Living Frugally

We're talking a lot about money these days what with the possible job switch. We're also talking a lot about the future. We have no idea how it will turn out. But we often talk about being frugal and how it is more difficult to do so once you have kids. I just read an article on "Living the Frugal Life with Children", and this struck me as a great idea:

"Activity gifts - People often ask you what you need when you have kids. The reality was they didn't need new toys or clothes, so if people wanted to give us something, I'd ask them to buy an experience rather than a thing.

This might mean swimming tickets, a pass to go rock climbing, a family ticket to the local conservation centre. These were activities the children adored and provided a lot of fun for the whole family! We would of course make sure we gave a wonderful thank you card usually with a picture from the day or something the children would draw about their experience. To this day, I now try to give my friends & family gifts of experiences rather than things!"

I think from now on this is what I'll be giving my friends when it's their kids' birthdays!