Top 8 Cheap Christmas Wrap Ideas
By Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide
Christmas wrap doesn't have to be expensive to be festive. Here are several low-cost gift wrap ideas:
1. Oatmeal Containers
Cardboard oatmeal containers are the perfect quick-wrap solution. Just wrap a band of wrapping paper around the outside of the container, and stick your gift inside. For a truly spectacular finish, cut a circle of paper to go on the top of the lid.
2. Recycled Gift Bags
Gift bags are pricey, and it's sad to think that many of them only get used once. Get in the habit of saving all of the bags that you receive, and you'll have a near-endless stash of Christmas bags to draw from.
3. Kids' Artwork
Do you have a budding artist in the house? If so, save his or her larger drawings and paintings, and you'll have a steady supply of wrapping paper. Want to work in that Christmas theme? Encourage your child to draw Christmas pictures – and prepare for an explosion of red and green artwork.
4. Kraft Paper
Give your Christmas gifts an old-timey look by wrapping them in Kraft paper. You can pick up large rolls of this brown paper from office supply stores, or cut your wrapping costs entirely by saving your brown paper grocery bags (currently making a comeback).
5. Take-Out Containers
Rinse out empty Chinese take-out containers or ask for a few extras when you order, and you'll have a clever gift box that doesn't cost a thing.
6. Wallpaper
Thrift stores often have a large collection of wallpaper – no doubt the leftovers from countless do-it-yourself projects. Dig through the stores' offerings, and you're likely to find several patterns that would work perfectly for Christmas (green and white stripes, silver and gold designs, etc.).
7. Fabric
Have a box of too-small-to-use fabric scraps? Put them to use as gift wrap, and you'll turn clutter into a treasured gift. Long forgotten scarves can also be put to use for this purpose. Dig through your own collection, or sift through thrift stores to find what you need.
8. Reusables
Get creative, and make your gift wrap a part of the present. Wrap a gift in a purse, a tin, a trinket box, an old suitcase or a reusable shopping tote. Shop yard sales and thrift stores often, and there's no end to the number of clever containers that you can find to put presents in.
MY THOUGHTS
i've tried oatmeal containers.i use boxes often. yes, i've recycled gift bags. last year i used wallpaper. actually,i made a mistake.it was so cheap, i thought it was wrapping paper. I think i'll use fabric this year. i'm clearing out my closetand i'm sure i'll find nice fabric that i can use to wrap gifts. such a splendid idea for this christmas holiday.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Make Christmas Holiday Work: Budget Gift Ideas
Giving Christmas Gifts on the Cheap
Cheap Christmas Gifts: Why Not Start a New Tradition?
By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com Guide
Updated November 19, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
According to a Consumer Reports poll, Americans are scaling back their holiday spending in droves. (This may be due to the fact that so many people are hurting from the financial crisis right now, plus more than 12 million consumers are still carrying debt from last winter's holiday season!) If you’re happy with your holiday spending level, you may simply want some holiday gift ideas. However, if you would like to cut down on spending in attempts to avoid the stress of holiday debt, here’s a creative list of cheap Christmas gift giving ideas. Perhaps you can start a new family gift-exchanging tradition, allowing you and your entire family to save more each and every year.
Draw Names
Many families, especially extended families who are spread out in different cities, adopt the name-drawing tradition for gifts. Basically, each family member only buys one gift. Whom you give to, and who buys for you, is determined by drawing names from a hat. This is known around many office circles as "Secret Santa."
This strategy can really save you money in terms of buying for and shipping gifts to several individuals. Not only does it save you the stress and expense of shopping for multiple people, but it can also ensure that everyone gets one nice gift. The drawback is that you may end up paired with someone who you aren’t close to, or you may find it difficult to not buy a special gift for the relatives to whom you feel closest.
Just Give Gifts to the Kids
Another strategy for large extended families is to have each relative only buy gifts for family members under 18. This greatly cuts down costs and ensures that those who might appreciate the gifts most -- kids -- are the ones who get them. It then becomes a sort of rite of passage when the kids grow older and switch to the gift-giving role.
Place a $15 Limit
Another strategy people employ is putting a spending limit on each gift. While you and your family can choose whatever number you want, keeping the dollar amount low can sometimes spark people to become more creative with the money that they do spend, taking advantage of sales or putting a lot of thought into the best way to make the most of the allotted budget. While this may cut down on the number of expensive gifts exchanged, it also takes a lot of the pressure off of the situation. There’s no more feeling like you need to spend a lot to show people how much you love them, worrying about spending more or less than they spent on you, or looking "cheap" if you shop the sales.
Books Only
Agreeing to give books only can be an excellent way to keep costs down. Buying loved ones just the right book is a way to show that you know them well and understand their taste. Books also provide hours of fun reading in addition to some interesting topics of conversation. Giving paperbacks can ensure a pretty low cost, and including a gift receipt can basically make any book a "coupon" for any other book the recipient wants (if it turns out you didn’t quite capture his or her tastes). This may not work as well for a non-reading crowd, but this is a great way to go for a group of avid readers.
Homemade Gifts
Gifts that you make need not be comprised of pipe cleaner, tissue paper, or painted macaroni. Most of us have some sort of creative side, and you’d be surprised by what you can create if you put that creative side to work. Some of my favorite gifts to make and receive have been family photo albums, quilts, custom-made place mats, crocheted blankets, custom-made CDs, hand-painted pottery, and cookies. Some gifts do take considerable time to create (especially en masse), but those who enjoy creating often find it a worthy trade-off. Here’s a list of more gifts you can make, with instructions.
Thoughtful Cards
Because “it’s the thought that counts,” if your group is really on-board with saving money, you may want to consider just exchanging thoughtful cards. The key is for the card itself to be blank -- you create the meaningful message. For those who want to try their hand at poetry, even an average quality poem goes over really well with most recipients -- how many of us get poetry written especially for us? For those who can’t even force a crude limerick, writing about fond shared memories or the qualities you love most in your recipients tends to work just as well.
Coupon Books
Creating a book-o'-favors for your loved ones, including good deeds especially for them, can be an incredibly thoughtful money saver. Coupons offering free babysitting to busy parents, airport trips to the frequent traveler, or a hand-delivered homemade meal to just about anyone can be a welcome and thoughtful gesture. (The possibilities are wide open when you create a coupon book for a spouse or child!) The key to making this one successful is to be sure to follow up and push people to actually use the coupons, or include a specific date on which they should be used, if possible.
Yummy Gifts
While cookies, brownies and bars tend to be gone within days, few faces fail to light up when presented with tasty treats. I love About.com Southern Food Guide's fabulous holiday cookie recipes. If the sugary stuff would be an unwelcome diet saboteur, you can always assemble a healthy fruit basket, wine and cheese basket, or come up with your own cheap-and-tasty basket idea.
After-Christmas Shopping Spree
Recently, "Super Human Radio" host Carl Lenore shared this one with me: Why not buy the gifts right after Christmas, when everything is drastically reduced? While this one may not be for everyone, it does have some bonuses: Fewer returns and exchanges of not-quite-right gifts, obvious savings, and the "fun" of doing something slightly different than everyone else. You can still exchange beautifully-wrapped “IOUs,” give a picture of the gift you intend to buy, or provide small "token" gifts (like candy) on the actual holiday.
MY THOUGHTS
i wish i have the talent and the creativity for homemade gifts. i think i'll opt for the kids only this year. well, at least the kidsget a gift each. for the rest, i needto think of gifts for the family or for the couple. i used to do the after-christmas shopping. i'm not recommending it if you have a small space at home. remember you will have to keep that for a year. of course, you can use them for birthdays. still, storage is an issue.
Cheap Christmas Gifts: Why Not Start a New Tradition?
By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com Guide
Updated November 19, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
According to a Consumer Reports poll, Americans are scaling back their holiday spending in droves. (This may be due to the fact that so many people are hurting from the financial crisis right now, plus more than 12 million consumers are still carrying debt from last winter's holiday season!) If you’re happy with your holiday spending level, you may simply want some holiday gift ideas. However, if you would like to cut down on spending in attempts to avoid the stress of holiday debt, here’s a creative list of cheap Christmas gift giving ideas. Perhaps you can start a new family gift-exchanging tradition, allowing you and your entire family to save more each and every year.
Draw Names
Many families, especially extended families who are spread out in different cities, adopt the name-drawing tradition for gifts. Basically, each family member only buys one gift. Whom you give to, and who buys for you, is determined by drawing names from a hat. This is known around many office circles as "Secret Santa."
This strategy can really save you money in terms of buying for and shipping gifts to several individuals. Not only does it save you the stress and expense of shopping for multiple people, but it can also ensure that everyone gets one nice gift. The drawback is that you may end up paired with someone who you aren’t close to, or you may find it difficult to not buy a special gift for the relatives to whom you feel closest.
Just Give Gifts to the Kids
Another strategy for large extended families is to have each relative only buy gifts for family members under 18. This greatly cuts down costs and ensures that those who might appreciate the gifts most -- kids -- are the ones who get them. It then becomes a sort of rite of passage when the kids grow older and switch to the gift-giving role.
Place a $15 Limit
Another strategy people employ is putting a spending limit on each gift. While you and your family can choose whatever number you want, keeping the dollar amount low can sometimes spark people to become more creative with the money that they do spend, taking advantage of sales or putting a lot of thought into the best way to make the most of the allotted budget. While this may cut down on the number of expensive gifts exchanged, it also takes a lot of the pressure off of the situation. There’s no more feeling like you need to spend a lot to show people how much you love them, worrying about spending more or less than they spent on you, or looking "cheap" if you shop the sales.
Books Only
Agreeing to give books only can be an excellent way to keep costs down. Buying loved ones just the right book is a way to show that you know them well and understand their taste. Books also provide hours of fun reading in addition to some interesting topics of conversation. Giving paperbacks can ensure a pretty low cost, and including a gift receipt can basically make any book a "coupon" for any other book the recipient wants (if it turns out you didn’t quite capture his or her tastes). This may not work as well for a non-reading crowd, but this is a great way to go for a group of avid readers.
Homemade Gifts
Gifts that you make need not be comprised of pipe cleaner, tissue paper, or painted macaroni. Most of us have some sort of creative side, and you’d be surprised by what you can create if you put that creative side to work. Some of my favorite gifts to make and receive have been family photo albums, quilts, custom-made place mats, crocheted blankets, custom-made CDs, hand-painted pottery, and cookies. Some gifts do take considerable time to create (especially en masse), but those who enjoy creating often find it a worthy trade-off. Here’s a list of more gifts you can make, with instructions.
Thoughtful Cards
Because “it’s the thought that counts,” if your group is really on-board with saving money, you may want to consider just exchanging thoughtful cards. The key is for the card itself to be blank -- you create the meaningful message. For those who want to try their hand at poetry, even an average quality poem goes over really well with most recipients -- how many of us get poetry written especially for us? For those who can’t even force a crude limerick, writing about fond shared memories or the qualities you love most in your recipients tends to work just as well.
Coupon Books
Creating a book-o'-favors for your loved ones, including good deeds especially for them, can be an incredibly thoughtful money saver. Coupons offering free babysitting to busy parents, airport trips to the frequent traveler, or a hand-delivered homemade meal to just about anyone can be a welcome and thoughtful gesture. (The possibilities are wide open when you create a coupon book for a spouse or child!) The key to making this one successful is to be sure to follow up and push people to actually use the coupons, or include a specific date on which they should be used, if possible.
Yummy Gifts
While cookies, brownies and bars tend to be gone within days, few faces fail to light up when presented with tasty treats. I love About.com Southern Food Guide's fabulous holiday cookie recipes. If the sugary stuff would be an unwelcome diet saboteur, you can always assemble a healthy fruit basket, wine and cheese basket, or come up with your own cheap-and-tasty basket idea.
After-Christmas Shopping Spree
Recently, "Super Human Radio" host Carl Lenore shared this one with me: Why not buy the gifts right after Christmas, when everything is drastically reduced? While this one may not be for everyone, it does have some bonuses: Fewer returns and exchanges of not-quite-right gifts, obvious savings, and the "fun" of doing something slightly different than everyone else. You can still exchange beautifully-wrapped “IOUs,” give a picture of the gift you intend to buy, or provide small "token" gifts (like candy) on the actual holiday.
MY THOUGHTS
i wish i have the talent and the creativity for homemade gifts. i think i'll opt for the kids only this year. well, at least the kidsget a gift each. for the rest, i needto think of gifts for the family or for the couple. i used to do the after-christmas shopping. i'm not recommending it if you have a small space at home. remember you will have to keep that for a year. of course, you can use them for birthdays. still, storage is an issue.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Make Halloween Holiday Work: Last-Minute Costume for Kids
How to Make an Emergency Last-Minute Costume
By Terri Mauro, About.com Guide
So your child decides at the last minute that he wants to go trick-or-treating after all. Or that her storebought costume is itchy and too uncomfortable to wear. Or that he forgot to tell you there's a pageant tomorrow, and he's in it. You have no time and no special materials to put together a costume, but a costume is quickly called for. Here's how to assemble something homemade, makeshift and slapdash that you can call a costume and that your child will tolerate. Now get going! Quickly!
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: As much or as little as you have
Here's How:
1.First, a mask. Print one out from sites like Jan Brett's, Terminix, or Star Wars, or use markers or crayons to turn a paper plate into a scary monster face. Cut out eye and nose holes as needed. You can punch holes in the sides of the mask, thread a string or rubber band through, and tie it around your child's head, but some kids don't like the feeling of mask against face, and it will probably just fall apart anyway. Try the options in the next step instead.
2.How to wear that mask? Here are three options: Glue or tape it to the front of a paper bag and put the paper bag over your child's head; dangle it by a piece of string from the front of a sweatshirt hood or a cap; or glue or tape it to a ruler or a long thin stick and let your child hold it in front of his face (glue or tape a paper mask to something stiffer first, like the front of a file folder or a piece cut from the side of a cereal box.)
3.If your child has clothing that can work with the mask to create a costume, you're done! Brown shirt and pants makes a bear, black makes a cat, grey makes a mouse or a robot or the Tin Man. Your child's not that color-coordinated? Then you'll need some sort of tunic. Go on to the next step to find out how to fake one.
4.Assuming you have no tunics lying around the house ready for service, try one of these: a garbage bag with holes cut out for head and arms; a pillow case with holes cut out for head and arms; a beach towel with a hole cut in the center for the head; even a long piece of butcher paper or sturdy gift wrap, with a hole cut in the center for the head and a scarf or piece of ribbon to tie it around your child's middle.
5.Finally, decorate the "tunic" with as much imagination and creativity as you have time for. Depending on what you're working with, you can glue construction paper on the tunic, draw on it with crayons or markers, or attach all manner of feathers and sequins and buttons and shoelaces and what-all.
6.Now, stand back and admire that costume. It may not win any prizes from judges or the judgmental, but it's homemade, it has sort of kind of a theme, and it was crafted with love. Take a picture. Then start strategizing for next year, because you know this is going to happen again.
What You Need:
•Paper or paper plate for making a mask
•Cardboard for gluing paper mask to, if needed
•Ruler or long thin stick for gluing mask to, if needed
•Crayons and markers, if needed
•Construction paper, feathers, sequins, shoelaces, other add-ons (optional)
•A "whatever works" attitude (essential)
MY THOUGHTS
come on! get going! there's still time.
By Terri Mauro, About.com Guide
So your child decides at the last minute that he wants to go trick-or-treating after all. Or that her storebought costume is itchy and too uncomfortable to wear. Or that he forgot to tell you there's a pageant tomorrow, and he's in it. You have no time and no special materials to put together a costume, but a costume is quickly called for. Here's how to assemble something homemade, makeshift and slapdash that you can call a costume and that your child will tolerate. Now get going! Quickly!
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: As much or as little as you have
Here's How:
1.First, a mask. Print one out from sites like Jan Brett's, Terminix, or Star Wars, or use markers or crayons to turn a paper plate into a scary monster face. Cut out eye and nose holes as needed. You can punch holes in the sides of the mask, thread a string or rubber band through, and tie it around your child's head, but some kids don't like the feeling of mask against face, and it will probably just fall apart anyway. Try the options in the next step instead.
2.How to wear that mask? Here are three options: Glue or tape it to the front of a paper bag and put the paper bag over your child's head; dangle it by a piece of string from the front of a sweatshirt hood or a cap; or glue or tape it to a ruler or a long thin stick and let your child hold it in front of his face (glue or tape a paper mask to something stiffer first, like the front of a file folder or a piece cut from the side of a cereal box.)
3.If your child has clothing that can work with the mask to create a costume, you're done! Brown shirt and pants makes a bear, black makes a cat, grey makes a mouse or a robot or the Tin Man. Your child's not that color-coordinated? Then you'll need some sort of tunic. Go on to the next step to find out how to fake one.
4.Assuming you have no tunics lying around the house ready for service, try one of these: a garbage bag with holes cut out for head and arms; a pillow case with holes cut out for head and arms; a beach towel with a hole cut in the center for the head; even a long piece of butcher paper or sturdy gift wrap, with a hole cut in the center for the head and a scarf or piece of ribbon to tie it around your child's middle.
5.Finally, decorate the "tunic" with as much imagination and creativity as you have time for. Depending on what you're working with, you can glue construction paper on the tunic, draw on it with crayons or markers, or attach all manner of feathers and sequins and buttons and shoelaces and what-all.
6.Now, stand back and admire that costume. It may not win any prizes from judges or the judgmental, but it's homemade, it has sort of kind of a theme, and it was crafted with love. Take a picture. Then start strategizing for next year, because you know this is going to happen again.
What You Need:
•Paper or paper plate for making a mask
•Cardboard for gluing paper mask to, if needed
•Ruler or long thin stick for gluing mask to, if needed
•Crayons and markers, if needed
•Construction paper, feathers, sequins, shoelaces, other add-ons (optional)
•A "whatever works" attitude (essential)
MY THOUGHTS
come on! get going! there's still time.
Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas for Teens
Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas
Sunday October 25, 2009
By Holly Ashworth, Teen Advice Guide
Halloween is just a couple of days away! If you still haven't come up with a costume yet, try one of these easy-peasy costumes that won't require you to shop much further than your own closet:
•Wear a bathing suit, shorts and flip flops, put a towel around your neck and sunblock on your nose, and go as a lifeguard.
•Wear your regular clothes, cover your face in grey makeup and spray your hair so it's all messed up, and go as a zombie version of yourself.
•Make a toga out of a bed sheet and go as an ancient Roman.
•If you've got a friend with totally different style than you, swap clothes and go as each other.
•Wear all black, paint a black nose and whiskers on your face and go as a black cat. You can make a simple cat ear headband out of construction paper.
•Wear your fanciest dress, make a sash out of a strip of white fabric, buy a cheap tiara and go as a beauty queen.
•Wear torn jeans and a t-shirt, tie a bandana to the end of a stick and go as a hobo.
•Wear a robe and fuzzy slippers, roll your hair in curlers and go as a housewife.
Got any other ideas, or just wanna share what you'll be going as? Leave a comment! .
MY THOUGHTS
go ahead and try any of these. then have fun.
Sunday October 25, 2009
By Holly Ashworth, Teen Advice Guide
Halloween is just a couple of days away! If you still haven't come up with a costume yet, try one of these easy-peasy costumes that won't require you to shop much further than your own closet:
•Wear a bathing suit, shorts and flip flops, put a towel around your neck and sunblock on your nose, and go as a lifeguard.
•Wear your regular clothes, cover your face in grey makeup and spray your hair so it's all messed up, and go as a zombie version of yourself.
•Make a toga out of a bed sheet and go as an ancient Roman.
•If you've got a friend with totally different style than you, swap clothes and go as each other.
•Wear all black, paint a black nose and whiskers on your face and go as a black cat. You can make a simple cat ear headband out of construction paper.
•Wear your fanciest dress, make a sash out of a strip of white fabric, buy a cheap tiara and go as a beauty queen.
•Wear torn jeans and a t-shirt, tie a bandana to the end of a stick and go as a hobo.
•Wear a robe and fuzzy slippers, roll your hair in curlers and go as a housewife.
Got any other ideas, or just wanna share what you'll be going as? Leave a comment! .
MY THOUGHTS
go ahead and try any of these. then have fun.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
make your own halloween costumes
Make Your Own Halloween Costumes
Free, Creative Costume Ideas and Patterns
By Sherri Osborn, About.com Guide
Costumes are a big part of most people's Halloween celebrations and Halloween will be here before you know it. Do you have any idea of what your Halloween costume will be?
If you have your Halloween costume picked out already, share your ideas with everyone using this form! If you are still trying to find Halloween costumes, give some of these creative ideas a try; find easy and inexpensive homemade costumes for everyone! Don't forget about the Family Crafts Halloween Costume Photo Gallery... You can submit photos of your costumes to be included by following these simple directions
First of all, if you waited until the last minute to figure out what costume you will wear, check out these ideas:
•Fast and Simple (Last-Minute) Costumes
You can make Halloween costumes out of a variety of items you may already have at home:
•Cardboard Box Costumes
•Sweatsuit Costumes
•Thrift Store or Recycled Costumes
You can also select a Halloween costume to make based on how it is made. I have two different listings:
•Costumes to Sew
•No-Sew Costumes
If you prefer to browse through all the costume ideas by theme:
•Animal and Creature Costumes
•Edible Items Costumes
•Inanimate Objects Costumes
•People Costumes
•Popular Characters Costumes
•Scary Characters Costumes
•Unique Halloween Costumes
•Costumes Based on Children’s Books (from Liz @ Children's Books)
If you need a costume for more than one person, consider some of these suggestions:
•Costumes for Couples (long list)
•Costumes for Couples (by category)
•Costumes for Groups (long list)
•Costumes for Groups (by category)
Finally, if you have your costume picked out, but a need to add a special finishing touch, try some of these:
•Make Your Own Costume Accessories
•Halloween Make-Up Ideas and Recipes
•Making Masks
•Make Your Own Trick-or-Treat Bag
MY THOUGHTS
can't imagine myself making these costumes. but i hope this helps those who need to make one. be creative.
Free, Creative Costume Ideas and Patterns
By Sherri Osborn, About.com Guide
Costumes are a big part of most people's Halloween celebrations and Halloween will be here before you know it. Do you have any idea of what your Halloween costume will be?
If you have your Halloween costume picked out already, share your ideas with everyone using this form! If you are still trying to find Halloween costumes, give some of these creative ideas a try; find easy and inexpensive homemade costumes for everyone! Don't forget about the Family Crafts Halloween Costume Photo Gallery... You can submit photos of your costumes to be included by following these simple directions
First of all, if you waited until the last minute to figure out what costume you will wear, check out these ideas:
•Fast and Simple (Last-Minute) Costumes
You can make Halloween costumes out of a variety of items you may already have at home:
•Cardboard Box Costumes
•Sweatsuit Costumes
•Thrift Store or Recycled Costumes
You can also select a Halloween costume to make based on how it is made. I have two different listings:
•Costumes to Sew
•No-Sew Costumes
If you prefer to browse through all the costume ideas by theme:
•Animal and Creature Costumes
•Edible Items Costumes
•Inanimate Objects Costumes
•People Costumes
•Popular Characters Costumes
•Scary Characters Costumes
•Unique Halloween Costumes
•Costumes Based on Children’s Books (from Liz @ Children's Books)
If you need a costume for more than one person, consider some of these suggestions:
•Costumes for Couples (long list)
•Costumes for Couples (by category)
•Costumes for Groups (long list)
•Costumes for Groups (by category)
Finally, if you have your costume picked out, but a need to add a special finishing touch, try some of these:
•Make Your Own Costume Accessories
•Halloween Make-Up Ideas and Recipes
•Making Masks
•Make Your Own Trick-or-Treat Bag
MY THOUGHTS
can't imagine myself making these costumes. but i hope this helps those who need to make one. be creative.
Friday, August 6, 2010
World's Most Outrageous Hotel Fees
World's Most Outrageous Hotel Fees
More and more hotels are adding fees to room bills. But you can take steps to protect yourself if you look before you book.
By Mark Orwoll
My own distaste for hotel surcharges began years ago on my first business trip, when I ate an entire jar of what appeared to be complimentary macadamia nuts. At checkout I discovered the snack had cost me $12 (not to mention an upset stomach). If anything, the add-ons since then have gotten worse for guests, but much more profitable for the hotels. The lodging industry stands to earn more than $1.75 billion this year in surcharges alone, which means extra fees are likely to be with us for years to come.
In the meantime, here are some tips on sidestepping surcharge surprises:
•Be proactive. Ask when you book if there are any mandatory fees (and taxes) that will be added to your bill. Seasoned travelers know to look for these charges before they book and to complain about them in advance.
•Check your bill carefully before you sign it. It's easier to dispute a charge at checkout than afterward.
•Calmly object if you think a fee is unfair or was not disclosed in advance. Desk clerks often have the authority to remove them.
•If not, ask for the manager.
•Forget it—until the next time you book a hotel. Then go somewhere that charges guests fairly.
Credit Cards
It's unfair of hotels to require a credit card for booking but then to surcharge you for using it at checkout. It can happen anywhere (I've found examples in Switzerland, Vanuatu, Thailand, and elsewhere), but the practice is epidemic in Australia.
Your Cost: Up to 5 percent of your total bill.
Early Check-In
Hotels used to go out of their way to accommodate early-arriving guests. Now you just might have to pay for the privilege, including at some properties under the banners of Hyatt Regency, Hilton, and Kempinski.
Your Cost: Fees average $20–$50.
iStockFitness Center
A good hotel should have a fitness center. And use of the fitness center should be included in the rate you pay. But at some hotels under banners like Hard Rock, Hilton, Crowne Plaza, and Intercontinental, along with many others, you'll have to cough up some extra cash if you want to work out.
Your Cost: $10–$40.
Charitable Donations
Increasingly, hotels are adding charitable donations to your bill. There's even a company that helps hotels do that. The intention may be noble, and the hotels pass along the donation directly to the charity, yet something still feels wrong about this. They'll remove the donation from your bill on request, Mr. Scrooge—but should you really have to ask?
Your Cost: $1–$2.
iStockIn-Room Coffee and Tea
The hotel kindly placed an electric coffeepot on your dresser along with an assortment of tea bags and instant coffee. Watch out. That amenity, which used to be gratis, is becoming a new source of revenue for hotels. So next time you get that wake-up call and instinctively brew up a nice cup of Colombian, you just may find an extra item on your bill.
Your Cost: $2–$5 for a tea bag or a packet of coffee.
Maid Service
Some hotels now charge guests for that most basic of expectations—cleanliness. It may show up in the form of a mandatory gratuity or simply be listed as a housekeeping fee. But whatever they call it, you're paying a separate fee for maid service.
Your Cost: $2–$10 per room per day.
iStockInternet Connection
Why is it that so many budget hotel chains (including Best Western, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn) routinely offer free Internet connection while so many luxury brands don't? Don't expect that to change. According to iBAHN, which claims to be the world's largest Internet service provider for the lodging industry, "The 'free to guest' model of providing free access in all locations of the hotel at all times to all guests is economically unrealistic given guests' differing bandwidth needs."
Your Cost: $10–$20 (or more) a day.
Mini-Bar Restocking
It's bad enough that you have to pay 10 times or more the normal price for mini-bar items. But what's worse is the growing practice among hotels to add an extra charge to replace items you took. And it gets worse: hotels are increasingly using mini-bars armed with sensors that detect—and charge your room bill—if you so much as move an item.
Your Cost: $3–$5.
Jeff Greenberg / AlamyPackage Delivery
Surcharges for packages or faxes delivered to your room are frequently added to guest bills, but you probably won't find that out until after you've tipped the bellhop who brought it to you in the first place. Some hotels also charge for accepting an express delivery package at their business center—even if you come down to the lobby to collect it yourself.
Your Cost: $3–$5.
Holiday Surcharges
Additional fees added onto your bill for stays during holidays are cropping up, especially in Asia. At the Vinpearl Resort & Spa on Hon Tre Island in Vietnam, you'll pay extra if your booking extends over the Hung Kings' Death Anniversary and other major holidays. In Japan, the Kyoto Hotel Okura adds a surcharge on Saturdays and on the night before a public holiday.
Your Cost: $18–$45 a night.
MY THOUGHTS
i've had my share of chekout woes. it really pays to have everything negotiated before checking in or signing any contract. my job entails booking activites at some hotel or resort 4-6x a year. they will come up with all sorts of surcharges if these are not cleared from the beginning. and never never go for verbal agreements. especially with smaller resorts. they tend to value more the small income they can get rather than a happy customer who will come back or refer them to someone else.
More and more hotels are adding fees to room bills. But you can take steps to protect yourself if you look before you book.
By Mark Orwoll
My own distaste for hotel surcharges began years ago on my first business trip, when I ate an entire jar of what appeared to be complimentary macadamia nuts. At checkout I discovered the snack had cost me $12 (not to mention an upset stomach). If anything, the add-ons since then have gotten worse for guests, but much more profitable for the hotels. The lodging industry stands to earn more than $1.75 billion this year in surcharges alone, which means extra fees are likely to be with us for years to come.
In the meantime, here are some tips on sidestepping surcharge surprises:
•Be proactive. Ask when you book if there are any mandatory fees (and taxes) that will be added to your bill. Seasoned travelers know to look for these charges before they book and to complain about them in advance.
•Check your bill carefully before you sign it. It's easier to dispute a charge at checkout than afterward.
•Calmly object if you think a fee is unfair or was not disclosed in advance. Desk clerks often have the authority to remove them.
•If not, ask for the manager.
•Forget it—until the next time you book a hotel. Then go somewhere that charges guests fairly.
Credit Cards
It's unfair of hotels to require a credit card for booking but then to surcharge you for using it at checkout. It can happen anywhere (I've found examples in Switzerland, Vanuatu, Thailand, and elsewhere), but the practice is epidemic in Australia.
Your Cost: Up to 5 percent of your total bill.
Early Check-In
Hotels used to go out of their way to accommodate early-arriving guests. Now you just might have to pay for the privilege, including at some properties under the banners of Hyatt Regency, Hilton, and Kempinski.
Your Cost: Fees average $20–$50.
iStockFitness Center
A good hotel should have a fitness center. And use of the fitness center should be included in the rate you pay. But at some hotels under banners like Hard Rock, Hilton, Crowne Plaza, and Intercontinental, along with many others, you'll have to cough up some extra cash if you want to work out.
Your Cost: $10–$40.
Charitable Donations
Increasingly, hotels are adding charitable donations to your bill. There's even a company that helps hotels do that. The intention may be noble, and the hotels pass along the donation directly to the charity, yet something still feels wrong about this. They'll remove the donation from your bill on request, Mr. Scrooge—but should you really have to ask?
Your Cost: $1–$2.
iStockIn-Room Coffee and Tea
The hotel kindly placed an electric coffeepot on your dresser along with an assortment of tea bags and instant coffee. Watch out. That amenity, which used to be gratis, is becoming a new source of revenue for hotels. So next time you get that wake-up call and instinctively brew up a nice cup of Colombian, you just may find an extra item on your bill.
Your Cost: $2–$5 for a tea bag or a packet of coffee.
Maid Service
Some hotels now charge guests for that most basic of expectations—cleanliness. It may show up in the form of a mandatory gratuity or simply be listed as a housekeeping fee. But whatever they call it, you're paying a separate fee for maid service.
Your Cost: $2–$10 per room per day.
iStockInternet Connection
Why is it that so many budget hotel chains (including Best Western, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn) routinely offer free Internet connection while so many luxury brands don't? Don't expect that to change. According to iBAHN, which claims to be the world's largest Internet service provider for the lodging industry, "The 'free to guest' model of providing free access in all locations of the hotel at all times to all guests is economically unrealistic given guests' differing bandwidth needs."
Your Cost: $10–$20 (or more) a day.
Mini-Bar Restocking
It's bad enough that you have to pay 10 times or more the normal price for mini-bar items. But what's worse is the growing practice among hotels to add an extra charge to replace items you took. And it gets worse: hotels are increasingly using mini-bars armed with sensors that detect—and charge your room bill—if you so much as move an item.
Your Cost: $3–$5.
Jeff Greenberg / AlamyPackage Delivery
Surcharges for packages or faxes delivered to your room are frequently added to guest bills, but you probably won't find that out until after you've tipped the bellhop who brought it to you in the first place. Some hotels also charge for accepting an express delivery package at their business center—even if you come down to the lobby to collect it yourself.
Your Cost: $3–$5.
Holiday Surcharges
Additional fees added onto your bill for stays during holidays are cropping up, especially in Asia. At the Vinpearl Resort & Spa on Hon Tre Island in Vietnam, you'll pay extra if your booking extends over the Hung Kings' Death Anniversary and other major holidays. In Japan, the Kyoto Hotel Okura adds a surcharge on Saturdays and on the night before a public holiday.
Your Cost: $18–$45 a night.
MY THOUGHTS
i've had my share of chekout woes. it really pays to have everything negotiated before checking in or signing any contract. my job entails booking activites at some hotel or resort 4-6x a year. they will come up with all sorts of surcharges if these are not cleared from the beginning. and never never go for verbal agreements. especially with smaller resorts. they tend to value more the small income they can get rather than a happy customer who will come back or refer them to someone else.
Monday, November 16, 2009
nice but cheap gifts for christmas
Give Nice But Cheap Gifts This Holiday Season
6 Ways to Save Money While Pleasing Friends and Family
By Katherine Lewis, About.com
Cheap gifts often seem so, well, cheap. But your loved ones don't really want you to bust your budget buying an extravagant present. Sure, it can take more time and effort to find perfect, cheap gifts for everyone on your list. But you may find that the recipients are just as happy - or more so - with cheap gifts this holiday season. Here are 6 ways to save money.
Shop Ahead of Time
The best way to overspend on gifts is to procrastinate on your holiday shopping. If you make a list of recipients with some possible gift ideas, you can keep an eye out for the perfect present throughout your day-to-day life. You never know when you'll be on a errand or routine shopping trip and spot the perfect item on sale.
Buying in advance gives you the opportunity to combine purchases to save on trips to the store - or shipping if you're buying online.
Give Homemade Presents
Starting early also makes it easier to put together gifts yourself. Not only are homemade gifts cheaper, they can be more meaningful because of the personal touch.
Some ideas include:
•Fill photo books, calendars or a collage with pictures of your children and other family. Photos that show your family growing make a nice series. You can order through a vendor like Snapfish or Kodakgallery, or make a collage yourself.
•Frame children's artwork for a grandparent or doting aunt or uncle. That also helps solve the problem of storing all the projects your kids bring home.
•Personalize a tote or mug for any close friend or family member with washable paint, gel pens or permanent markers. Choose a small bag for makeup or a larger carryall for everyday use.
•Bake goodies for a guaranteed crowd pleaser, especially when you include the recipe. Consider giving coupons redeemable for muffins or bread later in the year, since the holidays can mean food overload.
•Measure cookie or muffin ingredients into an empty glass jar. Layer the flour, sugar and other ingredients carefully so they remain in separate bands and give the jar an interesting look. Don't forget cooking instructions and a pretty ribbon.
•Cut firewood for friends and family with fireplaces or wood stoves, if you own land with trees or can find cheap logs. Everyone appreciates help with winter heating costs.
Use Your Work Connections
Does your employer offer corporate discounts? You'll never know if you don't ask!
If your company makes consumer goods, from nice soap to magazines, you've got your stocking stuffers. Or maybe you can get coupons for shopping at partner organizations.
Think creatively when looking for ways to use your work connections. You may take for granted that you walk past the company's server farm every day to get to your office. But your computer-obsessed niece might love a personalized tour.
Even if you don't take advantage of corporate perks, make sure to tell your friends and family they're available. If they use your discount for someone on their list, maybe they can hook you up with cut-price gifts for your loved ones.
Offer Experiences, Not Things
How many gifts that you're received through the years do you remember? I'm guessing only a handful stand out in your memory.
But think about the trips, outings and late-night dinners filled with laughter. The experiences with family and friends are what truly enrich our lives.
You can give children a coupon for a special outing alone with Mom or Dad. Give friends with kids coupons for nights that you'll babysit their brood. Promise your spouse a weekend with no child care or home maintenance.
Think of other little tasks that you wouldn't mind doing and your friends would appreciate. What about a manicure, laundry, housecleaning, taking their carpool shift, a music concert or serenade? Can you host a birthday party for a friend with no backyard?
Pool Resources With Friends and Family
None of us truly needs another scented candle or coffee mug. But the electronics gizmo or expensive accessory that you know your friend wants may be just beyond your budget.
Now's the time to pool resources. Chip in with your siblings or cousins to buy your parents an outstanding gift. Enlist friends so you can afford to give your friend that designer purse she wants.
If you have a regular Christmas celebration with family or friends, propose a grab bag this year so everyone saves money. Or what about only giving presents to the kids, not the adults? Make sure to communicate ahead of time so everyone can make appropriate shopping plans.
Go Small But Meaningful
You don't have to give the big gift to be thoughtful. Think about what your friends and family love best and look for a way to upgrade that experience.
Give gourmet coffee or a Starbucks gift card to the caffeine addict on your list. Or gourmet nuts or chocolate to friends who love those treats.
Figure out the indulgences that your loved ones deny themselves, whether it's expensive face cream or microbrew beer.
You'll discover for yourself that it is the thought that counts, while giving your wallet a break.
MY THOUGHTS
I like this article. Some suggestions may not be applicable. Cutting firewood? I don't have friends with fireplaces. None that I know of anyway. At least in this country. And I don't think I can get a visa so I can cut firewood elsewhere. But I like most of the suggestions. My mind is already working overtime thinking of ways to make my gifts practical but memorable.
6 Ways to Save Money While Pleasing Friends and Family
By Katherine Lewis, About.com
Cheap gifts often seem so, well, cheap. But your loved ones don't really want you to bust your budget buying an extravagant present. Sure, it can take more time and effort to find perfect, cheap gifts for everyone on your list. But you may find that the recipients are just as happy - or more so - with cheap gifts this holiday season. Here are 6 ways to save money.
Shop Ahead of Time
The best way to overspend on gifts is to procrastinate on your holiday shopping. If you make a list of recipients with some possible gift ideas, you can keep an eye out for the perfect present throughout your day-to-day life. You never know when you'll be on a errand or routine shopping trip and spot the perfect item on sale.
Buying in advance gives you the opportunity to combine purchases to save on trips to the store - or shipping if you're buying online.
Give Homemade Presents
Starting early also makes it easier to put together gifts yourself. Not only are homemade gifts cheaper, they can be more meaningful because of the personal touch.
Some ideas include:
•Fill photo books, calendars or a collage with pictures of your children and other family. Photos that show your family growing make a nice series. You can order through a vendor like Snapfish or Kodakgallery, or make a collage yourself.
•Frame children's artwork for a grandparent or doting aunt or uncle. That also helps solve the problem of storing all the projects your kids bring home.
•Personalize a tote or mug for any close friend or family member with washable paint, gel pens or permanent markers. Choose a small bag for makeup or a larger carryall for everyday use.
•Bake goodies for a guaranteed crowd pleaser, especially when you include the recipe. Consider giving coupons redeemable for muffins or bread later in the year, since the holidays can mean food overload.
•Measure cookie or muffin ingredients into an empty glass jar. Layer the flour, sugar and other ingredients carefully so they remain in separate bands and give the jar an interesting look. Don't forget cooking instructions and a pretty ribbon.
•Cut firewood for friends and family with fireplaces or wood stoves, if you own land with trees or can find cheap logs. Everyone appreciates help with winter heating costs.
Use Your Work Connections
Does your employer offer corporate discounts? You'll never know if you don't ask!
If your company makes consumer goods, from nice soap to magazines, you've got your stocking stuffers. Or maybe you can get coupons for shopping at partner organizations.
Think creatively when looking for ways to use your work connections. You may take for granted that you walk past the company's server farm every day to get to your office. But your computer-obsessed niece might love a personalized tour.
Even if you don't take advantage of corporate perks, make sure to tell your friends and family they're available. If they use your discount for someone on their list, maybe they can hook you up with cut-price gifts for your loved ones.
Offer Experiences, Not Things
How many gifts that you're received through the years do you remember? I'm guessing only a handful stand out in your memory.
But think about the trips, outings and late-night dinners filled with laughter. The experiences with family and friends are what truly enrich our lives.
You can give children a coupon for a special outing alone with Mom or Dad. Give friends with kids coupons for nights that you'll babysit their brood. Promise your spouse a weekend with no child care or home maintenance.
Think of other little tasks that you wouldn't mind doing and your friends would appreciate. What about a manicure, laundry, housecleaning, taking their carpool shift, a music concert or serenade? Can you host a birthday party for a friend with no backyard?
Pool Resources With Friends and Family
None of us truly needs another scented candle or coffee mug. But the electronics gizmo or expensive accessory that you know your friend wants may be just beyond your budget.
Now's the time to pool resources. Chip in with your siblings or cousins to buy your parents an outstanding gift. Enlist friends so you can afford to give your friend that designer purse she wants.
If you have a regular Christmas celebration with family or friends, propose a grab bag this year so everyone saves money. Or what about only giving presents to the kids, not the adults? Make sure to communicate ahead of time so everyone can make appropriate shopping plans.
Go Small But Meaningful
You don't have to give the big gift to be thoughtful. Think about what your friends and family love best and look for a way to upgrade that experience.
Give gourmet coffee or a Starbucks gift card to the caffeine addict on your list. Or gourmet nuts or chocolate to friends who love those treats.
Figure out the indulgences that your loved ones deny themselves, whether it's expensive face cream or microbrew beer.
You'll discover for yourself that it is the thought that counts, while giving your wallet a break.
MY THOUGHTS
I like this article. Some suggestions may not be applicable. Cutting firewood? I don't have friends with fireplaces. None that I know of anyway. At least in this country. And I don't think I can get a visa so I can cut firewood elsewhere. But I like most of the suggestions. My mind is already working overtime thinking of ways to make my gifts practical but memorable.
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