The best way to get through the holidays without incurring a big debt or without draining your bank account is to eliminate (if possible) the gift giving.
If you have small children this probably won’t work but for the adults have a festive luncheon and let everyone know in advance that there are to be no gifts.
Christmas is about love and sharing and we can give the gift of love and our time and that creates memories which is a gift that lasts forever.
If you really do want to give a physical gift then visit your dollar stores and even the goodwill stores as they have lots of new items come in every single day.
As far as food goes keeping it simple is usually the most economical.
Instead of eggnog, fruit punch.
Macaroni/pasta dishes go a long way and serve a lot of guests for a minimal amount of money.
Have festive cookies and hard candies sitting out for your guests and just have fun and enjoy yourself and try not to stress as we approach the busy holidays!

Holiday Table Centerpiece Craft Project

Blessed Nativity Christmas Yard Art Woodworking Pattern $14.95 Brand New Pattern for a Craft You Make – Make this stylish, white holy couple plus baby Jesus in a manger from our full-size patterns. Easy assembly–most pieces just slide together. (up to 44″ tall)- Pattern Only for a Craft You Make – You will also need our Pattern Transfer Paper (Sold Separately Amazon item # B001VA38PM) to transfer this pattern to your wood….

Simple Nativity Wise Men Plan (Woodworking Project Paper Plan) $12.00 You can add these wise men to your nativity scene or your existing Christmas display. Great for pageants and plays, too! Huge full size patterns provided are over 6 long, with the actual wise men on camels standing 48″ tall by 30″ wide when finished. Just trace, cut, then paint and display. The instructions provide information on protecting all your outdoor wooden projects from the weather, plus s…

Simple Nativity Scene Plan (Woodworking Project Paper Plan) $10.00 Here is a unique, simple-to-make Nativity scene. If youre looking for a relatively simple Nativity scene project that wont take weeks to finish, heres one that you can easily get done in just one Saturday afternoon. The full size patterns provided have Joseph standing 3.5 tall, Mary at 2.5 tall, Baby Jesus in the manger, plus the guiding star. Just trace and cut, then paint and display. The instru…

Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts: Basic Techniques for Sewing, Applique, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing, plus 150 Inspired Projects from A to Z $21.42 random house potter craft books encyclopedia of sewing and fabric crafts. a treasury of techniques projects ideas and inspiration for sewing and fabric crafting from martha stewart. learn basic techniques for sewing applique embroidery quilting dyeing and printing. also includes 150 inspired projects from a to z and a cd featuring print at home patterns and templates. hardcover 400 pages. importe…

Arts & Crafts Busy Book : 365 Activities $5.98 365 FUN, CREATIVE ACTIVITIES TO STIMULATE YOUR CHILD EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR This book contains 365 creative and educational arts and crafts projects for children ages two to six that provide a great alternative to using TV as a babysitter. It shows parents and daycare providers how to: –Stimulate creativity and self-expression with activities that encourage a child to explore his or her place in t…

Simply Handmade: 365 Easy Gifts & Decorations You Can Make (Crafts) $5.97 Open this idea-packed volume completely at random and you’ll come up with a great project every time. Besides great holiday-related crafts–lots of marvelous Christmas decorations, some fun Halloween items, lovely Valentine’s Day keepsakes, Easter goodies–there are loads of wonderful objects for year-round use (frames, vases, lampshades, napkin rings, candleholders, table settings, and so mu…

Simple Screenprinting: Basic Techniques & Creative Projects Simple Screenprinting: Basic Techniques & Creative Projects $13.45 From decorative paper bags to elegant home furnishings, the 26 attractive projects in this beginner?s manual will win converts to the simple, fabulous craft of screen printing. The entire printing process receives in-depth explanations and unfolds in numerous detailed photos. Find out how to select and mix inks, print a picture evenly, care for screens, and transform basic sketches into scale images for a design. Make a light exposure unit to create prints of drawings, photographs, and found objects. The fun begins when these techniques turn into projects, including a pretty hand-stamped pillow, a lovely embellished table runner, and a keepsake picture album that features a screen-printed family photo on its cover. Gallery-quality items pictured throughout provide extra inspiration. Paperback book measures 8 1/2 in. x 10 in., 128 pages all in color. Lark Books, 2005. ISBN 1579906648

The Craft Of Silversmithing $17.95 Techniques, Projects, Inspiration Take a fresh look at the ancient craft of silversmithing with 18 projects that teach a solid body of skills. This full-color, comprehensive manual provides artisans with a thorough understanding of silvers properties what it is and how it behaves. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced techniques are explained and then applied to craft amazingly beautiful items, from accessories to wearables and extraordinary gifts. Use brushing, sawing, piercing, and polishing procedures to fashion a simple bud vase. Progress to a baby rattle or candleholder created with soldering, sinking, dapping, and forging techniques. Ultimately youll have the expertise to complete a martini set, lidded container, or teapot. The art of silversmithing has never been easier or more enjoyable.

Holiday 2011 Novelties Holiday Greetings Red $5.98 Designed for A.E. Nathan, this novelty cotton print features holiday greetings in white on a red background. Use for quilting and craft projects.

Simple Screenprinting $14.95 Discover the Basics of Screenprinting with these Creative Projects From decorative paper bags to elegant home furnishings, the 26 attractive projects in this beginners manual will win converts to the simple, fabulous craft of screen printing. The entire printing process receives in-depth explanations and unfolds in numerous detailed photos. Find out how to select and mix inks, print a picture evenly, care for screens, and transform basic sketches into scale images for a design. Make a light exposure unit to create prints of drawings, photographs, and found objects. The fun begins when these techniques turn into projects, including a pretty hand-stamped pillow, a lovely embellished table runner, and a keepsake picture album that features a screen-printed family photo on its cover. Gallery-quality items pictured throughout provide extra inspiration. About the Author Annie Stromquist received her Master of Arts from the University of Iowa in 1978 and her Master of Fine Arts from California State University in 1994. She has been active in the arts for fifteen years, receiving numerous awards and artists residencies. Her work has been shown internationally and is included in both public and private collections. Annie currently teaches college level screenprinting and intaglio courses in Long Beach, California.

Splendid Holiday Chrysanthemums Hunter $5.98 From Benartex this holiday fabric features cream and tan chrysanthemums on a hunter green background. Fabric can be used for quilting, home decor accents, craft projects and even apparel.

I have 5 grandchildren and we really need some original ideas of crafts for the holidays. I know there momma there who have blogs, but I'm having a hard time finding them. I looked at these sites a lot, but I 'm eager house Christmas crafts and Thanksgiving crafts for kids that are more original.

Turkeys trace their feet with their shoes (Body turkey) and let the color, brown. Paint and put their hands around the body like feathers. Add feet. eyes. moth and gobbler. Use footprint reindeer body and hand print like wood. Then add the mouth and nose and eyes. you can either use paint or trace their hand on the court Christmas tree paper is to trace their hands on paper and cut or use paint. handprint place with your fingers down. Use one of the top (where the star will) the next row using two handprint and so on. Decorate the tree by dipping a finger into the paint and to point on the tree, use sequins and what ever else you can think of.

Savvy Source Las Vegas Winter Holiday Crafts and Things to Do with Kids in Las Vegas

Wilton 2304-1050 101-Piece Cookie Cutter Set $11.16 Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day…cookie cutters for every season, and more! With a complete set of letters and numbers, designs for cowboys, stars, cars and animals, you’ll be ready for any occasion. Durable plastic cutters come in a convenient storage container. Hand wash. (2-1/2 to 6-1/4)…

Wilton Cupcake Stands Individually decorated cupcakes are the perfect way to add a personal touch to celebrations. Now, with Cupcakes ‘N More, you have the perfect way to serve them! The look is fresh and fun, featuring silver-finished wire spirals to securely hold each cupcake. The twisting, towering design is perfect for any setting-showers, kids’ birthdays, weddings, holidays and more. 15 in. high x 18 wide. Easy to…

Snowflake Cookie Cutter 3 Blue Poly $1.50 Bake a blizzard! Cutters made with a Poly Resin Coat over the tinplate Cookie Cutter Design, adds a festive look and longevity to the cutter….

Raffi’s Christmas Album $8.66 RAFFIS CHRISTMAS ALBUM CD…

Flowers for the Holidays $22.17 Studio: Repnet Llc Release Date: 04/10/2007…

Peanuts 1960′s Collection (A Charlie Brown Christmas / Charlie Brown’s All-Stars / It’s the Great Pumpkin / You’re in Love / He’s Your Dog / It Was a Short Summer) $20.49 Charles Schulz’s award-winning “Peanuts” comics and animated television specials are perennial favorites of adults and children alike. What is it that makes a story about a morose young boy struggling with low self-esteem and social ineptness so timelessly appealing? Perhaps it’s the universality of his struggle or Schulz’s social commentary that sometimes proved years ahead of its time–or maybe …

A Laurel Burch Christmas Book Color The Season w/25 Quilts & Crafts $27.98 Celebrate a magical holiday with Laurel Burch quilts and crafts! Get ready for an enchanting Christmas as you fill your home with beautiful quilts and crafts from the studio of famed artist Laurel Burch. Try these fun, imaginative projects, ranging from very easy to more challenging, and discover the joy and magic of sharing a Laurel Burch Christmas! The book includes 25 projects include quilts, stockings, ornaments, tree skirts, and more in distinctive Laurel Burch style. You can mix ‘n match designs for one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations. The versatile seasonal projects feature both Christmas and winter themes. This book is ideal for beginners – choose hand appliqué or fast, easy fusible appliqué, plus find fun, no-sew craft projects. You’ll also find tips and techniques for creative embellishments including embroidery, painting, stamping, and beading. Buy 2, one for yourself and one as a gift for a dear friend.

Holiday Treasures Panel Christmas Tree Green $8.48 Designed by Laurie Cook for VIP Exclusive and Quilting Treasures, this cotton print panel measures 35” x 44” and is perfect for quilting, crafts and home décor accents. Colors include aqua, green, red, brick and metallic gold accents.

A Very Beaded Christmas $17.95 48 Quick-and-Easy Beading Projects for the Holidays Christmas is a sparkling time — and beads make the season glow even brighter. Everyone makes crafts at Christmas, and beautiful seed, crystal, felted, and lampwork beads are an easy way to add twinkle and shine to everything ornaments, centerpieces, handmade gifts, and more. Anyone who can string or glue or stitch can make these contemporary, charming wreaths, holiday cards, one-of-a-kind stockings, and gift bags. Lavish, colorful photographs showcase the projects.

20-minute Crafts Beading $12.95 Beading and 39;s not only hot with adults–children love it too. In connection with the PBS Hands on Crafts for Kids television show comes a collection of simple and attractive beading projects for youngsters 10 and up. Young beaders can choose from 60 practical and decorative items, including pretty jewelry (bracelets, chokers), eye-catching room décor (pillows, a lampshade), and personal accessories (flip-flops, a sophisticated looking jewelry box). Easy-to-follow diagrams explain how to string the beads, attach clasps, and tie knots. Kids will enjoy hours of creative pleasure–and they and 39;ll feel proud to show off their handiwork.

500 Christmas Ideas $24.95 From Decorating to Wrapping to Fun Crafts Project Ideas for All Things Holiday Celebrate the season in splendor with these fabulous suggestions for decorating, baking, wrapping, and more — all fond in this book. Brimming with beautiful color photographs, Victoria Magazine and 39;s 500 Christmas Ideas provides the inspiration and instruction needed to surround yourself and your family with the beauty of the season. Create a winter wonderland in your front yard or an intimate table setting that sparkles. Bake delicious cookies good enough to leave for Santa himself. Load the Christmas tree with lovely decorations and uniquely wrapped gifts boxes. Display a handmade wreath on the door to welcome your guests. Many projects take only moments, while others need a little more time and attention. Either way, 500 Craft Ideas will bring the best of Christmas to your home. 480 full-color pages. Hardcover with jacket.

Christmas Holiday Enchantment Party Kit $34.99 The Christmas Holiday Enchantment Party Kit for 8 guests includes: (8) 9″ Dinner Plates,(8) 7″ Dessert Plates,(8) 9 oz. Paper Cups,(16) Lunch Napkins,(16) Beverage Napkins,(24) Piece Cutlery Set – (8) Forks (8) Spoons (8) Knives,(1) Tablecover. The Christmas Holiday Enchantment Deluxe Party Kit for 16 guests includes: (16) 9″ Dinner Plates,(16) 7″ Dessert Plates,(16) 9 oz. Paper Cups,(32) Lunch Napkins,(32) Beverage Napkins,(48) Piece Cutlery Set* – (16) Forks (16) Spoons (16) Knives,(1) Tablecover.

This is really different but you could do it with the two little ones each on a team with the 12 and 11 year olds. all you need is a printer, one cool prize and someoen to video tape it so that you can watch it later.
You may want to have a look here: www.chase-games.com

This site describes an Amazing Race party plan that is great for a birthday party, sleepovers, scavenger hunt, etc and is designed for kids aged 13 – 18. The “legs” of the Amazing Race party plan sell on eBay quite cheap (like $5) or they sell it through their site with PayPal.

If you are not familiar with the Amazing Race, you can learn about it here: www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race . Good Luck!

www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race

Halloween Quilting Crafts – A spooky Halloween story idea for kids

Wilton 2304-1050 101-Piece Cookie Cutter Set $11.16 Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day…cookie cutters for every season, and more! With a complete set of letters and numbers, designs for cowboys, stars, cars and animals, you’ll be ready for any occasion. Durable plastic cutters come in a convenient storage container. Hand wash. (2-1/2 to 6-1/4)…

Wilton Cupcake Stands Individually decorated cupcakes are the perfect way to add a personal touch to celebrations. Now, with Cupcakes ‘N More, you have the perfect way to serve them! The look is fresh and fun, featuring silver-finished wire spirals to securely hold each cupcake. The twisting, towering design is perfect for any setting-showers, kids’ birthdays, weddings, holidays and more. 15 in. high x 18 wide. Easy to…

Wilton 2304-1104 101 Piece Cookie Cutter Set $9.55 Plastic cookie cutters 101/pkg-assorted shapes wilton-101 cookie cutter set. Looking for a set of cookie cutters that will take care of all of your yearly needs like birthdays; holidays; school and many more? this is the set for you! with 101 cuttersin so many popular shapes: alphabet and numbers; hearts; circles; stars; christmas; halloween; easter; thanksgiving; summer; flowers; butterfly and ma…

Raffi’s Christmas Album $8.64 RAFFIS CHRISTMAS ALBUM CD…

Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Kids Art and Craft Items – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

They Call It All-States (1950): Historic Youth Summer Camp Documentary $9.99 What do they call a summer camp that is specifically designed for kids who live on farms, take an interest in farming as a career, and pass several courses on agriculture in order to attend said camp? Why, “They Call It All-States,” of course! In the vestiges of an old labor camp, a new sort of camp, only for farm teenagers, was established as a retreat from the drudgery of farm life. There, the k…

Summer Fun Kids Border Purple $5.98 Designed for South Sea Imports, this cotton print fabric features vertical 9” borders on each selvedge with kids and pets. Colors include brown, red, blue and purple. Perfect for quilts, crafts, apparel and home décor accents.

A Laurel Burch Christmas Book Color The Season w/25 Quilts & Crafts $27.98 Celebrate a magical holiday with Laurel Burch quilts and crafts! Get ready for an enchanting Christmas as you fill your home with beautiful quilts and crafts from the studio of famed artist Laurel Burch. Try these fun, imaginative projects, ranging from very easy to more challenging, and discover the joy and magic of sharing a Laurel Burch Christmas! The book includes 25 projects include quilts, stockings, ornaments, tree skirts, and more in distinctive Laurel Burch style. You can mix ‘n match designs for one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations. The versatile seasonal projects feature both Christmas and winter themes. This book is ideal for beginners – choose hand appliqué or fast, easy fusible appliqué, plus find fun, no-sew craft projects. You’ll also find tips and techniques for creative embellishments including embroidery, painting, stamping, and beading. Buy 2, one for yourself and one as a gift for a dear friend.

Bollywood Crafts $14.95 20 Projects Inspired by Popular Indian Cinema Sparkling and fun, Bollywood musicals have gone beyond India and 39;s borders to take the world by storm. And these vibrant projects — inspired by 10 of the most popular classics — have all the color, glitz, and glamor associated with the films themselves. From beautifully embellished mirrors to a shisha adorned vase, from brooches and trinket boxes to bindi greeting cards and gemstone-covered sandals, every item makes an alluring statement. Plus, they and 39;re all easy to make, thanks to the thorough guidance on materials, equipment, and technique. There are two projects for each movie, along with synopses for the featured films, beautiful screen stills, song lyrics, trivia, and a list of recommended Bollywood delights to watch.

20-minute Crafts Beading $12.95 Beading and 39;s not only hot with adults–children love it too. In connection with the PBS Hands on Crafts for Kids television show comes a collection of simple and attractive beading projects for youngsters 10 and up. Young beaders can choose from 60 practical and decorative items, including pretty jewelry (bracelets, chokers), eye-catching room décor (pillows, a lampshade), and personal accessories (flip-flops, a sophisticated looking jewelry box). Easy-to-follow diagrams explain how to string the beads, attach clasps, and tie knots. Kids will enjoy hours of creative pleasure–and they and 39;ll feel proud to show off their handiwork.

Martha Stewart Crafts Craft Punch Large Chrysanthemum $16.98 Use this fun punch from Martha Stewart to produce crisp shapes for cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts. Stands upright for easy access and storage. Design measures about 1 3/4″ X 1 3/4″.

Make It In Minutes Wedding Crafts $12.95 Todays bride is always looking for innovative ways to put her personal stamp on every part of the wedding, to create a day filled with fun and unusual touches. Shell find plenty of great ideas, inspiration, and projects in this bright and glorious collection, as festive as the event it celebrates. Its all here, from save the date notices to flowers and favors. Fashion beautiful birds nest place cards, embellished with tinsel, candied almonds, and guests photos. Decorate tables with bead-encrusted pens, hand-designed toasting glasses, and a paper flowers centerpiece. These 40 fabulous items are not only easy and quick to craft (important for the busy bride) but also beautiful.