PHOENIX (CBS5) -
New York Times best-selling authors, Steve and Annette Economides, have learned to live on the cheap for years here in the Valley.
They have a few ways we can save during the holiday season.
No.1: Santa Claus does it, so should you - make a gift list.
"Because I think sometimes it comes as a surprise, people are like, oh, I forgot the so-and-so, or the hair dresser or the teacher or the coach then you're running around spending a lot more money than you need to," said Annette.
No. 2: Save on wrapping paper.
Annette and Steve bought craft paper.
"We bought it when we were first married and we've had it for 30 years. We figure the paper costs a dollar a year," said Annette.
Steve said, "We take the paper and we roll it out on the kitchen floor. We take little sponges that we cut into shapes and we just dip them and the kids just enjoy this so much."
No. 3: Decorate pine cones.
"One year we used old crayons for coloring, old candle wax and we made pine cone fire starters," Annette said.
She added, "Here's another thing, you just spray paint them whatever color strikes your fancy, just put them in a real decorative bowl. You can use that in your decorations or you can use it as a gift for someone else."
No. 4: Reach for the dough.
"Dough ornaments are so inexpensive to make. You can make probably two dozen and the recipe would probably cost you a dollar," said Annette.
No. 5: Get the best rate for packages.
Annette said, "Consider the post office flat rate. If you're sending things like books, movies and music - even less expensive."
Copyright 2011 KPHO. All rights reserved.
All
content ©Copyright 2000 - 2012, KPHO, Phoenix, AZ.
(A Meredith Corporation Station) and WorldNow. All rights
reserved.
