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Don’t let Christmas gifts break your budget this year. As a mom of many, I realize that Christmas strikes fear in the hearts of many who buy us presents. I didn’t have a large family in order to get a lot of Christmas gifts, in fact many large families feel overwhelmed with the amount of stuff already taking over their homes.<\/p>\n
In order to control the “stuff” factor, consider giving a Christmas gift the whole family can enjoy.<\/p>\n
Below is a budget friendly gift guide for the Duggar-sized family on your Christmas list.<\/p>\n
Gift Memberships<\/strong> Book Series<\/strong> Games<\/strong> Play Sets<\/strong> Blocks<\/strong> Art Supplies Food<\/strong> Music<\/strong> Holiday Themed Gifts<\/strong> Gift of Time<\/strong> What is a favorite gift your family has received?<\/p>\n
\nGift Memberships <\/a>are probably my favorite gift to receive. Many museums, zoos, parks, aquariums offer family passes for less than what a family would pay for a one day pass. These gifts provide fun for the entire year and don’t make a mess!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/\/i533.photobucket.com\/albums\/ee336\/anderbach\/DSCF0024-3.jpg\")
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\nThere are numerous book series that can be enjoyed by all ages. Reading aloud is something every family can do together, big or small.<\/p>\n\n
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\nThe family that plays games together stays together… well I just made that up, but playing games as a family is educational for the kids, teaches about graceful winning and losing, and is a fun activity that involves interacting with each other. Even our littlest children sit in our laps while we are playing games as a family. Our favorite games are:<\/p>\n\n
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\nPlay sets are a great because you can keep adding to them year after year. You can start small and build each year with additional pieces to the set. Our favorite set is Playmobil<\/a>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=thehaphou-20&l=ur2&o=1\")
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\nHow I love blocks! They are so basic, yet children can create almost anything! Invest in some nice wooden blocks<\/a>![\"\"](\"\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=thehaphou-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00008W72D\")
\n<\/strong>Kids from toddler to adult can have fun with art supplies. One year someone gave my children a ream of unused office paper and a huge box of crayons. It was their favorite gift. Putting together a simple art supply tote is a frugal and fun gift for the whole family.<\/p>\n
\nThis might sound strange but if you are a kid growing up in a big family having your very own box of cereal is a big deal. Use coupons and BOGOs to put together a fun food basket for a family on your Christmas list.<\/p>\n
\nCD’s are something the whole family can enjoy. For those of you buying for families with younger children check out Go Fish<\/a>. It is music for kids that parents actually enjoy. Check it out, if not for a favorite family on your list, buy it for yourself!<\/p>\n
\nEvery year we purchase a lighted Christmas village on clearance after Christmas. My children love to add to our collection each year. Fisher Price<\/a>![\"\"](\"\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=thehaphou-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001HBV4TW\")
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\nAsk any parents of young children what they really want for Christmas and they will probably tell you an evening alone! Create a nice card with a babysitting coupon and include a gift card to a favorite restaurant. Plan something really fun to do with the kids when you babysit, popcorn and movie, games, root beer floats, or a trip to the park would make a great gift for the kids as well.<\/p>\n