that many college students would appreciate receiving. These gifts are described below.

Portable Music Player, Music Car Adapter, or Gift Certificate to Download Songs

Regardless of the genre, most students enjoy listening to music. Therefore, a practical holiday gift for a college student is a portable music player. If the student already owns such a device, then an accessory, such as a car adapter, would make a great gift. For a quick present, a person could also give a gift card to download songs, such as an iTunes gift card.

Give the Student Supplies, Clothes, or Gift Cards for Internships and Job Interviews

Many students complete internships during college, and many students apply for jobs after graduation. Therefore, a college student could be given supplies for these activities, such as a portfolio for storing paper, pens, and a resume. Internship and interview clothes could make a great gift, also. However, if the size and clothing preferences of the student are unknown, then a gift certificate to a clothing store is also practical.

Student Appliances, Serving Sets, or Decorations for His or Her Apartment

Since many students are living on their own for the first time, they might be in need of basic apartment items, such as appliances, serving sets, and decorations. For appliances, a student might be in need of certain kitchen appliances, such as a toaster or blender. Also, if the student enjoys hosting parties, then hosting supplies might be great gifts, such as a set of wine glasses or beer mugs.

Additionally, decorative items for a student’s apartment can also be great Christmas gifts. If a student has begun decorating his or her apartment in a particular style, then an item to complement that style would make for a thoughtful present. Also, basic living-space items, such as a wall clock or door mat, could also be great gifts for students.

Give the Student Electronic Equipment, Electronic Accessories, or Computer Software

Electronic equipment, which can range from alarm clocks to gaming systems, can make for a fun and useful gift for college students. A person can tailor the electronic item to meet the needs of the student. For example, if the student is in need of a printer, then a printer would be a practical gift. Also, electronic accessories can be great gifts, such as iPod covers, headphones, and gaming controllers.

Additionally, if the student owns a computer, then or she might need computer software, such as the latest edition of Microsoft Office. Or, the student might need a software program that is tailored to his or her college major. General software programs, such as anti-virus programs, could also be good gifts for students.

Whether it’s computer software or a new toaster, there are several useful and thoughtful gift ideas for college students. The gifts can be tailored to meet the needs of the student, such as work clothes for a student starting an internship or kitchen supplies for a student who recently moved into their first place. And, the gifts can be more general, such as music gift cards or computer accessories.

Getting famous online requires a lot more planning than using the “post and pray” method. However, searching online will bring you countless methods for how to gain more followers, increase your visibility, and manage your presence successfully. 

Below you’ll find 4 of the most important tips for increasing your chances of making it big. 

While we can’t guarantee that you will get famous online with these steps, they will certainly help! 

1. Decide on your “niche”.

Your “niche” is basically your little corner of the internet. The first step to creating a successful online profile is to really decide what your passion is. What do you have expertise with? What information or knowledge do you possess that other people NEED? Now – go find community there! 

When you think of your niche, think SMALL. It probably feels counterintuitive to narrow down the people you are trying to reach, but my specializing you are competing against a smaller number of posts for visibility. This method also benefits you because the people that you ARE reaching actually need what you are providing.

Pro Tip: Don’t just pick “busy people”. Narrow down to “athletic busy people” or “tea loving busy people”. 

2. Post valuable content.

You have to bring value to your niche. People want to gain something from following you! This could be products they need, tips and tricks, or even solidarity. Either way, they have to connect with you and feel that you are solving a problem they have. 

Finding community is incredibly important for this. For example: If you are focusing on the DIY niche – Post an Instagram Reel showing your niche how to stain an end table in under an hour. Bring the funny and relatable content! 

Pro Tip: Look at your video and ask yourself, “Would I share or save this?”

3. Select 1-2 platforms to really dig into. 

You need to learn about the algorithms (technical “formula” created for deciding which posts show up to many people and which don’t) involved on your favorite platforms. For example: Facebook likes to show posts that involve pictures of a face and that involve conversations. The more back and forth conversation, the more people that post is going to be shown to. 

Once you have found your niche and decided on platforms – get involved in groups (on Facebook) or hashtags (Instagram) and interact with them! Build relationships with them! Providing value and answering questions will build credibility for you within the community. 

Pro Tip: Utilize the search feature on groups or instagram to search for people’s questions in your niche. What questions do you have answer for? What problems do people have that you can solve? 

4. Consistency, consistency, consistency. 

This is probably the most important way to bring maximum visibility and engagement to your own posts. It is incredibly important to put content out on a frequent, predictable basis. People will come back to your account for your daily content! The more you post, the more people will be able to interact, and the more visibility you will have.

Have confidence! Yes, the internet can feel big and scary. But just take these steps one at a time and go for it. Find your people, dig in, and bring that value consistently. May your page views be high, and your bounce rate be low!