Get Ready, Ladies...More than Half Way There!

So, it's 14th July - almost Christmas again! 

Before we know it'll be the Eve of Christmas Eve and we'll be freaking out because there's only one shopping day to go before Santa comes.

But here's a few tips and tricks to spread the cost, reduce the cost...and beat the stress!

Ready, Set...Go!
Starting now, each time you go to a major store - for regular grocery shopping or a department store, or even shopping online for things you normally buy, add one extra item to your cart and stash it for Christmas.

It can be anything - maybe a major or main present you want to buy outside the usual costs we all have during the Holidays, or smaller items like candy, or stocking stuffer items.

Be Prepared!
There's always one person you forget to buy a gift for, right?  I like to buy a couple extra, low-cost items for just in case and stash them under the tree, just incase somebody unexpected drops by with unexpected presents.  It's the Holidays - expect the unexpected!  These are all great for Secret Santa gifts at work, and as Hostess gifts too.

Emergency Gift Ideas -

Hot Chocolate Emergency Kit...
Buy a Holiday coffee mug (dollar store always has awesome selections,) and fill it with a couple individual Hot Chocolate packets, a few Candy Canes, a handful of Peppermints and a festively-wrapped candy bar.  And Hey, Presto!  A lovely sweet Christmas treat for a couple bucks!

The Spa in a Jar...
Another dollar store star!  Take a pint (or quart if you're feeling generous!) canning jar and fill with inexpensive self-pamper items - toe separators, exfoliating pads, washcloth, mini bubble bath or shower gel , nail clippers, hair ties, nail polish, Holiday nail stickers, combs, barrettes, hand cream, lip balm - the list is endless.  Lots of different kits are available from the dollar store and you can buy a few and mix and match the items to make several Spa Jars.  Throw in a relaxing lavender scented candle too.  Tie a Holiday ribbon around the neck and attach a hand-written gift tag.

The Sweet-Tooth Stuffed Stocking...
This is one for everybody who loves all those sweet Holiday nummies - the Sweet-Tooth Stuffed Stocking.  Buy a selection of wrapped Holiday Candies - Candy Canes, Peppermints, festive foil-wrapped candy, Swirl Lollipops. Marshmallows - the list is endless!  Buy a large dollar store stocking or a small one.  Fill the large ones with boxes of candy, and fill the smaller ones with individual candies and you're good to go!

The Christmas Cuppa...
This one is for all the tea-drinkers out there.  Fill a dollar store Holiday mug with individual wrapped tea bags in a selection of flavors.  And of course, stick a Candy Cane in it too!

The Dollar Store is Your Friend!
I LOVE the dollar store, but you can probably tell that from above!  It's a treasure trove for cheap craft supplies and stocking stuffers.  Of course, it's the dollar store so there are many things that look at best meh or at worst downright bleh in the store, but there are so many ways to glam them up!

One of my favorite things to do is to buy some cheapie dollar store Christmas village houses and accessories, like lampposts, benches etc, (which are usually quite hideous!) and up-grade them to something unique with a dose of  wow! 

The Dollar Store Winter Wonderland Village...
1.  Take a dollar store Christmas ornament (a Holiday house, for instance.)

2.  For a lasting finish, use a spray primer first.  Let dry thoroughly.  Paint it with two coast of white acrylic paint or spray paint.  Let dry thoroughly.

3.  Working in sections, paint a thin layer of school glue or Mod Podge over the ornament and sprinkle with fine, white glass glitter. 

Et voila! The beginning of a your Winter Wonderland Village!

Of course, you can use the same simple method with any color of paint and glitter to match your own Holiday Décor theme this year.


x Holly-Anne x