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Last Minute Gifts that Cost Nothing

 I have a variety of specialist skills and my most precious resource is my time so I do gift certificates for specialist craft lessons e.g. 1 hour Knitting lesson (Value $15); 1 hour Tatting lesson (Value $15), 2 hours Family history research (Value $120), 2 hours babysitting (Value $40) - ​I saved at least $60 on one gift. I use free online Christmas and Birthday Gift certificates templates. Just google "free templates" to get a variety of free downloadables.

A great way for us oldies to pass on our skills to the interested family and friends. I have done certificates for Crochet, Knitting, dressmaking (sewing), embroidery, patchwork and quilting, lace making, horse riding lessons; babysitting and household chores. All gift certificates are happily received and gratefully used. The concept teaches the younger ones the value of a skill if they had to pay for it themselves and a rewarding time is spent with family and friends. I have never once received a groan from the gift certificate recipient. The trick is to make sure you follow through on the promise and honour the certificate.

Ask yourself - What are your time and skills worth? Beats buying expensive presents that provide Christmas day joy only.
Contributed by Saadia Thomson
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  • Home
  • Member Hub
    • Getting Started
    • No Spending Month
    • Cheapskates Club Insider
    • SUPER SHOPPER 2026 >
      • Super Shopper 300 a Month Challenge
    • Our Once a Year Shopping List
    • Handmade Christmas Hub >
      • Make It Monday
    • Articles
    • How to Build Your Stockpile >
      • How to Build Your Stockpile Part 1
      • How to Build Your Stockpile Part 2
      • How to Build Your Stockpile Part 3
      • How to Build Your Stockpile Part 4
    • Take A Pause
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Back to Basics >
      • Back to Basics
      • Simple Bulk Pasta Sauce
      • Back to Basics Ep 1
    • Add a Recipe
  • Saving Money
    • Member Wins Money Smiles
    • LATEST TIPS 2026
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Bill Paying System
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Newsletters
  • Join the Club
    • Why Members Come Back
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • About Us >
      • Cath's Story
      • Ask Cath
      • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
    • Help Files >
      • Help File TOTD