Alrighty, I thought I’d be a bit festive this glorious second article and offer some handy holiday tips. Since I just came back from my 9 days in Spain, I found it a bit hard to get into the festive mood with the sun shining brightly and no frost bitten fingers, so perhaps this article will help you (to save money and get creative with household goods) and me (to get in the Christmas mood).

I was recently looking at one of my favorite sites, Real Simple.com, and found a pretty snazzy article: Easy, Unexpected Gift Wrap. I don’t want to spoil the fun of reading this article, as I strongly suggest giving it a look-see; however I do want to pinpoint some of the coolest ideas they’ve listed.

First off, for those living by the seaside or for those avid fans of the tongue twister “Sally sells sea shells down by the sea shore,” a quick and easy wrapping tip! On your next trip to the beach simply dig up a few shells, sand dollars or pieces of coral. When you get home give them a good wash and dry and then use them to decorate your packages (securing them with ribbon or heavy duty tape).

Secondly (and my favorite!), using flowers for bows. For one, this saves paper and is a very green way to give gifts. Also, depending on if you can get flowers from a local grower (which can be a bit cheaper than supermarkets) you could save a bit of money instead of buying bags of bows. The only downside of this would be for those early present wrappers (you know who you are) who may end up with wilted flowers by the holidays. November Nancy wrappers, please, wait later to the date.

Other ideas include, adding a more decorative look to more common gift wrapping; for example: hole punching or curling ribbon and layering paper.
I also stumbled upon a new garland technique for your Christmas tree. Instead of making your own or buying new garland, why not try calculator roll? Or, if you’re really thrifty, toilet paper roll (ahem, unused toilet paper roll please). Ok, not the most durable or attractive (unless you have that festive Simpsons® roll which I keep meaning to go out and buy), but a sure fire way to save money! Instructions: garland as normal.

And the last but not least, something I intend on making this Christmas and using for years to come: the beer (or soda) can angel, made from scratch by empty cans and wire. I read about this in a magazine on the plane home from Spain and completely fell in love. I cannot find the exact article, or remember the exact magazine but I did find a super picture of one on flickr from member Hillery Warner.

Wishing you a Mandy Dandy Holiday Season :)