Here’s a frugal tip sent in by a reader.

We always make our own windshield de-icer to save money.

Dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in one litre of hot water and add to an empty windshield washer fluid jug.

Add 500ml of Methyl Hydrate (about $10.00 for a 4 litre jug).

Fill to the top with water.

There you go – homemade window de-icer! Your $10 will get you about 8 jugs of fluid and you will save around $25 through the winter. Also, this will keep those plastic jugs out of the landfill.

- Pat

Do you have a frugal tip to share? Please send it to me!

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I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love receiving homemade gifts for Christmas – especially food gifts.

Most people enjoy a yummy homemade treat because it is something that gives them immediate satisfaction. Whenever I receive cookies or some other food gift, I always have to sample it right away… it doesn’t matter how early in the day it is!

It’s not just cookies that make great food gifts , though. Below is a list of great homemade gift ideas that you can give to anyone on your gift list.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These look so easy to make… definitely something the kids can help create! Plus, chocolate and pretzels just go so well together. This treat is sure to be a hit!

All-Purpose Spice Rub: For the cooks in your family, this all-purpose spice rub would be a fantastic gift. Put it in a simple glass container with a label and some ribbon and you are good to go.

Peppermint Hot Fudge Sauce: Peppermint anything is always loved during the holidays. I know I sure wouldn’t mind receiving some of this in my Christmas stocking!

Cookies In A Jar: I once received cookies in a jar and thought they were just the most adorable thing! Since then, I have been making them for friends and family as holiday gifts. People look forward to them every year!

Candy Caddy: Little kids would absolutely love this gift, but it can really be customized for just about anyone. Instead of candy, you could fill your bottles with corn nuts, peanuts.. that kind of thing.

Banana Bread: Who doesn’t love a nice loaf of homemade bread? Instead of going the traditional fruit cake route, try something different like yummy banana bread. You would even throw some chocolate chips in there to make it even more delicious.

Chocolate Macaroons: Like I said, you can’t go wrong with cookies as a homemade food gift, and these chocolate macaroons are just scrumptious. They’re easy to make, easy to package and easy to eat – bet ya can’t eat just one!

Reindeer Mix: If you’re making chocolate covered pretzels this year, a good way to use up all of the broken pretzel pieces is to make some of this reindeer mix. I wouldn’t suggest giving it to any reindeer though.

Reindeer Marshmallows: These are very cute and would be a fun “craft” for your kids to help you with. Don’t have kids? I’m sure they would be just as fun to make on your own or with a friend!

Candy Cane Marshmallows: This clever gift idea is something that many people would be delighted to receive on Christmas morning. Give these marshmallows with some hot chocolate and a nice big mug.

I plan on giving quite a few homemade food gifts this year. I just think they are so personal – and are usually very well received.

Homemade tastes way better than store-bought, so if boxed chocolates or cookies are something you often give to others during the holiday season, consider making a few homemade gifts this year instead. I promise that the reaction you receive from friends and family will be well worth the time spent in your kitchen.

Do you give homemade food gifts for Christmas? If so, I’d love to read your recipes in the comments.

Here’s a frugal tip sent in by Christina.

Do you have a frugal tip to share? Send me an email!

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