You can’t really put a price on fond and once-in-a-lifetime moments, but if there’s one thing that you CAN budget, it’s HOW you capture these priceless memories. Most people on a budget aren’t looking for big fancy cameras worth hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. If you’re the type who’s looking for a simple, affordable (but decent) point-and-shoot camera, then you’re in luck.

Below is a list of cheap cameras that still rank high in reviews, despite their price.

1. Nikon Coolpix S570 – The Coolpix series has been around for quite some time now, and for good reason.  (No, it isn’t Ashton Kutcher.) Not only is it affordable, with a starting price of $74.99, but it’s also proven to be one of best designed cameras in the market. According to CNET, the Nikon Coolpix S570 “is a solid camera” with respectable lens specifications and nice wide-angle lens with 5x zoom for people who really want to get close. The camera is recommended for landscapes and still photographs, and has been found to do well for portraits and pedestrian shooting.

2. Kodak EasyShare M580 – Users are praising this device because of its wide lens (28mm equivalent) with an 8x zoom. It has an image sensor type of 14 mega pixels, and it also has a 3-inch LCD, which is pretty huge for its category. Don’t let these “big” features fool you though, because the Kodak EasyShare M580 is still very compact, being only 4 inches wide, 2.3 inch tall, and 1 inch deep. It’s also pfairly easy to navigate, so you won’t’ have a lot of trouble customizing its settings. The Kodak EasyShare M580 is available at several websites, with a starting price of $79.99.

3. Canon PowerShot A1200 – Despite being labeled as “slow” at times, the Canon PowerShot A1200 is still a worthy contender in the compact digicam market. According to its CNET review, the device is great when shooting still subjects and can produce vibrant and sharp photos at and below ISO 200. The site furthers that, “at ISO 400, a sensitivity regularly used for shooting indoors without flash, photos get softer-looking, but noise and noise suppression are well balanced making 4×6 prints possible.” If you’re looking for a decent point-and-shoot camera that’s easy on the budget, be sure to check out this camera. Pricing starts at $87.00.

4. Casio Exilim EX-Z16 – Looking for a cheap but stylish camera? Then this device could shoot up to the top of your list. The Casio Exilim EX-716 isn’t just all about style, though. According to About.com, this device, albeit being inexpensive, still has a sharp and bright LCD without the screen glare that’s usually found in other cheap cameras. It has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, has a 2.7-inch LCD, and can produce fairly high-quality photos in decent lighting. Planning to get one? Pricing starts at $69.00

5. Fujifilm FinePix JV200 – For a camera with a starting price of just $84.98, this device sure is packed with a lot of cool features. The Fujifilm FinePix JV200 has a 14-megapixel CCD sensor and 2.7-inch, 230K-resolution LCD. It also allows you to shoot HD video at 720p HD and share it on any HD-ready TV. When it comes to taking photos, Fuji threw in a few cool features including Smile/Blink detection, Red-eye romaval, and i-Flash Intelligent Flash that controls the flash level for a given exposure. It also has a Motion Panorama Mode that “automatically stitches up to three shots to create a panoramic picture.”

Image credit: Shermeee on Flickr

If you’re required to wear eyeglasses, learning that you need an upgrade probably isn’t the best news. Getting a new pair of eyeglasses from optometrists and well-known lens stores can send you back several hundreds of dollars, and that’s not even counting add-ons like anti-reflective or polarized sun lenses.

If you just found out that you need yet another pair of eyeglasses, don’t reach deep into your pocket just yet. The CheapStuff Team did a little research and uncovered a couple of ways for consumers to buy cheap eyeglasses. Curious? Then put on your glasses and read on.

1. Get them online – Do a little surfing on the Internet and you’ll find that you can get a decent pair of eyeglasses for as low as $20! No, it’s not a scam, and you won’t get second-rate products either. According to Farhad Manjoo of Slate.com, eyeglasses are so affordable over the Internet because of cheap overhead costs. The truth is, a lot of eyeglasses sold in the US are made in China and are sold at really low prices. However, optometrists and lens stores add a lot of fees, which cause that low price to shoot up. Manjoo furthered that when you’re purchasing eyeglasses in these places, “you’re paying mainly for rent, labor, marketing, designer licensing fees, and a huge markup.” Websites don’t need to add these many costs, because online retailers usually work directly with lens and frame manufacturers. Manjoo writes that, “When you place an order, lenses that fit your prescription are cut and molded into your frame, then shipped directly to you. The price competition between online retailers keeps markups low, too.”

Thinking of purchasing your next pair of eyeglasses online? You have to complete a few steps first. Matthew Haughey of 43Folders.com states that first thing you have to do is to get your measurements. Head to your eye doctor and get an eye exam to receive the most up-to-date prescription. He said to also ask for your pupil distance measurement which involves “looking through a binoculars-like device that measures the distance between your pupils.” Once you get your measurements, be sure to write them down, and keep them handy when you’re shopping.

Additionally, Haughey mentioned that it would be beneficial if you had the exact measurements of the type of eyeglasses that you want.  In his case, Haughey “took millimeter measurements of all aspects of my old glasses: lens height, lens width, length of bridge (distance between lenses), total width of lenses plus bridge, and the length of the side arms.”

Once you have all your measurements, head to an online lens store, and pick the style that you want. Add in your prescription details, and include additional options (i.e. high-index lenses, non-glare coatings, anti-reflective coating, etc). Once you’re done, enter your shipping details and you’re good to go.

2. Try Walmart or Costco – If you’re not comfortable with purchasing eyeglasses that you haven’t touched or tried on yourself, then you could head to the optical department of stores like Costco and Walmart. These shops may be relatively pricier than online retailers, but they’re still cheaper than what your optometrist would charge.

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Whether you’re looking for everyday-wear jewelry or some bling for special occasions such as weddings, exclusive events, or romantic dates (hey, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner), it pays to know where to shop. A lot of jewelry retailers have outrageously high prices that can leave people with the feeling that they can’t get a decent rock for a good price. However, great deals on jewelry and watches are just around the corner (sometimes literally). You don’t have to shell out tens of thousands of dollars for lovely rings, bracelets, or watches. Simply widen your horizons and think outside the box and you’ll find great bling for low prices. Not sure where to start? Here are few ideas:

1. Wholesale Websites – A quick Google search for “wholesale jewelry and watches” will lead you to a bunch of great websites that offer precious items at cheap rates. Banggood.com for instance, a wholesale based in China, has a wide selection of watches and jewelry with prices starting at less than a dollar! Additionally, the more items you buy, the lower the cost. For instance, one of their products, a copper crown pocket watch has a unit price of $2.99. However, buy 3, 5, or 10 units and the price will go down to $2.70, $2.61, and $2.54, respectively. Of course, a lot of wholesale websites are based overseas, so minimal shipping and custom charges may apply.

2. Jewelry District – Not comfortable with dealing with wholesale sellers online? Don’t worry, they exist in the “real” world as well. In Los Angeles, for example, there’s an area in Downtown called the Jewelry or “Diamond” District wherein several jewelry stores sell their items a wholesale prices. The great thing about this place is that customers can see and touch jewelry for themselves before making a purchase. Trying to determine which shops should you go to and which stores could possibly rip you off? It would be helpful to ask an experienced friend to accompany you. When inside a store, also ask the staff about the business (i.e. how long have they been in business, where they get their items etc.) Better yet, why not bring an independent appraiser with you? That way, you can really know if you’re purchasing the real thing. Does your city have a jewelry district of its own? Make it a point to head over there. You never know what you’re going to find.

3. Neighborhood Jewelry Shops – Every neighborhood has a “jewelry shop around the corner,” and you should really consider paying yours a visit. A lot of independent jewelry stores offer items at prices far below retail. Then there’s the loyalty factor. If you have already an independent jeweler of choice, then be sure to consistently go to them when it comes to your jewelry needs. Let them clean your jewelry on a regular basis. Refer friends. Window shop every once in a while. Once they get familiar with you, they’ll be more inclined to give you a discount.

Indeed, when it comes to affordable jewelry and watches, know that there are a lot of hidden gems out there. It may take some digging, but that effort will surely pay off once you find great pieces that actually agree with your budget.

Image credit: Etereal9 on Flickr

Missed the boat on Cyber Monday? Don’t fret! The CheapStuff Team surfed around the web in search of best laptop deals out there.

So was the search a success? You bet. Below are some great bargains on laptops, with discounts as high as $400! If you like what you see, be sure to grab ‘em quick, because these deals are not going to last.

1. Dell Inspiron Dell Inspiron 17R 17.3-in Intel 2nd Gen Core i7 Quad-core Laptop w/6GB RAM & 2GB NVIDIA Graphics – $824.99 from $1,293.99 (You save $469)

This 17-inch notebook got raving reviews for its vibrant and bright display. It’s equipped with a 1600 x 900 screen with a second generation Intel Core i5-2410M CPU, as well Nvidia GeForce GT525M graphics card—great for gamers! It also has a Blu-ray player for those who want to watch their movies in super high quality even when they’re on the go. Want to personalize it? You can swap out the lid for a color or design of your choice.

2. Toshiba Satellite L750 15-inch – $399.99

Described as “eye catching” by CNET, this device received a rating of 8.3. The L750 boasts of an AMD Quad-Core A6-3400M, Radeon HD 6520G. In non-techie terms, that’s a pretty decent processor, especially for its price now. In terms of storage, the laptop has a perfectly respectable 640GB internal hard drive, and 4GB of DDR3 memory. CNET tested device’s battery by disabling all battery-saving measures, setting up the screen to its brightest, and playing a full-screen video on loop the whole time. The result? 3 hours and 42 minutes. Not too shabby, don’t you think?

3. HP dv4t 14-inch – $499.99 from $599.99 (You save $150)

According to LaptopMag.com, the HP dv4t is a “notebook designed for entertainment seekers who want to stay productive and amused on the go.” It has responsive touchscreen controls and comes with MediaSmart, a software that allows users to quickly get to their photos, videos, and music. The downside?  It apparently has a relatively thick design, and a not-so-stellar battery life. If you can get around that issue though, this notebook proves that it delivers good  value for its price.

4. Acer Aspire S3 Ultrabook 13-inch – $799.99 from $899.99 (Save $100)

This Ultrabook may not have the sleekest design of all, with majority of the device being plastic, but according to Ars Technica, “it’s a solid performer with a good keyboard and trackpad, and great battery life—a combination that’s been a rare find so far.” If you’re looking for a responsive trackpad that supports multi-touch functions, then you’re going to love this device. It allows two-finger scrolling as well as pinch to zoom. Additionally, it’s pretty easy to type on  and doesn’t put a lot of stress into your fingers. Its display fares well even with sunlight, and is evenly lit albeit “cool, blue cast to it.” In terms of power, this laptop has a great battery life that can last up 6 hours of continuous battery life and a 50 days of standby.

Image credit: Môsieur J. [version 5.9a] on Flickr

One of the best things about clothes is that everyone needs them. Clothing items make great presents for friends, relatives, and even yourself! However, when it comes to shopping for clothes, a lot of people, (ladies, we’re looking at you) tend to go overboard with the spending. All those sales and clearance items can add up, and if you’re not careful, you could end up with a not-so-pleasant surprise when you see your credit card bill.

Thankfully, there are still some stores out there that understand that impeccable style doesn’t have to come with an outrageously high price tag. The CheapStuff Team decided to give all you fashionistas a treat by rounding up stores that offer fantastic clothing deals. Check out these establishments that offer stylish clothing items for less:

1. 599fashion – This is definitely a crowd favorite. 599fashion is well-known for its ridiculously low prices. Customers have reported buying items that are usually priced at $15 for just $5.99. You’ll be able to find clothing items from stores such as Forever 21, Express, and Charlotte Russe for much lower prices. So what’s their secret? One word: WHOLESALE. 599fashion buys directly from wholesale suppliers, without requiring customers to buy in bulk.

2. Styles for Less – This is a boutique that makes every trendsetter smile. As its name indicates, this  store has a wide selection of clothing items at very reasonable prices. Styles for Less offers fashion forward clothes in just about every category, including casual, office, sporty, and semi-formal wear. Choose from a variety of tops, denims, dresses, and sweaters. This store doesn’t stop at clothes, though. You can also purchase handbags, shoes, and jewelry from their stores. Styles for Less also has a great VIP policy for their loyal customers. All VIP card holders get a 10% discount on their regular priced items. As an added bonus, during the month of your birthday, you can get a 20% discount on your first purchase for that month. Styles for Less has over 130 stores and has branches located in Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Utah. Don’t see your state? You can still shop through their website!

3.  Kohl’s – Alright, so this department store sells items way beyond clothes, but Kohl’s is part of this list because of the store’s great clothing section. Every Kohl’s store boasts of numerous clothes for women, teens, men, and babies. But what’s great about them is that they’re so generous when it comes to sales. The company holds sales several times a year, customers actually lose count. Moreover, the “Kohl’s Cash” program is truly a godsend for shopaholics. Customers can earn Kohl’s cash in stores, at kiosks, or online during events that run periodically. The promo works by giving customers $10 worth of Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent. The coupon value increases with each $50 purchase. This means that if you spend $100, $150, or $200, you can get $20, $30, $40 worth of Kohl’s cash that can eligible to purchase regular, sale, and clearance items.

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Think all office supply chains are all the same?  Think again. While you may find the same categories of goods across all stores, office supply chains differ in terms of their prices, shipping procedures, customer service, and return policies. These differences may depend on your location or the products that you’re purchasing, and sometimes, if you want to catch great deals on cheap office supplies, it’s best to compare the cost of items by visiting the suppliers’ websites.

In any case, the Cheap Stuff Team did some research on some of the top office supply stores in the US. Check out our findings below:

1. Staples – We found that Staples offers the lowest prices when it comes to the most common office supplies such as pens and papers. Staples has moderate prices when it comes to lunch room supplies, computer equipment (mouse, keyboard), and office furniture.

However, the company has a price match guarantee wherein Staples will match the lower price of their competitors or issue you the difference within 14 days. The select competitors that apply to their price match guarantee include Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Office Depot, Office Max, Quill, Medical Arts Press, Reliable, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, WB Mason, and Xerox.

About the company: Well known for its tagline, “That was easy,” Staples is undoubtedly one of the biggest office supply chains in the world. Staples was founded in 1986,  and currently employs over 90,000 associates worldwide, with an established  presence in over 26 countries throughout North and South America, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

2. Quill – When it comes to printing supplies such as cartridges and labels, Quill definitely takes the cake for lowest prices. This company also offers great prices on lunch room supplies including coffee and snacks. Regarding furniture and electronics, we found that Quill has moderate to low prices.

Unlike Staples, Quill doesn’t have a price match guarantee, but they do offer a lot of coupons and freebies. If you register an account with Quill, they’ll automatically send you regular updates on the sales and bargains that they have going on. Compared to the rest of the office supply chains, we found that Quill holds sales more often and they provide coupons that are actually useful. They usually throw in packets of assorted goods and snacks along with your order—just be sure to have the coupon code with you!

About the company: Quill had very humble beginnings. The company started with one desk and 2 phones in “Dad’s chicken store.” As time went by, that desk turned into a warehouse that grew and expanded over the years. Today, Quill has its corporate headquarters and Midwest distribution center in Lincolnshire, Illinois. They also have distribution centers in other states such as Georgica, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, California, and more.

3. Office Depot – Compared to other supply chains, we found that Office Depot had moderate to high prices in various categories. Like Quill though, Office Depot often holds sales, so be sure to check their website often to see if you can catch a bargain on the things that you need. You may also want to subscribe to their catalog and keep an eye out for their weekly ads because they always contain coupons and price slashes.

About the company: Office Depot was incorporated in 1986, with their first retail store in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They’ve now grown into a global supply chain with three business segments: North American Retail Division, North American Business Solutions Division and International Division. Office Depot currently serves customers in 56 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

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Food and wine are common presents during the holiday season. It’s quite a courteous move to attend a party with a bottle of wine or some sort of food in hand. However, if you find yourself getting invited to way too many parties this season, it could be a budget nightmare. The good news is, finding cheap food and wine is pretty simple, as long as you know where to look.

Wine

Regarding wines on a budget, the Cheap Stuff Team consulted Oprah for her picks of “Terrific Wines $15 and Under”.

Giving a present to someone who’s environmentally conscious? Check out French Rabbit 2006 Chardonnay-Sauvignon. This White wine comes in “Petit” 250-milliliter cartons that have 10% of a carbon footprint of a glass bottle. The wine has flavors of peaches and apricots plus a nice fruity finish. Pair it with fresh salad or grilled tuna. ($11 per four-pack)

In the reds category, Altano 2006 is a top pick. Considered as one of the top Portuguese wines for its price, its described as downright “sexy.” Not bad for 8 bucks a bottle. Pair it with pizza or chili.

For Rose, Oprah.com recommends Bonny Doon 2007 “Vin Gris De Cigare”. Hailing from Randall Grahm of California, it “tastes like unsweetened raspberry candy and has the balance and the medium body to enliven everything from Thanksgiving turkey to a grilled pork chop.” ($15)

Searching for sparkling wine? Check out Mionetto (Nonvintage) Prosecco Brut, an Itallian sparkling wine that light and could serve as a great base for a mimosa.

Food

When giving food presents, you can always stick to traditional gift baskets. Online stores such as Harry and David, Mrs. Fields, GiftBaskets.com, etc., provide wide selections of gift baskets. Before selecting a final gift basket though, be sure to scout around for coupons and promotions. For instance, if you’re shopping at Harry and David, a quick Google search for “Harry and David coupons” should give you results containing discount codes, if they’re available. Remember, it’s the holiday season, so chances are, the food basket industry is keen to providing seasonal promos.

Gift baskets are usually filled with assorted fruits, wines, snacks, and sweets that will surely satisfy the appetite of the recipient. Nonetheless, if you happen to be giving a present to someone who’s committed to healthy eating (even on the holidays), be sure to select a basket that’s all-fruit. These types of gift baskets do tend to run out during gift-giving season, so if you really want to find a fruity present, try heading over to Edible Arrangements. The store offers gorgeous fruit baskets arranged in unique designs that actually resemble bouquets of flowers! According to the company’s website, their all-natural fruit gift baskets are “inspired by flower bouquets that are made from the freshest fruits.” Edible Arrangements contain a variety of fruits including strawberries, pineapples, cantaloupe, melons, apples, bananas and a whole lot more.

One minor caveat though: When purchasing gift baskets online, be sure to check every item before finalizing a sale. Always be mindful of the taste and health concerns of the recipient. The last thing you want to do is give a present that he or she is allergic to. Also check the website’s shipping schedule as well as its return policy, just to be on the safe side.

If you’re planning to go local, check your neighborhood florist, as some of them may offer gift baskets as well.

But whichever type of gift basket you choose, or wherever you buy it, be sure to add a personal touch to it. A hand-written and thoughtful note should do the trick.

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Thanksgiving is over and that could only mean one thing: holiday shopping is bound to be in full effect. Millions of people spanning the country will be bombarding stores over the next three and a half weeks, looking for gifts for all their loved ones. Some of the most popular items such as clothes, electronics or gift cards are going to fly off shelves in a hurry. Another item will as well; something the kids want. As any parent knows, children love toys. During the holiday season, toy stores are packed, sometimes from wall to wall, with parents trying to get their kids that toy they saw in the book, or that toy they couldn’t have weeks ago. However, as a parent, you also want to be able to get the most out of your money. So, how do you go about saving money and making your kid happy? Here are some ideas.

Ads are given out with weekly newspapers and these should be your go-to guides for all holiday shopping needs. Also, ads for toy stores such as Toys R Us are available, usually within their yearly Holiday Big Book. These ads list plenty of cheap toys that parents can get for a fraction of the cost they saw it for before. Deals are common around the holidays, offering percentages off certain items and buy one get one specials, and toys are no exception.

Online shopping sites are also another way to find quality toys for a great price. Many websites such as Amazon or eToys.com will provide specials and deals as well. The trick is finding them. Sometimes it’s easy as searching for cheap toys; other times may require multiple sites in order to find the right price for the item you want. Online websites for actual companies like Wal-Mart or Target will also provide their ads online, along with specific “Online Only” deals for items during the holidays.

There are tons of places that provide good quality toys for cheap, depending on your budget of course. Sometimes they come in the form of little ‘hole-in-the-wall’ stores that are not associated with chain brands. Stores like these often sell their items for fewer prices, but still have high quality toys. Finding these places could be tricky, but it’s not something an internet search would not be able to help you find.

There’s no denying the fact that holiday shopping can be a strenuous task. Going out into a giant crowd of people on the search for just a few items doesn’t seem like a very fun time. However, there are ways to make your task go by just a bit smoother. First off, know what you’re going to get and know the stores that have it. For toys, many retails stores will carry it. So secondly, find the stores that are less inhabited, leaving you with fewer worries, and people, to deal with. Finally, always remember to find the best deal. There’s nothing like saving money around the holidays. Shop smart!

Image credit: Richard Moross on flickr

Finding cheap appliances is always a challenge. You need to strike a balance between quality and cost; after all, you wouldn’t want a cheap refrigerator or stove that’s going to break down in a year, but at the same time, buying overpriced appliances that will to send you Debtville isn’t a good idea either. The key is to do ample research before making a purchase. Scout around online stores and retailers in your area, and check out their selection, staff, and of course, prices. Be sure to ask your friends and neighbors and see where they got the appliances in their homes. Also consider recent surveys and consumer reports from sites and organizations.

ConsumerReports.org for instance, recently published their findings about customer satisfaction with regards to appliance stores.

According to survey results from the Consumer Reports National Research Center, not a single retailer was able to provide all of the following at the same time: reasonable prices, good selection, trained help, and a smooth shopping experience. Indeed, no one store truly “has it all.” Still though, some retailers did better than others. Check out their verdicts below:

Abt Electronics – In the sea of mediocre appliance stores, ConsumerReports.org stated that Abt Electronics is “some cause for hope.” This retailer, along with other independent local stores received top marks in terms of price from shoppers who purchased a major appliance. The store is based in Chicago, but you can also order appliances online.

Abt Electronics was established way back in 1936. Back then, the store was called “Abt Radio” because it only sold small electronics. However, in the succeeding years, the electronics store grew to a major electronics and appliance store occupying 37 acres in Glenview, IL and employing over 1000 people. Abt currently operates 60 large delivery trucks, 45 custom installation trucks, and more than 100 service vans.

Amazon – Now this is a retailer that needs no introduction. Amazon.com was rated highly by consumers when it came to reasonable prices of small appliances as well as for having a huge selection. This of course, comes as no surprise as Amazon practically dominates the online market. The website, which started as an online store for books, steadily became the leading online retailer for shoppers.  As of 2010, it employed 37,700 employees, and had revenue of $34.204 billion.

Costco – Apparently, this wholesale giant also ranked high when it comes to reasonably priced small appliances. Costco Wholesale Corporation is well-known for its international chain of membership warehouses where consumers are able to buy items at lower prices. According to its company profile, “The warehouses are designed to help small-to-medium-sized businesses reduce costs in purchasing for resale and for everyday business use. Individuals may also purchase for their personal needs.

Clearly, when it comes to finding cheap appliances, it looks like big box stores and chains are trailing behind smaller retailers. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should totally disregard the big chains. Survey results from Consumer Reports indicate that Best Buy-owned Pacific Sales was praised for having a wide selection, and Lowe’s as well as Sears scored above average when it comes to staff and customer service. These stores may not have the cheapest prices on a regular day, but be sure to check them out during their sales, because you just might get a great deal on your appliances.

The Holiday season is undoubtedly one of the busiest times of the year. It’s also a time where people have the biggest tendencies to overspend. There’s money for food (a Turkey for Thanksgiving, celebration food for Christmas and New Year’s), you need to shell out for presents, and then there are those holiday items and decorations around the house.

But what if someone told you that you don’t have to whip out your check book or swipe your card too much this holiday season? What if you could keep your Christmas bonus in your savings account this year? Well, the good news is you can. Give yourself the present of creativity this season. Instead of buying all the presents and decorations that you need, why not just make them?

1. It’s Cheaper – Choosing to make your own decorations and presents can be a whole lot cheaper than buying all those shiny new items on the department store shelves. If you do the legwork and research on local arts and crafts stores, you’ll find that some of them offer great prices on ribbons, bead supplies, various types of paper, and other cheap craft supplies. Read up on art magazines and visit arts and crafts websites to get ideas on what to create. You can even head to a nearby arts and crafts store and check out the various items to see what you can cook up.

2. You Can Make it Just the Way YOU Want It – Ever went to a department store, picked up an item and said, “This would be perfect if only it [insert missing feature here].” One the biggest advantages of do-it-yourself projects is that you can customize your creations to look exactly the way you want them to look like. YOU get to decide on an item’s length, size, color, and other features. No more buying items half-heartedly or getting in the waiting list just to get the exact color you wanted; this time, you can choose to do it yourself.

3. It’s More Personal – This is your chance to show off your creative and thoughtful side to your friends and relatives! Nothing says “personal” more than a handmade present. This year, give your loved ones something that came from the fruits of your creativity. It’s a very heartwarming gesture, and your friends and family will certainly remember you for it. Let your gift be something that will immediately remind them of you whenever they see it. This personal touch doesn’t just apply to presents, by the way. Choose to hand-make the holiday decorations for your house and give your home an extra oomph that will make you look more memorable to anyone who steps foot inside.  Think about it. With the tons of Thanksgiving and Christmas events all around, it’s easy to get lost in a whirl of homes and events. Wouldn’t you want YOUR place to make a lasting impression on people?

4. You Can Do it with the Family – One great bonus of doing hand-crafted presents and decorations is that you can invite the whole family to join in! Doing arts and crafts with your spouse and kids unleashes the family’s creative side while paving the way for tons of bonding moments to take place, at the same time.

Image credit: Carissa GoodNCrazy on Flickr