Frugal or Just Plain Cheap?
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
United States
December 15, 2015 12:50pm CST
Having recently been unable to work due to medical conditions, I have to find ways to get gifts for my family that won't break the bank. Now keep in mind, I do find some really great bargains in the stores and if I can afford to purchase them, I will. However, I have also found some great buys at the local Goodwill Store in our town.
I have purchased items that are gently used and are in near perfect condition. I found a great Elmo handpuppet that I will gift to my 8 month old granddaughter. I am purchasing a gently used walked behind toy for her as well. The total for both gifts is under $10. How can you go wrong?
For my household I found a new Lodge cast iron fry pan that was marked $4!!! A small artificial pine wreath adorns my wall that I paid .79 cents for. I'll be out and about this weekend hoping to find some other bargains that I can wrap and put under the tree.
Some call it cheap, I call it being frugal.
16 people like this
14 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
15 Dec 15
I did the credit card thing last year. Utterly foolish on my part.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (168334)
• Boise, Idaho
16 Dec 15
Good for you! Frugal it is. Just wait until that little one gets a bit older.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
18 Dec 15
Even as she gets older I will shop frugally. My older grandkids get gift cards as they live further away and they appreciate them as well.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
28 Jan 16
@celticeagle their parents purchase a larger gift for them with the cards. I still want to send one card for each of them rather than buying a card with more money on it.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168334)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Dec 15
@ElusiveButterfly ...Now days I think it is very smart. What kid wouldn't like some money off of whatever they want? They get to choose.
2 people like this
@OreoBrownie (3755)
• Commerce, Georgia
17 Dec 15
I love those cast iron fry pans and skillets. I got one as a gift and it was a Potters house gift to me. I used to go there a lot when I could drive. There is nothing wrong or ill mannered about buying from a thrift store. I would do it all the time if I could.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
18 Dec 15
I have even purchased things from online thrift sites and found great items at minimal costs.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
16 Dec 15
I think being frugal is great especially when it will help keep the budget in line.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
18 Dec 15
Some would frown upon giving gifts that are used. If they are in good shape I see nothing wrong with it. Personally, I would rather see my kids spend less money on a gift for me than go broke trying to impress me.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
18 Dec 15
@BelleStarr and that's the way it should be. I remember getting gifts from my first husband's sister and she left the fake price tag on it. Um, I wasn't impressed. She still leaves the price tag on her gifts. My kids, who are now adults, laugh about it.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
18 Dec 15
@ElusiveButterfly As they say, it is the thought that counts and I don't need to be impressed and I don't try to impress either. I just try to find a meaningful gift what ever the price.
3 people like this
@Freelanzer (10743)
• Canada
21 Dec 15
Even for those who can afford more, it is nice to go bargain hunting and get good stuff for less.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
21 Dec 15
On 1/2 price Wednesdays you would see the parking lot at the Salvation Army filled with cars and more than 90% of them were not clunkers.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
15 Dec 15
I think it is shopping smart! =) Glad you found some good deals.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
15 Dec 15
I always keep my eye open for that diamond in the rough. You never know what you'll find.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
15 Dec 15
I agree Marie. I only have a little money to play with this month. It's not about the gifts under the tree, but those that are around it that count.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
15 Dec 15
gotta love second hand stores!
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
15 Dec 15
Oh I do! My daughter and I will be hitting them tomorrow.
2 people like this
@PainsOnSlate (21852)
• Canada
16 Dec 15
Its one of my favorite places to shop. Here in Canada we have Value Village and I can find anything I'm looking for at that "chain" second hand stores.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
18 Dec 15
We had 2 thrift stores in our town. One went belly up. I miss it.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
4 Jan 16
Years ago I could find books in great condition or even new! Now it seems that the books they have available are tattered and in terrible condition. I have found some toys that are worthy of purchase though.
1 person likes this
@Namelesss (3365)
• United States
15 Dec 15
Christmas shopping is rarely easy I don't care how much or how little money you have. Looks like you have your priorities on straight and have a keen eye for a great bargain. Have fun this weekend with your shopping.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
15 Dec 15
Thank you. I do enjoy shopping, especially if my sister tags along with me.
2 people like this
@abonnen (39)
• United States
14 Sep 16
Well I take pride in being frugal! For holidays we tend to only buy or make gifts for the children in our families (we have none of our own so I mean our nieces and nephews). We usually keep the cost down and make fun packets or something a little different (I got the 9-10 year old girls last year tie dye packs and white shirts).
1 person likes this
