I love love love the fact that I’m watching this five years later! This is my third one tonight on different subjects but now I completely understand why you get upset with people that they say they can’t do it and make up excuses. It’s not referring to this video but more of all the moves and what you’ve done all by yourself. Super inspiring. I hope this makes sense. PS. I’m not a whiner and a complainer either, but I love hearing the stories. Thank you for your hard work all through life💕
I had a notebook with me while watching. I went shopping today and had enough points saved up to get a free gift. I picked a car freshener per this video to put in my 16 year old's stocking. You are right-less debt, less stress. We are almost there and can't wait. Living frugally is really a path to a stress-free life.
Since my husband and I have lost our jobs, this year I am going to give my grown up children home canned jams and jellies plus one $10 gift. We just can't afford more but I hope they realize all the love going into their gifts!
I'm loving all these great ideas for Christmas! Even though this was 5 years ago it's still very helpful and relevant for 2022! Thanks Jill, Tawra & Mike!
One year I made a car wash kit for one of my daughters. I put a big sponge, a couple of chamois, a bottle of car wash liquid, some wax, and an air freshener into a bucket. I bought most of the supplies at Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Walmart so it didn't cost a lot of money. And she loved it because she taking the car to the car wash was expensive. It really didn't cost very much to make the kit.
Jill Cooper the guys like the "new car scent" air fresheners. But I didn't have any boys, just three girls, so I didn't have to worry about that until I became a grandma. Haha!
My father always said "the dinner is for the adults and the gifts are for the children". I do however get one gift from my parents every Xmas. I get a one year triple AAA card. It's good for a flat a jump or a tow ect. I live a state away and it's there way of being there without being there.
I just came across this video and subscribed. l have four daughters and two granddaughter's. I'm always looking for ways to save money. I shop all year for Christmas, I shop dollartree and sales. I just started going to thrift stores and was surprised at some of things I find there that are new and never used. never thought about yard sales. Thanks for sharing all your ideas, greatly appreciated.
love your video,i learn a lot.We spend alot of money in gifts .i love to give something to my neighbors and friends. but this year i want it to do something different so my gifts will be homemade and im making your pumpkin soap and pepermint soap to give it to my friends. thanks.
Hello from the UK! Im loving all the videos...its like learning from my own family members' stories. Cozy! I loved the video about your mum bringing you all up on her own... What a star! We have started eating less meat and just LESS since watching that one. .. Thank you guys for making the effort! X
Our son has all the Lego sets in their original boxes, and they are worth a lot of money. We buy quality vs quantity and being minimalists we really dislike 'stuff' and dust catchers. Christmas day we go to the movies, then the day after we go skiing. We like experiences vs material items.
If my boys wanted the Star Wars lego they had to save up and purchase it themselves. They did on several. These are still assembled and proudly displayed on a shelf out of reach of visitors :)
My oldest has her birthday on Dec 14 th. So for the last 17 years I have had to think ahead for Christmas and store things away early on. I have four children and they have always had something to open from me and were not let down. I have yet to have one that did not like what they got. I think it's sweet when they want to get me something. I am more of the giver. I agree with your ideas.
I have 13 great nieces and nephews and yard sales and thrift stores and $1 tree are my Christmas friends and birthday friends. For the 6 families i give the couple a house gift. This year i got a dishpan and gave each a can of coffee and fruits and candy canes and microwave popcorn etc. And $1 tree had 2 pk. Of red celephane bags that i got 3 of and put a bow on them that i had at home already of christmasy ribbon. One year i did house supplies like floor cleaner laundry detergent trashbags paper towels etc. One year for 3 great nephews(twins and a brother) went to yard sale and found brand new in the box unopened action figures and paid $1 each(worth at least $10 each) so for 3 kids i paid $3 for all their Christmas.
I love that you're in real time. I'm learning to not draw out my videos, but I'm not as organized as you and you have Mike and the kids to interact with. Don't change a thing.
Thank you so much, Jill, for all the great ideas you share! They are going to come in handy for me, especially this year. I'm so glad you are on more of the videos now sharing your story. Your positive, kind attitude really makes the videos enjoyable to watch. God bless!
Jill, I wonder if you would be willing to do a 'how to video' on how you magically turn the shirts into aprons? Tawra explained that you don't enjoy to make them enough to sell for profit, but I would enjoy learning more of how to repurpose things from home to make personalized gifts. I do have a sewing machine and basic proficiency. Thanks! Karyn
I agree 100 percent on phones and tech stuff. My last kid at home just graduated and is starting his life but while him and his sisters were growing up we did not buy them phones. If they wanted a phone they had to us their own money and then use their own money to buy minutes. We heard a lot of flack from them because all the kids had them and all their cousins had all the latest tech but stayed tough...and because of it my children appreciate everything and don't take a lot other kids do for granted.
Jill Cooper right now, I'm cross stitching a pair of swans for my niece, and hand stitching hexigons for a quilt (this one might take about ten years, but I'm plugging away)
I love the long videos. You are one of the only channels who does hour long videos. Keep doing them! We love videos with Jill too! All these Thanksgiving and Christmas videos have been super helpful! Looking forward to seeing the next chapter of Jill's story!
every year we make gifts because we enjoy it :) This year it's hot chocolate sticks and cranberry sauce. I always ask people what they want or need because I don't see the need to spend money for the sake of giving someone something they won't use.
I also LOVE the longer videos!!! I dislike short ones as you just get into them, and they are over! Love watching you guys!! Thanks for always sharing. :)
We have a local store called Hardman's Hardware and they offer the "neat" household gifts like you were saying ACE offers. I love stuff like that! Thinking outside the "gift box" helps us come up with very good ideas. Thanks for the advice!
I love the longer videos, they are my television replacement. The live shows I always have my dinner ready, watch the show and relax. You were talking about YT limits the number of shows, can you start another channel for Jill, double the pleasure, double the fun for all us out here. Jill, I think you and I were sisters in another lifetime because we both do the same things, but I think I am a generation ahead of you. Love watching you. My boys are the best bargain hunters around. The biggest bargain, (ages were 10 & 13) they still brag about it. They bought an antique bed at a neighbor's moving sale ($1.00), here they come down the street with the headboard on one skateboard, footboard on the other skateboard. Took them 3 trips, but they cleaned it up and sold it for $50.00 at our next garage sale. (Priscilla)
That is funny Priscilla. You know I don't think people realize how much things like that build kids confidences and things. So you think we might be sisters. That would have been cool because I only have a brother and have always wondered what it would be like to have a sister. : )
This is Tasha Farrell from over on Facebook. I sure have enjoyed rewatching many of the vids in this series this evening. You all are such a blessing! Love ya! P.S. I cannot believe it has been almost two years since these were posted! Ahhh! Time sure flies!
I agree some families spend so much money on Christmas is unbelievable, and buying a iphone that is $800 for a child is crazy. It's the thought and giving a gift that is personalized just for the person you are giving the gift to.
Ohhh, and my kids have always LOVED popcorn/movie night baskets! I plan to give homemade food stuff for family gift baskets this year......homemade pancake mix...homemade hickory syrup....home-roasted coffee beans....home mixed herbal teas...etc.
I love giving and receiving homemade gifts. The past several years I have made all my presents, except for grandkids. This year, only the 3 youngest will get store bought presents because they live in Florida and I just order from Amazon and have it shipped straight down to them.
These tips are awesome Jill! I kept stopping the video and adding items to my kids' lists! Great ideas! And I LOVE these videos , so please don't stop them!
I do that with my cousins. One of my Aunt's has 5 children and they have a gaming system. So I bought a couple games that they could all play. It was a joint gift, but it is something they all would enjoy. Aunts and Uncles I make Chex mix and put it in a cheap pretty bag and they always love it.
I agree with buying things used reducing stress! I got a Coach bag one year and It was such a pain! It was real leather, and I was constantly worried about taking it into the snow and rain. I was bright pink so It showed every spot and watermark. I knew how expensive it was so I didn't even want to use it. I got rid of it because I felt like I was babysitting it.
I love your socalled long videos. I knit or mend things or take care of my feet or things like that. I have mostly stopped watching other stuff, enjoy the clean programs and will continue to do so
Does Grandma give store-bought fuzzy socks, or does she hand knit them? I have been gifted hand knit socks my MIL buys from a local lady for the last two years and I LOVE them...plus the bottle of wine that's included. ;)
We've been SO frugal for SO long that we've worked our way through our decent clothes. This year our kids will most likely be getting stockings stuffed with...well, stockings. lol They'll get nice clothes that they do need. Our little one will still have toys and such, but my point is, for older recipients....needful things are being gifted.
Seriously considering not buying any gifts this year. Have a major change happening this coming year. I keep telling my husband that the best place to shop for me is either Home Depot or Tractor Supply. ;)
I used to make those big gingerbread cookies for everyone for Christmas. Sometimes I make my nut and bolts. Last year I made my caramel popcorn, which every body says is the bes.
The cell phone soap box rant-👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I agree wholeheartedly! We are in the process of getting custody of hubby's two kids from his first marriage. The kids are roughly the same age as mine. Didn't come with much clothes, no coats, but because the mom was too fill-in-the-blank to parent, they each came with devices-one had a cell phone, the other, a tablet. I was like 😤 are you kidding me?!? NONE of my kids have their own devices/cell phones, not because I'm a mean mom, but because WHAT DO THEY NEED THEM FOR?!? My oldest thought she "needed"one for her Bible quizzing weekend trip...I just let her borrow mine, in case of an emergency(she was going out of state). But that's it. Our household rule-if you can't afford to pay for the monthly bill, or get prepaid cards, then you don't need a cell phone. Funny thing-now my stepchildren's devices are collecting dust! They're outside, being KIDS, playing on bikes, skates, sticks,dirt. Don't even ask for them anymore, because the devices don't "babysit" them anymore! Thank you for giving me some "out of the box" ideas! I really needed to watch this, as Christmas is coming up and we are in the very early stages of an ugly custody battle. I kept thinking "what can I get with what we may(or may not) have in the next few weeks for FIVE kids?!" Taking notes! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Blessings to you and yours!
I know some families who spend in total around £5000.00 in here in London for Christmas presents for family members... we are Hindu but live here in uk and join the fun but I feel it's all become way too commercial and overwhelming... i had an enlightening experience and even stopped buying toys for my toddlers ... love your videos .. once mike said in another video that kids remember the experience of spending time with you or the cheapest thing you got .... I feel I'm just adding more plastic to the environment and accumulating it at home
Another question: I have all kinds of coffee mugs and tea cups. Do you have ideas on making gifts out of them? Tea bags/hot choc mix. My thrift store you can get beautiful silverplate spoons for 10 cents, thought about putting one in the cup. Have you or any of your subs done anything with all those extra small kitchen things we no longer use? Currently working on gifts in a jar.
You know you could put like polish, nail file etc. in them for teens that drink coffee or women, fill with candy, a couple of small things for baby plus tea bags (like chamomile tea) for new mom, beef jerky for guys. In other words you don't always need to put drink items in them. You can also tuck them into baskets with other things. As far as kitchen items, I wasn't sure what you meant but if you mean to give away places like womens shelters can use them.
That's great ideas. I have coffee cups and mugs I have had for years and I have been finding beautiful Christmas cups for 10 cents each. I thought about the nursing home, or even to fix for some of the local children's home to sale at their fund raiser. That is a great idea for a relaxing cup of tea while you do your nails. I have all kinds of baskets, make a tea towel and tuck a pretty tea cup in them, his & hers or friends. I just came up with that wedding gift idea for a wedding I have been invited to. You've really given me some inspiration, Now if I can get my energy to get up and go. I am making shirt aprons right now. Local church thrift store has clothing 12 for $1.00 once a month. Beautiful fabrics for almost nothing. Thks for ideas.
I give lots of baked goods to friends and family. Everyone loves food! Especially homemade bread, jelly, and cookies. My grandaddy is housebound now and lives with my aunt who is not that great a cook. He loves good old fashioned food so I make black eyed peas, cornbread, chop up onion and peppers to go on top and make a desert. He would rather have that than "stuff."
Try Army surplus store for the boys. Balaclava is warmer than a toque in cold weather, and mitts are warmer than gloves. My brother -- the guy who has everything already -- likes a photo book of family pictures. All kids like to have their own flashlight, and those are quite cheap now.
I have friends, that have a rule for Christmas, everything has to come from the thrift store or dollar store, for $100.00 or under. They never go into dept., and they put more thought into it.
Love the long videos, the longer the better. People can always, stop them and restart later. I am like the lady , who said she could watch all day. I , also do chores while i am listening. It sure does make every thing easier, listening to Jill and all of you.
Had to laugh at the cleaning part. I think our viewers are going to have the cleanest houses in the world because I have so many of them say they clean while the listen to us and since some listen everyday I bet their houses are sprarkling. : ) : )
An idea for watching long videos: on some devices, you can change the speed at which they play. That works on my computer but not on my phone. I hope you guys aren't insulted if we watch you at 1.5 times as fast as you talked. It might encourage some people to watch who wouldn't otherwise do it. As for Legos, in our area, Legos are expensive, even at thrift stores, but it's still worth it. As for fancy sets of Legos. there is always the option of kids taking the plain Legos and making their own Star Wars creation. There is much more opportunity for creativity and learning that way.
When we were kids, my parents and the other adults in the family would draw names for gifts, then all the kids would get gifts from all the adults, and if you were single adult you would get gifts...but if you were married, you had to draw a name...
I have beautiful trunk I got yardsale eight dollars I have it filled with gifts for xmas next year for example I got xmas books walmart they r five ninety nine up I got them seventy percent off for t we o thousand nineteen christmas I have stuff 9th up xmas for friends also for thier birthdays
Homemade is what I like to give and not the store bought. I figure if they do not like it they can leave it behind and then I can re-gift it to someone else. I save a lot that way. I come from a large family so by the time you do the parents, brothers, sisters, spouses. and their kids you have over 300 gifts to get so at just 5.00 each is 1500.00 . Now that the parents are both gone it was decided just the kids still in school and 18 or under get something. now we all save bunches
Just another comment, I like to get older adults life items, such as nice cards and pens ,tissue paper, postage stamps, envelopes, stickers, address labels, new scissors, candles, kitchen towels, paper clips, stationary. I might put in a nice desk set to carry it or basket. Just everyday items they may use all year long.
I enjoy your rapier wit, Tawra. Your deadpan delivery is extremely funny. Homemade gifts mean the most to me. Teenage boys are indeed difficult to shop for but I've found a cheap (under $15) MP3 player (w/earbuds) that they can download music or audiobooks as the best-received as we primarily use our local library for entertainment. When at Value Village or Goodwill, I've also given my teenage boys a bag and tell them to fill it up from the book/movie/CD department. VV offers buy 4, get 5th free on books and on Tuesdays, they offer seniors 30% off. I inherited a set of nice china with 22k gold paint but who the heck uses china anymore? A good friend of ours suggested giving out batches of homemade cookies (decadent ingredients or favorite types) on those plates. 'Was thinking of including the matching tea cups with a couple tea bags or perhaps a baggie of homemade dry cocoa mix...'don't forget to include ground cinnamon in the mix!
With weight fluctuations, career women would give expensive clothes to thrift stores, I would buy skirts, dresses and blazers there after buying my first home. Came home with a wardrobe in one day. That home has good equity today. You haven’t “made it” when you buy a home. The job has only just begun.
Be sure to check out Jill's book Penny Pinching Mama: 500 ways I Lived on $500 a Month here www.livingonadime.com/store/penny-pinching-mama/
I love love love the fact that I’m watching this five years later! This is my third one tonight on different subjects but now I completely understand why you get upset with people that they say they can’t do it and make up excuses. It’s not referring to this video but more of all the moves and what you’ve done all by yourself. Super inspiring. I hope this makes sense. PS. I’m not a whiner and a complainer either, but I love hearing the stories. Thank you for your hard work all through life💕
I had a notebook with me while watching. I went shopping today and had enough points saved up to get a free gift. I picked a car freshener per this video to put in my 16 year old's stocking. You are right-less debt, less stress. We are almost there and can't wait. Living frugally is really a path to a stress-free life.
Tawra, you're hilarious! I lol when you say, People, you don't need to...". 😂😆😁👍
Since my husband and I have lost our jobs, this year I am going to give my grown up children home canned jams and jellies plus one $10 gift. We just can't afford more but I hope they realize all the love going into their gifts!
I'm loving all these great ideas for Christmas! Even though this was 5 years ago it's still very helpful and relevant for 2022! Thanks Jill, Tawra & Mike!
One year I made a car wash kit for one of my daughters. I put a big sponge, a couple of chamois, a bottle of car wash liquid, some wax, and an air freshener into a bucket. I bought most of the supplies at Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Walmart so it didn't cost a lot of money. And she loved it because she taking the car to the car wash was expensive. It really didn't cost very much to make the kit.
That is a super idea Penny for the guys or gals - although the guys may not always want an air freshener they probably need them more. : )
Jill Cooper the guys like the "new car scent" air fresheners. But I didn't have any boys, just three girls, so I didn't have to worry about that until I became a grandma. Haha!
Thank you for all the ideas for gifts. I'm on a very small budget, and can't afford alot. Thanks, 👍👍👍
These are the best videos on the Internet!!
My father always said "the dinner is for the adults and the gifts are for the children". I do however get one gift from my parents every Xmas. I get a one year triple AAA card. It's good for a flat a jump or a tow ect. I live a state away and it's there way of being there without being there.
I love just listening to you all chatter for sure. ❤️
I just came across this video and subscribed. l have four daughters and two granddaughter's. I'm always looking for ways to save money. I shop all year for Christmas, I shop dollartree and sales. I just started going to thrift stores and was surprised at some of things I find there that are new and never used. never thought about yard sales. Thanks for sharing all your ideas, greatly appreciated.
I often watch you guys when I'm on the treadmill, so the longer you talk....the better shape I'm getting in. ;) My health is in your hands!
I have been called many things before but never a good diet plan :)
LOL...new job description! ;)
love your video,i learn a lot.We spend alot of money in gifts .i love to give something to my neighbors and friends.
but this year i want it to do something different so my gifts will be homemade and im making your pumpkin soap and pepermint soap to give it to my friends.
thanks.
Hello from the UK! Im loving all the videos...its like learning from my own family members' stories. Cozy! I loved the video about your mum bringing you all up on her own... What a star! We have started eating less meat and just LESS since watching that one. .. Thank you guys for making the effort! X
Our son has all the Lego sets in their original boxes, and they are worth a lot of money. We buy quality vs quantity and being minimalists we really dislike 'stuff' and dust catchers. Christmas day we go to the movies, then the day after we go skiing. We like experiences vs material items.
If my boys wanted the Star Wars lego they had to save up and purchase it themselves. They did on several. These are still assembled and proudly displayed on a shelf out of reach of visitors :)
I remember one year for my b-day I asked my grandma for her famous fudge that I still love to this day mmm
We call them stormy cromer hats. They have flaps on the sides to cover up your ears.
you guys gave us lots and lots of ideas.
My oldest has her birthday on Dec 14 th. So for the last 17 years I have had to think ahead for Christmas and store things away early on. I have four children and they have always had something to open from me and were not let down. I have yet to have one that did not like what they got. I think it's sweet when they want to get me something. I am more of the giver. I agree with your ideas.
I have 13 great nieces and nephews and yard sales and thrift stores and $1 tree are my Christmas friends and birthday friends. For the 6 families i give the couple a house gift. This year i got a dishpan and gave each a can of coffee and fruits and candy canes and microwave popcorn etc. And $1 tree had 2 pk. Of red celephane bags that i got 3 of and put a bow on them that i had at home already of christmasy ribbon. One year i did house supplies like floor cleaner laundry detergent trashbags paper towels etc. One year for 3 great nephews(twins and a brother) went to yard sale and found brand new in the box unopened action figures and paid $1 each(worth at least $10 each) so for 3 kids i paid $3 for all their Christmas.
We are going to do gift baskets with our canned goods this year. A few kitchen towels and spatulas. Gifts that I worked on during the harvest season.
its impossible to watch a little bit now, then later lol I want to watch all the video at once lol.
I love that you're in real time. I'm learning to not draw out my videos, but I'm not as organized as you and you have Mike and the kids to interact with. Don't change a thing.
Thank you so much, Jill, for all the great ideas you share! They are going to come in handy for me, especially this year. I'm so glad you are on more of the videos now sharing your story. Your positive, kind attitude really makes the videos enjoyable to watch. God bless!
Jill, I wonder if you would be willing to do a 'how to video' on how you magically turn the shirts into aprons? Tawra explained that you don't enjoy to make them enough to sell for profit, but I would enjoy learning more of how to repurpose things from home to make personalized gifts. I do have a sewing machine and basic proficiency. Thanks! Karyn
Yes. We can maybe make that one of our videos to do when I go back there. You really need to do almost no sewing at all - they are pretty easy.
I love spending time with all of you. Thank you for the great tips.
Thanks Tania you are another one of our faithful ones
OMG there is an off button if you don't want to hear more, I love the long videos so keep them going. Exactly Jill that's what they should do.
I agree 100 percent on phones and tech stuff. My last kid at home just graduated and is starting his life but while him and his sisters were growing up we did not buy them phones. If they wanted a phone they had to us their own money and then use their own money to buy minutes. We heard a lot of flack from them because all the kids had them and all their cousins had all the latest tech but stayed tough...and because of it my children appreciate everything and don't take a lot other kids do for granted.
I like the length of your videos. Keep them the same. I agree with Jill. If I don't have the time, I'll break it up.
I know Lin. Have never been able to figure out why others didn't know you could always come back to it.
I really like the longer videos, I get a lot of stitching while I watch!
I love to stitch and watch things too. What are you stitching I wonder.
Jill Cooper right now, I'm cross stitching a pair of swans for my niece, and hand stitching hexigons for a quilt (this one might take about ten years, but I'm plugging away)
I love the long videos. You are one of the only channels who does hour long videos. Keep doing them! We love videos with Jill too! All these Thanksgiving and Christmas videos have been super helpful! Looking forward to seeing the next chapter of Jill's story!
Thank you Blanca. You and so many of our viewers are always faithfully there with us.
every year we make gifts because we enjoy it :)
This year it's hot chocolate sticks and cranberry sauce. I always ask people what they want or need because I don't see the need to spend money for the sake of giving someone something they won't use.
I also LOVE the longer videos!!! I dislike short ones as you just get into them, and they are over! Love watching you guys!! Thanks for always sharing. :)
We have a local store called Hardman's Hardware and they offer the "neat" household gifts like you were saying ACE offers. I love stuff like that! Thinking outside the "gift box" helps us come up with very good ideas. Thanks for the advice!
Thank you for all of the wonderful ideas!
I love the longer videos, they are my television replacement. The live shows I always have my dinner ready, watch the show and relax. You were talking about YT limits the number of shows, can you start another channel for Jill, double the pleasure, double the fun for all us out here. Jill, I think you and I were sisters in another lifetime because we both do the same things, but I think I am a generation ahead of you. Love watching you. My boys are the best bargain hunters around. The biggest bargain, (ages were 10 & 13) they still brag about it. They bought an antique bed at a neighbor's moving sale ($1.00), here they come down the street with the headboard on one skateboard, footboard on the other skateboard. Took them 3 trips, but they cleaned it up and sold it for $50.00 at our next garage sale. (Priscilla)
That is funny Priscilla. You know I don't think people realize how much things like that build kids confidences and things. So you think we might be sisters. That would have been cool because I only have a brother and have always wondered what it would be like to have a sister. : )
Grandmas Homestead j
This is Tasha Farrell from over on Facebook. I sure have enjoyed rewatching many of the vids in this series this evening. You all are such a blessing! Love ya! P.S. I cannot believe it has been almost two years since these were posted! Ahhh! Time sure flies!
I agree some families spend so much money on Christmas is unbelievable, and buying a iphone that is $800 for a child is crazy. It's the thought and giving a gift that is personalized just for the person you are giving the gift to.
I could watch it all day :) Never to long !
Now I have grandson birthday is on December twelfth so I have that xmas to
Ohhh, and my kids have always LOVED popcorn/movie night baskets! I plan to give homemade food stuff for family gift baskets this year......homemade pancake mix...homemade hickory syrup....home-roasted coffee beans....home mixed herbal teas...etc.
I DO LOVE your long videos. I make a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy. Thank you for them !!!!!!☕️
I love giving and receiving homemade gifts. The past several years I have made all my presents, except for grandkids. This year, only the 3 youngest will get store bought presents because they live in Florida and I just order from Amazon and have it shipped straight down to them.
Great ideas! Thank you! I would love to see a video on tips on how you get through holidays (baking, shopping, etc.) with Fibromyalgia.
yay finally
These tips are awesome Jill! I kept stopping the video and adding items to my kids' lists! Great ideas! And I LOVE these videos , so please don't stop them!
I like your longer videos. I enjoy sharing your conversation topics with others who might be inspired by your stories. Thanks for doing these videos.
Our phones are for our safety and I found out just how good it was to have when I got a flat tire. love your videos
Great Ideas. Love your show.
Boy, you're right about not being stressed when you buys used...If you destroy or dislike something that cost a quarter...no big whoop. ;)
I do that with my cousins. One of my Aunt's has 5 children and they have a gaming system. So I bought a couple games that they could all play. It was a joint gift, but it is something they all would enjoy. Aunts and Uncles I make Chex mix and put it in a cheap pretty bag and they always love it.
Don't change a thing. I love your videos!!
Love to see the how to with baskets! So good to see sensible buying for Christmas or anytime.
Yes Tawra,, please show how to make the basket and bows. AND, could mama show how to make the apron out of a pajama top?
I am going back to Tawra's and maybe we can get some videos like that done
I do love the chatter, and so does my kat. Luv u guys
I agree with buying things used reducing stress! I got a Coach bag one year and It was such a pain! It was real leather, and I was constantly worried about taking it into the snow and rain. I was bright pink so It showed every spot and watermark. I knew how expensive it was so I didn't even want to use it. I got rid of it because I felt like I was babysitting it.
I love your socalled long videos. I knit or mend things or take care of my feet or things like that. I have mostly stopped watching other stuff, enjoy the clean programs and will continue to do so
I like the longer videos..
Does Grandma give store-bought fuzzy socks, or does she hand knit them? I have been gifted hand knit socks my MIL buys from a local lady for the last two years and I LOVE them...plus the bottle of wine that's included. ;)
We've been SO frugal for SO long that we've worked our way through our decent clothes. This year our kids will most likely be getting stockings stuffed with...well, stockings. lol They'll get nice clothes that they do need. Our little one will still have toys and such, but my point is, for older recipients....needful things are being gifted.
Your channel is my favorite RUclips channel. I like the long videos
Seriously considering not buying any gifts this year. Have a major change happening this coming year.
I keep telling my husband that the best place to shop for me is either Home Depot or Tractor Supply. ;)
I used to make those big gingerbread cookies for everyone for Christmas. Sometimes I make my nut and bolts. Last year I made my caramel popcorn, which every body says is the bes.
The cell phone soap box rant-👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I agree wholeheartedly! We are in the process of getting custody of hubby's two kids from his first marriage. The kids are roughly the same age as mine. Didn't come with much clothes, no coats, but because the mom was too fill-in-the-blank to parent, they each came with devices-one had a cell phone, the other, a tablet. I was like 😤 are you kidding me?!? NONE of my kids have their own devices/cell phones, not because I'm a mean mom, but because WHAT DO THEY NEED THEM FOR?!? My oldest thought she "needed"one for her Bible quizzing weekend trip...I just let her borrow mine, in case of an emergency(she was going out of state). But that's it. Our household rule-if you can't afford to pay for the monthly bill, or get prepaid cards, then you don't need a cell phone.
Funny thing-now my stepchildren's devices are collecting dust! They're outside, being KIDS, playing on bikes, skates, sticks,dirt. Don't even ask for them anymore, because the devices don't "babysit" them anymore!
Thank you for giving me some "out of the box" ideas! I really needed to watch this, as Christmas is coming up and we are in the very early stages of an ugly custody battle. I kept thinking "what can I get with what we may(or may not) have in the next few weeks for FIVE kids?!" Taking notes! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Blessings to you and yours!
love the videos the longer the better lol,, will watch them all
I know some families who spend in total around £5000.00 in here in London for Christmas presents for family members... we are Hindu but live here in uk and join the fun but I feel it's all become way too commercial and overwhelming... i had an enlightening experience and even stopped buying toys for my toddlers ... love your videos .. once mike said in another video that kids remember the experience of spending time with you or the cheapest thing you got .... I feel I'm just adding more plastic to the environment and accumulating it at home
i love the long videos too ! x
Great video. Love all the videos..long or short. Keep them coming as I will continue to be a loyal fan.
Another great video and great tips! Thanks for sharing! :)
Another question: I have all kinds of coffee mugs and tea cups. Do you have ideas on making gifts out of them? Tea bags/hot choc mix. My thrift store you can get beautiful silverplate spoons for 10 cents, thought about putting one in the cup. Have you or any of your subs done anything with all those extra small kitchen things we no longer use? Currently working on gifts in a jar.
You know you could put like polish, nail file etc. in them for teens that drink coffee or women, fill with candy, a couple of small things for baby plus tea bags (like chamomile tea) for new mom, beef jerky for guys. In other words you don't always need to put drink items in them. You can also tuck them into baskets with other things.
As far as kitchen items, I wasn't sure what you meant but if you mean to give away places like womens shelters can use them.
That's great ideas. I have coffee cups and mugs I have had for years and I have been finding beautiful Christmas cups for 10 cents each. I thought about the nursing home, or even to fix for some of the local children's home to sale at their fund raiser. That is a great idea for a relaxing cup of tea while you do your nails. I have all kinds of baskets, make a tea towel and tuck a pretty tea cup in them, his & hers or friends. I just came up with that wedding gift idea for a wedding I have been invited to. You've really given me some inspiration, Now if I can get my energy to get up and go. I am making shirt aprons right now. Local church thrift store has clothing 12 for $1.00 once a month. Beautiful fabrics for almost nothing. Thks for ideas.
I love the long videos. I watch while I am cooking or making soap! :)
I think we need to keep making these videos if for no other reason our ladies get a lot of cooking and cleaning done while watching them. Lol
I give lots of baked goods to friends and family. Everyone loves food! Especially homemade bread, jelly, and cookies. My grandaddy is housebound now and lives with my aunt who is not that great a cook. He loves good old fashioned food so I make black eyed peas, cornbread, chop up onion and peppers to go on top and make a desert. He would rather have that than "stuff."
Your videos are not long. I can't wait for the next one guys :)
I love these! Thanks for all the great ideas :D
Try Army surplus store for the boys. Balaclava is warmer than a toque in cold weather, and mitts are warmer than gloves. My brother -- the guy who has everything already -- likes a photo book of family pictures. All kids like to have their own flashlight, and those are quite cheap now.
I have friends, that have a rule for Christmas, everything has to come from the thrift store or dollar store, for $100.00 or under. They never go into dept., and they put more thought into it.
I love the long videos!!!!
I love ur long videos! 👍🏼
Love the long videos, the longer the better. People can always, stop them and restart later. I am like the lady , who said she could watch all day. I , also do chores while i am listening. It sure does make every thing easier, listening to Jill and all of you.
I would love fuzzy socks lol
My grandma had 26 grandchildren. She knit us a pair of mittens or socks each year with a silver dollar inside. Wish I would have saved those coins.
Your grandma sounds like my kind of gal Leigh Ann. My I can't keep up with 7 let alone 26. That is a neat idea.
Gee, I always want the videos to be longer :-) Especially when Jill is telling her story.
Love you guys! You are my adopted family:-))
Your videos are longer ... so I just listen to it while I am working / driving / cleaning
Had to laugh at the cleaning part. I think our viewers are going to have the cleanest houses in the world because I have so many of them say they clean while the listen to us and since some listen everyday I bet their houses are sprarkling. : ) : )
best buy has starwars movies for 8 dollars plus a few cents until this Friday here in colorado fyi
Im a grandma of teen boys now. But, I STILL LOVE lego's
An idea for watching long videos: on some devices, you can change the speed at which they play. That works on my computer but not on my phone. I hope you guys aren't insulted if we watch you at 1.5 times as fast as you talked. It might encourage some people to watch who wouldn't otherwise do it. As for Legos, in our area, Legos are expensive, even at thrift stores, but it's still worth it. As for fancy sets of Legos. there is always the option of kids taking the plain Legos and making their own Star Wars creation. There is much more opportunity for creativity and learning that way.
Not insulted at all Betsy thanks for letting us know
Now three grand daughters
What a COOL Grandma!! Loved all the great ideas. I would love to see one of those Giant Gingerbread men. Is there a photo anywhere or video?
Those hats are called Mad Bomber Hats.
When we were kids, my parents and the other adults in the family would draw names for gifts, then all the kids would get gifts from all the adults, and if you were single adult you would get gifts...but if you were married, you had to draw a name...
I have beautiful trunk I got yardsale eight dollars I have it filled with gifts for xmas next year for example I got xmas books walmart they r five ninety nine up I got them seventy percent off for t we o thousand nineteen christmas I have stuff 9th up xmas for friends also for thier birthdays
Travelo atomizer $10 and everyone loves it
Homemade is what I like to give and not the store bought. I figure if they do not like it they can leave it behind and then I can re-gift it to someone else. I save a lot that way. I come from a large family so by the time you do the parents, brothers, sisters, spouses. and their kids you have over 300 gifts to get so at just 5.00 each is 1500.00 . Now that the parents are both gone it was decided just the kids still in school and 18 or under get something. now we all save bunches
Love your videos and you guys are just so endearing :) (especially the mini-rant about buying phones for your kids- ha!)
Just another comment, I like to get older adults life items, such as nice cards and pens ,tissue paper, postage stamps, envelopes, stickers, address labels, new scissors, candles, kitchen towels, paper clips, stationary. I might put in a nice desk set to carry it or basket. Just everyday items they may use all year long.
All great ideas
I enjoy your rapier wit, Tawra. Your deadpan delivery is extremely funny. Homemade gifts mean the most to me. Teenage boys are indeed difficult to shop for but I've found a cheap (under $15) MP3 player (w/earbuds) that they can download music or audiobooks as the best-received as we primarily use our local library for entertainment. When at Value Village or Goodwill, I've also given my teenage boys a bag and tell them to fill it up from the book/movie/CD department. VV offers buy 4, get 5th free on books and on Tuesdays, they offer seniors 30% off. I inherited a set of nice china with 22k gold paint but who the heck uses china anymore? A good friend of ours suggested giving out batches of homemade cookies (decadent ingredients or favorite types) on those plates. 'Was thinking of including the matching tea cups with a couple tea bags or perhaps a baggie of homemade dry cocoa mix...'don't forget to include ground cinnamon in the mix!
With weight fluctuations, career women would give expensive clothes to thrift stores, I would buy skirts, dresses and blazers there after buying my first home. Came home with a wardrobe in one day. That home has good equity today. You haven’t “made it” when you buy a home. The job has only just begun.
iTunes cards come in a pack with 3 $10 cards in a pack. I've split those up between 3 kids.
That is a great idea
I love multi packs like that....makes it easier to spread the love around. haha