Make Holiday Gifts for Fun and Savings

The following information was submitted by Lynne Rubio, supervisor of Readers’ Services at the Des Plaines Public Library.

The holidays are on their way. Whether you have more people on your list than you have dollars to spend, or you just want to give heartfelt gifts that show how much you care, do-it-yourself, or DIY, gift-giving can be both frugal and fun.

Join us at the Frugal Friends Coupon Club for a thrifty gift-giving workshop from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 10. We have some creative, easy and thoughtful gift ideas to make you and your loved ones smile. Also, you can get a jump on your holiday shopping with a make-and-take project.

What’s the benefit to making things by hand?

• Save money.
• Avoid the shopping crowds.
• Be green: new store-bought items use up a lot of resources while DIY items are often simpler, less packaged, or recycled.
• Slow down and enjoy the people in your life: making things together lets you spend more time with loved-ones.
• Take some of the commercialism out of the season: when it’s handmade the focus is on the giving more than the gift.

Register today for the Frugal Gift Giving meeting; materials for the make-and-take project are limited. We’ll also share loads of suggestions for ways to save money and give the perfect gift!

By their very nature, DIY presents require time and mindfulness; they are not found on last minute trips to a 24-hour store. You can prepare yourself by gathering ideas and supplies.

Endless inspiration can be found from online sources such as Pinterest, crafting blogs, magazines and craft books from your local library. Once you’ve done some research, you can prevent last minute over-spending by saving ribbon, giftwrap, and containers, everything from Pringles cans to peanut butter jars.

Don't forget your coupons. As always, we'll have coupons and deal swapping.

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