Fifty Thrifty Nifty Gift Ideas

Bear with me here...this is a super looooooong post, but it has an awesome title. My idea of "thrifty" is usually under eight dollars so most of these are under eight dollars. The gift ideas are in no particular order...just in the order I thought of them. Some of them are for girls and some for guys and some for both-I don't specify for more than a few though. More are for girls, but that's just because we are easier to shop for ;) Anyways hope you actually read all the way through, cause I put a lot of work into this.


1. Candles: Candles are a great gift for an adult, but they also are pretty good gifts for teenage girls. They can be expensive so buy them at the right place! A small candle with a wonderful scent is better than a big expensive candle with a weak scent.

.2. Plants: A small potted plant can be a nice change from normal gifts. It doesn't even have to be a flower although those are usually cheapest. Just make sure you buy a plant suitable for the recipient. (ie. if they are very busy, get them a plant that doesn't need water, or if their house is dark with no sun, get them a plant that likes that environment.)

3. Ornaments: Always a favorite around Christmas time. Whether homemade or store bought a new ornament is admired by the whole family and makes a great gift for a friend. Although this gift might seem like it's only for girls I've discovered that with a little hot glue, wire, and a matchbox car, it makes a funny gift for a guy too.

4. Picture Frames: They're less common now with more and more digital photo's, but many people will get pictures printed specifically to match their new frame. Be sure to buy a frame that will fit with their house decor, and if you don't know what that is, silver or black is always a good way to go. Once again, frames can be pricey so buy them in the right places.

5. Socks: One of my personal favorite gifts to give or receive, a pair of socks can say a lot. Whether you give toe socks, or knee socks, fuzzy socks, or silky socks, long socks or short socks, a pair of socks is an awesome, much appreciated gift. You can even decorate white socks with fabric markers or sharpies for a gift.

6. Candy: Almost everyone loves candy-guys, girls, kids, adults, it doesn't matter what age or gender. What matters is finding the right candy for the right person. If they like peanut butter and chocolate get them a king sized reese's. If they like peanuts and caramel, a large snickers bar is good. If they hate chocolate, maybe jelly beans, or swedish fish.

7. Pillows: Pillows are great, but they can be expensive. I'm not talking about the pillows you sleep on every night-I mean decorative pillows. A pillow is an unusual but fun gift as long as you get it from the right place. Oddly enough,, craft stores like Hobby Lobby, A. C. Moore, and Michaels, sometimes have great deals on pillows so check those kind of places before you hit the furniture stores.

8. Lip Gloss: Definitely for girls. Please do not buy a guy lip gloss...maybe like, chapstick, or something. That said...all girls love lip gloss...and if they don't...buy them some nice chapstick. But anyways, lip gloss is a great thing to have in your purse for adding a quick touch of glamour to an outfit. And it's cheap. =)

9. Decorated T-Shirt: A couple of sharpies, a white t-shirt from the craft store, and a stencil, can say a lot. T-shirts are wearable, reusable, and lovable. With the right decorations your gift can become lovable in every way. Don't forget to sign it somewhere discreet! A good gift that can be pretty inexpensive. 

10. Nail Polish: Often times girls forget to buy new nail polish and then realize that, well, they've run out. Friends, don't let friends run out of nail polish. Buying them one or two new bottles is cheap and shows that you care. Guys...please don't buy your friends nail polish unless your friends are girls. 

11. Poem: For those of you with no money, but a brain..write them a poem! Guys...you can write a rap or something. "But I'm not poetic!" you say. "Whiner." I'll say back. ANYONE can write a poem as long as they know more than 100 words. Some tips: 1.)Make rhymes off of their name. (ie. My friend Joe, loves to mow.)  2.) Do an acrostic. If you don't know what that is-look it up. 3.) Do either a funny poem or a sweet one. A good poem should be enjoyable! 4.) Write free verse. This means it doesn't have to rhyme.

12. Earrings: If her ears are pierced she wants earrings. Before you buy them though, make sure she isn't allergic to a certain kind of metal. A lot of places have clearance on earrings or good sales. And you can never go wrong with small, sparkly studs.

13. Pen or pencils: Sometimes a nice pen is hard to come by, and lots of people are always trying to find one that works. A couple of ballpoint pens is a great gift or stocking stuffer. Sometimes pencils are good too, especially for those who like to draw. A couple of nice art pencils are a nice surprise.

14. Sharpies: YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH SHARPIES. What is more fun than a permanent marker in your favorite color? Pair it with post it notes and there is the perfect inexpensive Christmas gift!

15. Scarf: Too many people are denied the pleasure of a good scarf. A lot of scarves are itchy, ugly, or too long, or too short, or whatever. A fleece scarf is a fabulous gift and have a very modest price. Make sure the scarf's color matches the recipients skin tone though-we don't want them looking washed out! Also make sure it is comfortable and the right length.

16. Friendship bracelet: Friendship bracelets are a dime a dozen-especially if they're homemade. A little bit of colored string and an online guide make it easy to give all your girl friends gifts. Give them their favorite colors and add some beads to make it even more special. Don't forget to leave enough room for tying it on their wrist!

17. Headband: This one is tricky because not everyone can pull off a headband. Plus you have to find a comfortable one in a generic color. But it can be done! Watch your friends and find out who wears headbands. Then, simply find a good style and color for that person. Cloth headbands are usually more comfortable than  wire or plastic, but not always. Also watch prices, because some stores sell headbands for way too much!

18. Cookies: The very best way to say "I'm thinking of you" in the holidays. Everyone has flour, sugar and butter, so make your friends some cookies! Make sure you make enough for their family because when they smell those cookies the whole family will want one. Put them on a plate, wrap them in cellophane, and tie them with ribbon. Voila! A Christmas gift to be proud of.


19. Soap: Soap can be a good gift for many reasons. 1.) It's usually pretty. 2.) It keeps us clean. (hmm might be a good gift for boys.) 3.) It's inexpensive. So get some for your friends and put it in a little bag and it'll be a very cute, fashionable present.

20. Shoelaces: I can see you now. What? Shoelaces? What the heck is she talking about? Well I happen to know that a lot of people have tennis shoes with boring laces. Grab some sharpies and white shoelaces and decorate! People will think it's an odd gift at first...until others begin saying "I love your shoelaces!" Then they'll smile and think of you.

21. Pin: Alternate name, brooch, but I think that's too odd of a word so I say pin. A lot of pins are very ugly, but some of them are great and add just the right touch to an outfit. Some people like to put them on other things too, purses, hats, pants, etc. Plenty of places sell them for a very good price, so go for a unique stylish pin and you're sure to please.

22. Hat: Sometimes hats can be SUPER expensive, but some places have a nice hat for $8 or less. Buying a hat can be tricky though, because a.) not all people like them, b.) not all people look good in them and c.) there is a lot to choose from!ie. Beanies, visors, sun hats, baseball caps and the like. Just FYI, I've found that places like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Target have good deals on nice hats.
 
23. Notebook: They can always use another notebook, no matter what you think. Besides notebooks are cheap, fun, and you can write a note in the front page (a poem!) Notebooks are usually inexpensive enough to pair with a pencil, sharpie, or gel pen.

24. Gift Card: Wow, creative, you say sarcastically. However a gift card is a great present-especially for a guy. I'm not talking a gift card to an electronics store. I'm talking food. Guys love food. Five dollars to Subway, A chick-fil-a calendar, a gift card to Starbucks. Great presents although they sometimes imply that you didn't put in much thought.

25. Sun-catcher: A unique gift that most people would never expect, but would be pleasantly surprised to receive. Be sure you give it to someone with a sunny window so that it can make rainbows on their floor. Suncatchers can be homemade or store bought and both ways are pretty inexpensive. 

26.Calendar: This is a gift to be careful with. Often times people like to buy their own calendars or they don't have room on their wall, or they don't use them. Before buying a calendar for someone scope it out. Ask their family about space and use, but if the answers are good, go for it! Choose a fun calendar that matches their decor. Most places have pretty cheap calendars so have fun picking out an awesome one.

27. Recipes: A recipe swap is a great way to exchange gifts and delicious food. It's not something I'd do myself since I don't cook or bake or...anything remotely similar. But for the chef-to-be in the family...find another chef-to-be and swap! Or, for a friend's present, create a mini recipe book with index cards and a hole puncher. Get the artist-to-be to decorate the cards and then wrap it up and send it off!

28. Coffee mug: Whether it has a funny saying on it or a pretty pattern a coffee mug is a good gift for whatever person. A coffee mug is very usable and everyone likes having a personal mug for only them. It also goes great with #29. Coffee mugs are sold everywhere during the holidays so go find yourself a mug.

29. Tea/Hot chocolate: Stick a couple packs inside a coffee mug, or tie some up with a ribbon. People love getting a box of multi-flavored tea or some hot chocolate. Attach a small bag of marshmallows to complete the sweet gift. A stick of peppermint as a stirrer doesn't hurt either. =)

30: Stationary: Stationary is great because most often it is used to write thank-you's or additional notes. Plus it encourages people to write more letters and send less emails. Add to those things the great price of stationary and you have a very nice present.

31. Jigsaw puzzle: A jigsaw puzzle is a good gift because it brings people together. One person sits down to work on it and before you know it the whole family is involved. Dollar stores have lots of 1000 piece puzzles, so go get 2 of them, wrap them up and stick on a bow.

32. Small figurine:For the friend who has an empty shelf and nothing to put on it a small porcelain or glass figurine is never a bad gift-except if they have younger siblings...this can lead to shattered figurines. So be careful when buying these, but don't let that stop you. They're everywhere at yard sales and small shops.

33. Stickers: Believe it or not, these things can get pretty darn expensive. They are also a fun little addition to a gift basket or bag and they're great for people who collect them. If you actually want to give them as a gift then be sure to buy some fancy shmancy ones.

34. General jewelry: Often times jewelry is incredibly expensive. One word: Clearance. Clearance jewelry is not always super cute, but sometimes you can find a diamond in the rough. A necklace with one charm or three bangles can be super cheap, but super awesome. So don't give up until you've gone diamond hunting.

35. Water bottle: Everyone knows someone who's very athletic. So why not get them a water bottle? Water bottles are easy to lose so they probably need another one...next year, repeat! It's inexpensive and very useful. Plus, often times people like to have something of their own especially in larger families.

36. Potato gun: What the heck is a potato gun you say? Well I'll tell you! I've never met a guy who does not like one of these. It's pretty much a dollar store, plastic, toy gun that takes a small chunk out of a potato and shoots it. It shoots really far and guys just really seem to like these things. I have yet to figure out why. So get a pair of them for your brothers or guy friends. Trust me, they'll like them.

37. Sunglasses case: Too many times I've either broken or damaged or lost my sunglasses because of my lack of a sunglasses case. So go ahead and get one for the friend who's always complaining about broken sunglasses. They come in a zillion different colors, shapes, and sizes and you can get them at a dollar store or craft store or pretty much any place like that.

38. Picture collage: A picture collage can be the most special gift to give. Print a bunch of pictures of you and your friend/s, add some personal touches, and watch their eyes fill with tears as they look at it...well, the girls anyway. It can say so much about how much you care, so put in the time and effort and it's sure to be worth it.

39. Wind chimes: It's so cheery to hear those wind chimes outside my window, especially in the winter. They were a gift from a friend and I love them to death. So get your friend some wind chimes. I suggest metal because they are less likely to break. Find them at your local dollar store or find instructions online about how to make them.

40. Activity book: We're a little old for that aren't we? Maybe, but I know sometimes I feel like doing a word search  or a maze and I know that there are some really difficult word and picture puzzles to solve out there. So print a bunch of pages out, decorate a cover, staple or string it together and there you have it. A Christmas afternoon boredom buster for your friend.

41. Themed gift: You know what your friends like and you know what they're into. So buy them a present based off of that, and if you can't find some way to make it. If they like stars buy them glow in the dark ones, if they like the beach make them a sand and sea globe (look it up) and etc. Be creative and caring enough to really think about what they would appreciate.

42. Wreath: Homemade wreaths are pretty special if you take the time to make them. There are several different kinds, like, the ones made from vines, the ones made from styrofoam and cloth, or the ones made from wire and other random junk. If you put time and effort into it, it will pay off and look very cool.

43. Gag gift: A personal favorite of mine to give...not necessarily to receive. Mainly for boys, gag gifts can bring laughs, but be careful so you don't hurt someones feelings. Fake snakes and bugs, a funny bumper sticker, or a fake nose ring are just a few funny ideas, but remember not to take it too far.

44. Computer cleaner spray: Some guys just really love electronics. I often hear my brother cleaning out his computer with "computer cleaning spray". According to him and the internet, it's pretty cheap so if your bro likes cleaning computers for some reason then surprise him with what I call "air in a bottle".

45. Magnets: A magnet can be super fun. Dollar store or souvenir shop, magnets are everywhere. You can find ones with sayings, pictures, and ones that are picture frames. While you're at it get them two or three, they'll love brightening up the fridge!

46. Key chain: Add a little flair to a backpack, purse or key ring with a keychain. Get one with a light, or one with a ruler, or one with a space for a picture. Inexpensive and interesting, a keychain is definitely a unique gift.

47. School supplies: It's always nice to get a pencil case, or erasers, or a miniature stapler. School supplies are constantly running low so a couple fresh items can be very useful. A dime a dozen at any dollar store school supplies can be a great present.

48. Playing cards: Playing cards get beat up and lost pretty easily. A new pack doesn't cost much and it can be a fun gift to give to any friend. Some cards even have funny sayings or pictures on the back. They don't cost much and are well appreciated.

49. Photo Album: For all those extra photos lying around a photo album is a great gift idea. Some of them even have a slot in the front cover for a small picture. Nicer ones can be expensive, but it's pretty easy to get a simple album for a few dollars.  

50. Cards: Sometimes a card can say everything, so spend your money on a nice card. A musical one or a fun one can be the best present sometimes. 

There you have it. Fifty, thrifty, nifty, gift ideas. Hope this was either helpful or enjoyable to read! And remember Christmas is not about the presents so remember the reason we celebrate and have a great holiday season.

Shopping, Shopping, and Shopping!

I bet any guys who read this blog turn away as soon as they see the title. But they might just want to read the first section of my super extreme long post. (girls can go on forever about shopping)

Black Friday Shopping (dun dun duhhh!) 
4:00am Friday morning. 
Day after thanksgiving.
Mission: To get a camera or nintendo DS for younger siblings. 
Agent: Darcy Herlihy

Darcy Herlihy and her mother and sister awoke and left the house being careful not to wake the little ones or the dog, as he would bark if he knew they were leaving. Where to first? One of them had a brilliant idea 
"Lets go to Wal Mart!" 
"Sure...lets go to the place where someone got trampled to death last year." But they went anyway. Darcy was dropped off at the entrance-without a cell phone (we're geniuses aren't we?)and told to wait in line at...ELECTRONICS!DUN DUN DUHHHHH!(the plot thickens)After waiting for an hour behind an elderly couple and in front of a super tall, football player type guy, who NEVER smiled, Darcy heard the voice on the speakers. "Will Darcy Herlihy please come to customer service? Darcy Herlihy to customer service. Thank you." 
What? She thought, why on earth would they call me out of line when I'm near the front, to customer service? So instead of giving up her place near the front of the line she chose to call-but wait, she has no phone, how can she call, you may ask. Haha! Good thing she is very outgoing! After calling her family on the chatty, elderly lady's phone, she stands in line a short while longer, but then, suddenly, she is told to get out of line-they were leaving the store! But wait! She hadn't completed her mission! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! 

Mission Status: Failed. 

Ha ha, I hope you enjoyed my story about Wal Mart. It was actually really confusing and crazy and I had a hard time understanding if that was actually my name they were calling or someone named Daisy Burly. But I got the intention. And later when we went to KOHL'S it was like BAM! Drastic change. It was quiet, organized, peaceful...very enjoyable actually. =) So now on to the next shopping story....

It had been a long hard day. It had started off with four happy girls-two Harris's, two Herlihy's- all looking forward to a great day of shopping and finding dresses for the Christmas dance. But after failing at store after store they were growing discouraged. Kailey had to leave and go to work, but the other three continued doggedly onward, determined to find a dress or die trying-figuratively speaking of course. They trudged on to their last stop-Sleepy Poet Antique Store. As soon as they walked in the door they knew they should have come here first and spent the whole day here! Everywhere they looked there was something to look at. A Mickey Mouse phone, a crystal pirate ship chandelier, an antique bed, amazing shoes. They all found a dress and even some accessories, and had so much fun that they decided they were going back very very soon. Darcy has since decided that she is never shopping anywhere else again. The End. 

 Wow, what a day it was indeed! Going to a zillion different vintage and thrift stores when the one place we should have gone first was the last place we went! I kind of feel stupid about that. Whatever. Anyway my last "Shopping" was basically going to be me ranting about Christmas shopping, prices, and what some good thrifty, creative gift ideas might be, but you're probably bored already! So I'll stop now. =)

Christmas lists, Thanksgiving, and giving thanks

Can you believe it's the end of November!?!?! It feels like only yesterday when I was chilling at the pool, in the Summer, with my friends. Now I'm already supposed to be making a Christmas list! I hate those though...I mean they are useful, but I feel so greedy when I'm like "Here's a list of things I want." It makes me feel selfish, so I make up for it by buying lots of presents for people-that always makes me feel better. Plus this year I'm pretty content so when mom says "What do you want for Christmas?" I'm like "Oh nothing." Haha...that doesn't make her happy (apparently she likes buying things for people too!)

Sooo tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Guess what I found out? Some people are trying to get the government to change it's name to Turkey Day! Why on earth would you want to encourage people to stop being thankful?! Weirdos. Whatever they can go have their "turkey day" for all I care; I will be feasting at a Thanksgiving dinner. And then comes Black Friday Shopping!!!!!! One of my personal favorite times of the year...I'm not yet sure why. Why do I like to get up at 4 in the morning in the freezing cold to go stand in lines doing nothing for hours on end? I have no idea! I just do! I'm not weird though because obviously a lot of others like it too...otherwise....there wouldn't be any lines for me to stand in! =)

The time has now come for me to give thanks for some things that are close to my heart. I was reminded this year to give thanks for the little things, by Sarah Evelyn Seaver, who, when asked what she was thankful for, replied "Flowers, ice cream, pumpkin pie, and you Darcy." It made my day that's for sure, but it also made me think about how grateful we should be for EVERY little thing. So instead of a Christmas list...I think I'll write a Thanksgiving list this year.

I am thankful for:
Fresh air
Europe
Stuffed animals
Real animals
Blogs
Blog followers
Blue jeans
Fuzzy socks
Yard sales
Smiley faces =)
Books
The Seavers
Indoor heating
Deer (also under the category of "Real animals")
Peter Pan (oh yes, I believe he's real, and he's out there waiting for me in Neverland and someday his shadow will get away from him and I'll have to sew it back on and-I better work on my sewing!)


So there you have it. A very short part of my list of things I'm thankful for and a very long blog post. Hope I didn't bore you and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Stupid colds, jewelry making, and vintage clothes.

Well, would you look at that? It's raining again. And lucky me got a cold so I'm not exactly the most cheerful person in the house. Or the most understandable. I soud like dis and everydig I say souds orrible. Yup. Not cool. Oh well, It's giving me a chance to catch up on my jewelry making. I made some really cool new pieces and I'm still making more.

So the Christmas swing dance is coming up and I need to go shopping for a vintage dress to wear...Jessi, I'm planning on you coming with me! There's supposedly some place in Kannapolis with good stuff, but I can always try Goodwill. =) Vintage clothes are so cute, especially the jumpers. I love jumpers. A-dorable. Hehe, that's all I got so, chow.

Nothing to post? Be random!

The title of this post is my new motto! I am now going to post about something that I think of randomly (be prepared this could get scary)
Well.
Random topic 1: I cannot believe they voted my favorite couple off of dancing with the stars. I mean they were amazing! How could those horrible Americans not vote for the most amazing dancers all season!

Random topic 2: Writers block is never fun. 'Specially when you're trying to write for school. Not. Fun.Even more 'specially when you need to write poetry. Blech.

Random Topic 3: Have you ever thought about pop corn? Why does it pop? How does it go from kernel to fluffy deliciousness? Why does it taste so good with M&M's? These are interesting things to think about.

Random topic 4: I will post some pictures now...random ones.  =)

There you have it. A completely random post about nothing significant at all. Tune in next time to see what kind of post Darcy makes when she DOES have something to write about! =O

Ho hum, and other related activities.

It's usually just a stupid conversation starter when people talk about the weather, but I must say I'm sooooo glad it stopped raining! It's nice to see the sun again. Lately I've been suffering with an old medical condition that's been acting up again. I got it my first year of high school. It's very common and there are several "cures". Have you figured out what it is yet? If you guessed 'Stress' you're correct and you win absolutely nothing! But seriously, with Christmas shopping that needs to be finished, a drama program in less than a month, dance performances, and school, life is taking it's toll on me. If anyone wants to kidnap me for a day and take me to some relaxing beach or something my schedule is perfectly free! I feel like giving some lemons to this guy named life and seeing how he likes it. Well, I'll keep on smiling, cause joy is a wonderful gift...hmm maybe I can skip out on buying all my friends Christmas gifts and giving them a basket full of joy...ehh nevermind. Hehe, anyways, I've decided that I'm totally gonna have a caramel apple making party sometime. That would be amazing!Yup, well, that's pretty much it for now. Oh and happy birthday if it's your birthday this month. (that means you Mo!)


Random Comment of the Day: Saying "I have lot's of smartness" is an oxymoron. 

Yard sales, coffee, and my amazing mother.

Today was just awesome. I went yard saling with my mom all morning in the most enchanting little neighborhood (I love the word enchanting!) then came home to pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, then went out with my mom to get coffee *cough hotchocolate cough* and go grocery shopping. It was a wonderful day. And I finally got some white shoes that I'm gonna decorate! I'll wear them to YG sometime...or maybe to swing dancing, that would be awesome! and I'll write on them "I <3 swing dancing" or "I like the way you rock step" =)