🎁 6 Frugal and Fun DIY Gifts! Frugal and Minimalist Approved ✅🤣

[@CassieDavis613]

It never occurred to me that candles could be made from Crisco. Clever.

[@beckylester5852]

This was the sweetest video! Who knew that rice would be glue! I’m doing this with grands!

[@beverlyhamilton5688]

Never thought to use rice as a glue stick ...lol... you are creative and wise...thanks for sharing!

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

I love hot tea. BTW, can you show us how you do your nails? They always look beautiful;

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi Money Mom! Tea is awesome and yes I'll make a video on that :)

[@MelissaShares]

Rice!!! You are so right! “Fun and nontoxic!” ❤️

[@conniebaum8043]

I just love your videos, Wendy! Your ideas are clever, affordable and thoughtful. Besides, your voice is so soothing and calming. I hope your holiday season will be just what you love best. And let's hope 2020 brings us more frugal, minimal goodies! Blessings to you and yours! xo

[@nikkibadzik3948]

My thoughts about her videos exactly!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi Connie! Thank you for your very kind words. Cheers to an awesome, frugal, minimal 2020 🥂 Blessings to you and yours as well!! 💝

[@d.h.fremont3027]

Oil of Rosemary clears acne. Btw, beautiful hair. Girl, I LOVE you for these amazing tips. You have no idea how I struggle sometimes but your work is a constant.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Nice I didn’t know about the acne. Another reason to love rosemary 😃. Thank you so much for your kind words! 💜

[@FrugalMoneySaver]

Great frugal ideas!! Love the Rosemary oil! Your cookie box was so unique!! Thank you!! Adore your videos!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi, I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Thank you for watching :)

[@Patti-1962]

Wendy, I just have to thank you again for the dramatic impact your videos have had on my life. I am learning to live with a serious illness, where I have very little energy so I am not as productive as I used to be. The answer? Lower my expectations, as I used to be a busy, over achiever. After watching your Christmas decorating video, my husband and I decided to only get down a few boxes of Christmas decor. Years ago I purchased two smaller fake trees (with lights) that came in beautiful urns. We pulled just one of those out and put it on our credenza. I had some beautiful cream fabric in my stash, so I used this to wrap around the urn and cover the top of the table. Out of my wire ribbon stash, I made a large bow from some thick gold ribbon to put on the top of the tree. The rest of our decorating took just half a day. My house looks very festive and I don't miss the days and days of work I used to put in getting the house ready for Christmas. Sorry to be long winded, but your video seemed to help me give myself permission to do MUCH LESS this year. Thank you again for making videos showing your minimalist approach. They are so meaningful to me!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Wow Patti! I am so moved by your words. Thank you so much for your beautiful message to me. I never imagined that I could make such an impact. Your decorations sound amazing and I’m sure they’re very beautiful and festive! Please continue to focus on your road to health. 🙏 Many blessings to you and yours!! 💝

[@lauraskorczewski5813]

I’m always happy to see that you have made a new video. I look forward to them. Happy holidays.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

💕 Thank you so much, Laura! Happy holidays to you and yours as well :)

[@janet3319]

Love the candles. I will make them for sure. Plenty of broken crayons around my house and empty food jars too.

[@margal3120]

Your nails are so pretty 😍 I love the little homemade boxes idea for the cookie gifts!

[@HelenKerins]

Wow I just learned something new! I had no idea you could use rice as a glue! wow!

[@joycegonzales4994]

I grew up making a glue from flour and water

[@ambershearer-halcomb1261]

Basically the best ideas ever. Can you share more of cheap food ideas you make. I am trying to become more minimalistic like you in 2020

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for your kind words and request! I will be sharing more food ideas in the future for sure. 🙌💪

[@greyarias228]

I like your pots. They look like there are made from a very good quality.

[@CluelessMamaD]

My fav was the plant holder. I hope you and your fam had a great holiday

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Macrame for the win! I hope you and your family had a great holiday too, Drea! Your live was fun to watch :)

[@horizon201]

Best youtuber.

[@jeannel1065]

I like unscented jar candles for emergency light. I can’t find them, so I put smelly ones in my garage, lid off, to lose some of the scent. I’m going to make some from Crisco. Thanks, Wendy!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Some of those are so overpowering I understand why you'd place them in the garage 😅 Crisco for the win! It makes a great emergency candle. Lasts for a very long time. I wanted to time it for the video to offer metrics for everyone, but chose not to because I didn't want to leave an open flame going overnight!

[@dawnbaker9274]

Thanks for the Crisco candle idea. My daughter has a really sensitive nose and too much scent cause nose bleeds. Great alternative. 👍👍

[@savelikeaprowithleah5157]

Excellent gifts ideas ! Thanks for Sharing!

[@kayhaveman2325]

This is a great video. I have been doing DIY for decades. You had some great ideas here. Who knew about the crisco candle? I love this. Thanks. I have been really enjoying your videos.

[@susanvelez6534]

All great ideas I loved the Rosemary oil! 👍🏼 you gave me a great idea a friend of mine is getting married, they sell the cookie holders you made at dollartree 12 for 1.00, I'm helping her mom with the small but farmhouse wedding on a big budget. Just 20 guests. I have a very big spool of twine. Now I'm thinking we can bake cookies, put them in the envelopes wrapped in twine as favors! Excellent video my friend! 👍🏼🙋🏻🎄🎄🎄🎄happy Holidays Wendy. We can make candles for the tables now too!

[@susanb2171]

Hi- in what aisle or area at dollar tree have you found the envelopes?

[@susanvelez6534]

Susan Burger the wedding section, they also have white ones that looke like tiny Chinese takeout boxes 🙋🏻🎄

[@susanb2171]

@@susanvelez6534 Thanks a bunch!

[@MelissaShares]

Ooh! I’ve only enjoyed barley tea in Korean restaurants (and spas!). Loved seeing how you make it, Wendy! I’m working on my frugal gifts for this week too. Really have missed watching your videos and appreciated this one! It made me smile!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi Melissa! I'm glad you got to try that tea! I look forward to having some while getting to catch up on KZbin! :) Happy frugal gifting, Melissa 🤗

[@MzLady-rr8gj]

Hey there hope you are doing well and enjoying your family. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@sammy_oooo]

Such original ideas, most definitely using a few for birthdays & Christmas next year! Thank you for sharing 💜

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

💜 Awesome! I hope the recipients enjoy them!

[@EllensAbundantLifeonLess]

I love this video Wendy! I started using a few drops of Rosemary essential oil to my shampoo a few months ago because I get a lot of hair fall out. I think it does help. These are some great ideas for gift giving!

[@anacasillas6973]

I love your cookie box!!! I'm a teacher and can see myself using your idea for small student gifts. Thank you for sharing. I'm curious if you have any ideas for using cheap paper plates as gift containers.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for teaching our kids, Ana! Those paper plates can be cut and folded and glued to make baskets - something like this: www.itsalwaysautumn.com/easy-diy-cookie-basket-made-paper-plate.html. It's not my blog, but looks very nice

[@melindawharton2939]

Dear Wyoury. I enjoy you channel so very much!!! You are a joy to watch, and listen to!! You are so smart and I loved the gift ideas!!!😀 I hope you and you family have a Merry Christmas, and a Blessed New year 🎉 Also I am loving money moms channel, I Thank you for bringing her up in one of you past videos! Love Melinda

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi Melinda thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoy my videos and Money Mom’s as well. I think she’s fantastic. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year also! 🎊💜

[@theresam1649]

All of these gifts are genius! Thank you, Wendy. ♥️🎄🎄🎁

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

🙏🎁You're very welcome, Theresa! 💕

[@brendakrieger7000]

Very nice🎁 I haven't seen Macrame in years!! My mom used to have a lot of that. We had a lot of houseplants and these were perfect!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Aww macrame for the win! Your mom sure knows her stuff. This only came into my radar earlier this year. 🌱

[@carolynsevilla8255]

Loved it!!! Thanks Wendy❤️❤️❤️Another video plssssss

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Carolyn! I’ll be posting as I can for sure. Thank you so much for your kind words and support! 💜

[@MsPeppersmom]

You are so clever! Loved this

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@jillstover8782]

Envelop is awesome, gona try it🙂,macrame is great idea too thanks

[@leekurimoto3083]

Thank you so much for this beautiful video. I am eager to try these ideas over the new year. Bless you.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Excellent I hope you enjoy them! Blessings to you and yours as well 🤗💜

[@deedeesmith3073]

Loved the candle tip 😍

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Yay, Deedee! 🕯

[@marshahouseholder3213]

Thank You So Much.

[@pua6095]

Thanks Sis!! *~.~

[@MarielaMerino]

great ideas! these are all unique and haven't heard from anywhere else. I love the candles. Happy holidays, Wendy! xx

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I'm glad you liked the candles, Mariela! Happy holidays to you too! 🤗

[@alikeat1347]

I am so grateful that I stumbled onto your channel. You’ve taught me so much, and I continue to learn from your generous sharing. Thank you so much and Happy Holidays!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I’m so glad you’re here! Thank you for your very kind words and for watching. I’m happy to be able to provide value to you! Happy holidays to you as well! 💜

[@kindcounselor]

Thank you Wendy!really enjoyed these tips. Happy Holidays to you...

[@Angel12199]

Really really well done video 😁

[@kimmaried.7313]

Excellent ideas as always ❣️. I hope that you and you’re family and a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year ❤️

[@eddieflowers7939]

WOW! You have definitely inspired me. I love to make things and these all look simple enough for me to follow your directions. Thank you for sharing. Gale Flowers

[@PenniP]

Great and fun video! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

A little late, but I hope you had a Merry Christmas also!! 🎄🤗

[@VaraVannerSimpleLiving]

Great video as always Wendy! I especially liked the homemade envelopes and candles. Full watch, big like my friend! 🎅👍

[@nacole93]

Love your videos

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you so much, Heidi!

[@CassieDavis613]

Happy New Year

[@lailasiddiqui263]

We use cups at thrift stores to package the cookies . Most of these cups are single and isolated :( we bring them home , soak them in a mixture of baking soda and and vinegar. After rinsing it thoroughly we boil the cups to get it disinfectant . And the cups are filled with home baked goods . The top is then closed with butter paper and tied with a chord or some fun stuff . And they can always use the cup later . We bring isolated plates and use them under small plants to catch the dripping water . I think - all this is a thought process . We. Didn't grow up with many resources and were forced to make do. We didn't grow up with Tupperware or Plastic ziploc bags either . We transferred huge bags of flour in cloth bags which were stitched for the purpose - mostly unbleached cloth , which were sold in the market . They were then repurposed to steam rice and lentil batter for breakfast , washed and used till the cloth develop holes, which were then used as rags and ultimately discarded in the dirt baked goods were shared with our friends in plates , which they returned after transferring the contents. When I see these videos , I am glad to know that people do it elsewhere too, because I am always called a *minimizer* instead of running out and shopping , we just shop our closets. Plastic has littered the planet. Paper is the most polluting product , during production. Most of the paper in America is imported. All these are produced in developing countries. And the irony is we never had the luxury to write on them . America gets the best quality of paper in the world. If some of you watched the Nobel prize round table , one of the scientists emphatically said that political vested interest and economic interests drive products in the market . And the media's role in *propagating lies than facts* . When political greed for power sanctions economic interests of businessmen, *planned obsolescence* is the result. The table level of water has made small towns a desert in the US . Thanks to Pepsi and Coke which has cornered the beverage market . And the profit from one bottle of bottled water is a whopping 200% and more , depending on the brand and 200% being the least . Can we do away with the products of Pepsi and Coke - can we make cookies and chips and Doritos at home . Are we prepared? These markets will take a slump! We will eat healthy foods , cook with real fat ( not processed vegetable / corn/ GMO SOY oil ) , save our bodies , decrease visits to check if our body is doing alright .DO you know why these periodic check ups because we eat toxic oil. It *damages our cell* , our arteries get clogged and more . Store bought ice creams are *hydrogenated fats* . *Why* this rant. It is all cyclical Thank you for sharing your ideas and providing this space

[@joyfulone1816]

May i join your rant? Because i so agree, and to an extreme degree. The processed food industries, the medical and insurance machine and the pharmaceutical and cancer industries appear to be conspiring to use us incidentally to sustain themselves. We can only fight back by refusing to be used by them. Avoiding the toxic chemicals and plastics that package their toxic food and drink products cut down on need for medical care, on disease, pharmaceutical use, ill health, dependence, and results in the good stewardship that morality requires. The more mature i get the more i see the big picture-as will we all. Appreciate quality and good stewardship. Respect your own value and that of others. This produces sane healthy living, and that includes doing things WELL, in a meticulous manner, attention to the details of frugality. Prefering not to be bothered with the trappings of wealth, i choose to invest in relationships. Take good care of yourselves, be thankful to your Grand Designer, in Jesus' name *

[@lailasiddiqui263]

joyful one AMEN

[@nahlamahmoud6243]

Great video 🌹🌹

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you, Nahla 💜🌹

[@AliciaLynnYT]

Happy to see a video from you Wendy! I have never had barley tea before, thanks for showing us how you do it! Rice for glue, who knew! What a cool idea on the candles, I love that! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas my friend! 😊🎄💛⛄

[@alazyhousewife8238]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! You are an inspiration...please keep up the great work! I am learning so many tips and tricks from you that are beyond helpful!! The candle is perfect because my mom can’t handle any scent without sending her into a coughing fit. She has COPD and emphysema so I am hoping to try to make this candle for her! Thank you!!

[@meggio20]

I love when you upload. Thank you for sharing your life and ideas with us Wendy. I hope you and your family have the happiest of holidays

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

🙏 you as well! Blessings to you and your loved ones 🤗

[@baldinamolino6577]

Thank you! Happy Holidays

[@nikkibadzik3948]

I loved this. Your videos have so much value. I am going to try the oil and the candles. Thank you for the ideas.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

🙏 I'm so happy to hear, Nikki! I hope you enjoy the oil and candles as much as we do! :) 💜🎁

[@PRTTYBTTRFLY1]

I enjoyed your thoughts & ideas especially the one about using crisco & cotton string for the wicks & crayons for color awesome gift thank you. Merry Christmas

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you, Laura! If you don't have a cotton string for the wick then inserting a small existing candle like a birthday candle would work as well. Merry Christmas to you and yours!! 💕🎄

[@carrolinebennett5462]

Love the glue idea! have a good Christmas.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

So glad you liked it! I hope you had a great Christmas also!

[@moonviolet27]

Thank you so much for the relaxing, thoughtful video! It makes my day to see a video from you😊 I have a question about the candles- can you use the store brand shortening or does it have to be Crisco? Thank you and Merry Christmas😊 🎄✨

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi Moon Violet! I've not tried it with a generic, but I believe it will work as long as the ingredients are the same. It should be just like any oil burning candle/lamp. If you do end up trying it please let me know how it turns out! Thank you for your kind words and Merry Christmas to you and yours too! 🎄🎁

[@veggiebowls6489]

I so enjoy your videos. These are such clever ideas for gifts. Happy holidays to you & your family.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

I’m so happy you enjoyed them! Happy holidays to you and yours as well! 💜

[@canyouspellophthalmology]

Love these ideas!

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

🙌 Glad to hear it!! 🤗💪

[@ktrudy1]

Love this vid and ideas😍

[@meganjoy9225]

Curious, after using the oil in your hair do you still use regular conditioner?

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi Megan, other than the oil, I don't use conditioner. If it's dry, then I'll run some extra oil in it

[@PRTTYBTTRFLY1]

😀

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Hi Laura! I hope you are well 💜

[@PRTTYBTTRFLY1]

Instead of Crisco can I use another brand like lard?

[@joyfulone1816]

Good sisters are such a rich blessing! I hope you are acknowledging the Savior who reconciled us to our Father this season, it is certainly the ultimate gift. The Redeemer is prepared for His return. His beloved are watching the skies. Peace.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Yes, they are indeed! 💕 Thank you and peace and blessings to you and yours!

[@cherylharte7796]

Hey

[@mimi31268]

❤💃🌟🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️💕

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

😍Nella! I hope you and 🧚‍♀️ are well. Hugs! 💕

[@AmberMaloneAZ]

Wendy Hi, you're awesome. Thanks for these ideas. I think you could quickly double your subscribers if you would change absolutely nothing except add the letters ASMR in front of every past and future video title and add ASMR as a hashtag on all past and future videos. You're doing ASMR already, without trying. Why not avail yourself to that audience?

[@shellyk5423]

Amber Malone what is ASMR?

[@AmberMaloneAZ]

@@shellyk5423 it's a HUGELY popular genre on KZbin of people talking in low, soothing voices to calm people down and help them fall asleep.

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you, Amber for your kind words and suggestion! I’ll definitely strongly consider this! You remind me of a funny story - my son helps me with videos toward his bed time. He tells me it’s a “good” video when he feels like he gets sleepier. So the running joke now is that my video isn’t “good” unless it helps him fall asleep 🤣

[@CynicismForLife]

Just a note about using Crayola crayons for coloring the candles...they have beef fat in them! Yuk.

[@myrnashoults9735]

Please stop using the word cheap. I think it has a negative connotation when you’re trying to deliver a positive message; frugal and festive sounds better than cheap and cheerful, just my two cents

[@TheFrugalMinimalist]

Thank you for your feedback, Myrna! I agree with your message but was trying to be tongue and cheeky 😅 Made it frugal and fun instead 🙌