Christmas is just 6 months away.  If you are looking for ways to fill those “Mom, I’m Bored!” days, take the kids to the library and check out some books that show how to make things.  You and the kids can start making some very special Christmas gifts for family members.  Paper, candles, soap, fashion accessories, jewelry, and home décor are all easy to make with inexpensive or “found” items.  Books tell you how, and you’ll have more fun when your gift recipient is amazed that their very special gift was hand made by you or your children.  Every year, I make my parents fire starters using cupcake paper liners, wood chips, and melted wax from leftover candles.  It’s their favorite gift each year, and costs me pennies.

If you are planning on having a picnic or BBQ on the 4^th of July, make sure all your non perishable food items are purchased, and put aside for the occasion.  Ask each guest to bring a food item, and your expenses will be greatly reduced.  Put the savings in the tin.

Begin saving empty containers.  Remove labels, and thoroughly wash items before storing.  Mayonnaise jars, interesting glass bottles,  plastic containers, tins, boxes… all of these can be used to make wonderful home made gifts.  Every time you or the kids get bored this summer, take out some of your saved containers and decorate them.  You can pull out some broken egg shells and mosaic the top of a jar lid.  Give the kids some acrylic craft paints, and let them paint snowmen on the outside of some containers.  Decoupage herb pictures on the outside of bottles so you can later fill them with home made herbal vinegars or oils.  You’ll have fun projects to fill those lazy summer days, and be well on your way to beautiful and unique gifts containers. 

Have your older children practice their reading and make a great gift for grandparents and younger siblings.  These are also good for children or seniors in care facilities.  Simply have your child read their favorite stories and books aloud and record them.  If you read a lot, consider making recordings of the books you read as well.  Give the recordings to the recipients.

Shop the men’s departments and sales now.  Men’s gift sets, toiletries, and specialty items should  all be marked way down.  You’ll find perfect gifts for all the men you buy Christmas presents for, and you’ll pay a fraction of the original price