Frugal Finds: Gift Giving for St. Michael-Albertville Kids

There's just something about getting the wrapping paper out that turns my kids into big givers. All of a sudden random household objects, items found in the Goodwill pile and even an occasional re-gift are wrapped up and presented to various people in our family.

While it is truly the thought that counts, it's also fun to let kids get in on some gift giving as well.

Here are  some ideas to frugally let your kids be involved in gift giving this year:

1. Make something. All of us love handmade gifts from kids. Whether it's the cardstock angel tucked in the tree with one eye glued on and the other one missing, we'll love it forever.

2. Re-use & Recycle. Do a swap with friends, we all have little gift-y things tucked away that might make someone elses treasure. Get it all together, get the kids together and let them choose things for family members.

3. The Dollar Spot at Target. Needs no further explanation.

4. Book exchange. Set up a book exchange for the kids to choose a book, wrap it up and then exchange. There can never be too many books.

5. My personal favorite: The Children's Holiday Shopping Mall. Put on each Christmas by the local Girl Scouts and their families your kids will love this independent shopping experience. Make a list of who they need to shop for, put their money in a ziploc with their name on it and allow a local girl scout to take them shop throughout the mall where prices range from 25 cents to $5. The gifts come home wrapped as well! You can catch the Children's Shopping Mall this Saturday, December 3 at from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.