15 Frugal Tips and Ideas for Kid Stockings

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Stockings are one of those overlooked gift categories that can quickly lead to overspending. You might think, “Oh, I’ll just pick up some candy and be done.” Then you go to fill the stockings the night before and find you don’t have enough items so you or hubs run to the first open store you can find to pick up some last minute bags of candy. Don’t let this be you. First of all, have you seen the price of candy lately?! Not to mention, it is likely the only store you’ll find open on Christmas Eve is a 7/11 where bagged candy is going to cost you double the already outrageous price. In addition, there is also the stress and overspending that come from not having a plan. It is as important to plan your stockings as it is to plan your other holiday gifts. To help you out, here’s a list of 15 frugal tips and ideas for kid stockings so you can achieve maximum savings this year.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

It is just as important to plan your stockings as it is to plan your other holiday gifts. To help you out, I’ve created a list of 15 frugal tips and ideas for kid stockings so you can achieve maximum savings this year.

 

[bctt tweet=”Here is a fantastic list of 15 frugal tips and ideas for kid stockings so you can achieve maximum savings this year.”]

 

It is just as important to plan your stockings as it is to plan your other holiday gifts. To help you out, I’ve created a list of 15 frugal tips and ideas for kid stockings so you can achieve maximum savings this year.

Frugal Stocking Stuffers (for kids)

Playdoh 

You can buy a multipack of Playdoh (I have found brand new packs in thrift stores before) and then separate them between all of your children’s stockings.

Small Craft Kits

Get adorable craft kits at Michaels for $1.00 per kit. Save even more by purchasing these with coupons or on clearance. 

Jewelry 

Kids love jewelry and you can easily make kid-friendly items for them using wooden or plastic beads. The possibilities with this stocking stuffer are endless.

Finger Puppets 

Finger puppets are so cute and easy to make. The best thing about them is that they don’t take up a ton of room so storage after the holidays is a breeze.

Make Your Own Candy

Save on the candy by making you own. Just be sure to wrap it in some way before adding it to the stocking. You do not want to have to clean a big, sticky mess out of the stocking later.

Scarves 

Scarves are a quick, easy gift to make. Even if you don’t knit or crochet, you still have options for DIY-ing your scarves using fleece, old t-shirts, or your choice of a ton of other fabrics and mediums.

Hats 

This is another gift that you can make. Don’t be scared due to a lack of knitting skills. There are patterns to make hats out of all kinds of materials (some are even no-sew).  

Gift Cards 

Do you remember when we talked about buying gift cards in bulk to save money? Well, stockings are a great place to give them. A smaller amount, like a $5.00 ITunes gift card, doesn’t seem out of place in a stocking.

Books 

Books are an awesome and versatile gift that can be catered to the recipient.  Check thrift stores and used book stores to get great deals on book for your kids.  In many cases you will be able to get them for $1-$2 each, meaning huge savings for your budget!

Temporary Tattoos 

These are another great example of a gift you can buy in a set inexpensively and then split between multiple stockings.  If you’re feeling ambitious (and have the tools and materials necessary) you can also make you own.

 

It is just as important to plan your stockings as it is to plan your other holiday gifts. To help you out, I’ve created a list of 15 frugal tips and ideas for kid stockings so you can achieve maximum savings this year.

Bonus Tips for Saving

Use clearance deals to your advantage.

Keep an eye out for items during the holidays (and year-round) to achieve awesome savings.

Don’t be afraid to put larger gifts in stockings. 

This means it takes fewer gifts to fill up the stocking.  If it fits, it’s fair game to go in.

You can also save on stocking stuffers by downsizing your stockings. 

If you can’t afford to go out and buy smaller stockings, make your existing stockings take less to fill up while still looking full. To do this, stuff the “toe” part of the stocking with Polyfill and then sew closed.

Cut back on the amount of candy you put in the stockings.

You will save money by opting for mostly gifts because, again, candy is expensive! Also, most candy is small meaning it takes a lot more to fill up the stocking. Besides, do you really want to add it to the Christmas candy from last year still sitting in your cabinet?

Plan you stockings. 

I touched on this earlier but it bears repeating. Each stocking should get a spot on your written budget and you should also come up with concrete ideas for what you want to put in them.  Remember, if it is a gift you are spending money on for the holidays then it has to be included in your budget.

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Avoid that holiday sprint to fill stockings and don’t let shopping or crafting for them sneak up on you.  Plan and budget your stockings just as you would your regular holiday gifts.  Use the tips above to get you started.  Tomorrow I’m giving you tips and ideas for your spouse’s stocking.  Be sure to come back and check that out for more awesome ways to save.

See where I’m linking up!

  31 Days of Saving on Holiday Gifts: the free course to help you have you best holiday season yet! From building a strong budgetary foundation to finding small and large ways to save, this will help you knock your holiday gifts out of the park without breaking the bank!                                                     Check out #write31days

Missed the introduction to this series?                 Find out more about #write31day

Click 31 Days of Saving on Holiday Gifts.

Free Organizing Labels for Kids Outfits

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Mornings are not everyone’s thing. Some people dread that alarm clock every morning. I am one of those people and back to school season can be hard on me. Let’s face it: mornings are hectic trying to get kids breakfast, dressed, and to school on time.  It is even worse when Saturday comes and your child waits until it is time to leave for the game to even look for his or her uniform only to be unable to find it.  Sound familiar?  Eliminate some of those headaches by organizing outfits a week ahead.  These free organizing labels, along with bonus tips at the end of this post, will help your mornings go smoother.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

No matter what system you use to organize kids’ outfits, these free printable organization labels will make mornings a lot easier for you.

Materials

 

No matter what system you use to organize kids’ outfits, these free printable organization labels will make mornings a lot easier for you.

Step 1

Print out the free printable (in your choice of black, blue, orange, or purple) on your sheet of card stock. 

Tip:

  • Only insert one sheet of cardstock into your printer at a time even if you have to print multiples. This will ensure that you don’t waste paper getting it mucked up in the feed.

Step 2

Next, cut out all of the labels you need for each child.

 

No matter what system you use to organize kids’ outfits, these free printable organization labels will make mornings a lot easier for you.

Step 3

Punch holes in the top left and right corners using your eyelet setter.  Then set eyelets into each hole.  Do this for each label. (See picture above for reference.)

 

No matter what system you use to organize kids’ outfits, these free printable organization labels will make mornings a lot easier for you.

Step 4

Next, cut strips of craft lace long enough to attach to your outfits.  (This will vary depending on what method of organization for your child’s outfits you use.)

 

No matter what system you use to organize kids’ outfits, these free printable organization labels will make mornings a lot easier for you.

Step 5

Slip craft lace through each eyelet, being sure to knot on the back side of the label.  Now you’re ready to hang on daily outfits for your kids.

 

No matter what system you use to organize kids’ outfits, these free printable organization labels will make mornings a lot easier for you.

Bonus tips:

  1. Don’t just prepare school clothes.  Set out practice outfits, game uniforms, and church clothes as well.  Spending a little bit of extra time early in the week will save you tons of time and frustration later.
  2. If you want to include socks and underwear when putting together outfits but are not using an organizing system that allows for stacking folded clothes, place them in pockets or shirt sleeves to keep them with the outfit.
  3. The same goes for any accessories for the outfit.  Hair bows, hats, and watches can be kept with outfits to prevent that morning scramble when it’s time to get out the door.
  4. Keep theme days in mind when putting together outfits.  Spirit week, Halloween parties, and drug free week are all examples of times when kids can wear different (or specific) fun and crazy outfits.  Cast a quick look at the family calendar to save you some stress and aggravation later.

This is a crazy easy and inexpensive way to organize your child’s school outfits for the week. Use these as tools to make mornings less stressful for both you and your kids.  If you’re lucky, you may even start to look forward to them (as long as you still get that cup of coffee).  You can make breakfast a breeze, too, with these delicious freezer-friendly breakfast burritos!

See where I’m linking up!

 

How to be Productive during Football Season

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It is that time of year again. That magical time that lets us know colder weather is around the corner and allows us to be best friends with total strangers, for a few hours at least. I am of course talking about that glorious season known as football season! (Insert Hank Williams, Jr. singing about being ready for some football here to help get you pumped up!)

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

I will admit that on game days for my team, I can be kind of useless. I have been known to encourage cereal for dinner on game nights and once was relegated to writing a 10-page paper for a class in college during the Super Bowl half-time show (sorry, Teach). Luckily for you, you can learn from my mistakes and use these tips for how to be productive during football season and game nights especially.

Learn from my mistakes and use these tips to be productive during football season, game nights especially.

Make Commercials Work for You

Before the game starts, set a series of small goals and tasks to accomplish. During commercials, race against the clock to complete these tasks. Make sure your goals are super specific:

If you are watching the game somewhere other than home, you can still be productive. Pick tasks that you can do anywhere:

**Tip: Don’t worry about working these into your budget yet. Just notate them on the months they are coming up. This gives you a jump start on your next budget session.

Learn from my mistakes and use these tips to be productive during football season, game nights especially.

Plan for Meals Early

If the game falls right around meal time, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen for it. Luckily there are so many options available, you don’t have to be.

  1. Set the crockpot. Crockpot meals make it super easy to have dinner ready with minimal prep and time.
  2. Have a living room picnic. Throw together something quick and easy, like these toasted ranch chicken sandwiches or these taco roll-ups. Then put a blanket down on the floor and eat with your family there. Kids will start to love football days if this becomes a tradition!
  3. Have meals earlier. If it’s a late game, plan to eat dinner at 5pm instead of 6:00 or 7:00. If your family starts getting hungry during the game, whip up some popcorn for them to snack on during half-time.

Learn from my mistakes and use these tips to be productive during football season, game nights especially.

Don’t Forget about Bedtime Routines

Again, if you are looking forward to a late game, don’t forget about your kids’ bedtime routines. Get baths done and jammers on before the game starts. This is also great opportunity to start some family traditions. Buy some special game night jammers for everyone in the family (or make your own). The best part about these is that each person can get them in the team they love!

Trust me, these tips will help make football season more enjoyable for everyone in your family. (Even those crazy pants who don’t “understand the draw of it”.)  Cheers to a productive season!

See where I’m linking up!