When I first wrote this post, we were pinching pennies – I mean literally pinching every last penny.

One of the advantages I have sharing ideas is that I really have gone insanely cheap during certain periods of my life. However, considering that close to eight years have passed since I first wrote this post on my Blogspot blog, I’ve also gained a more moderate experience that might be more realistic for more of you.

I’ll rewrote these tips for a cheap Purim (or cheaper, at least) with this new perspective. The basics are the same but I’ve adjusted so that more of you can benefit – even if you can’t go too cheap.

16 Realistic Tips for a Cheap Purim

One of the big pitfalls of Purim budget-wise is that it’s back to back with Pesach. You’re about to blow your budget on matzah and wine. You might even be paying up day camp deposits – or even full fees – while still paying tuition – plus next year’s school registration fees!

Time to figure out a few ways to save on single-use costumes and way too much junk, right?

How to Save on Purim Costumes

1. DIY re-wearables

DIY can get pricey once you’re done buying all the elements and it’s not always a money saving endeavor (unless you’re like me and have a fully stocked craft room).

However, you can find ways to make easy costumes from normal clothes – whether it’s items you already own that make up the costume components (think blazers for a professor costume, oversized white shirt as a lab coat) or basics you’ll buy but can reuse (red shirts and jogger pants to pair with this hat and make an Elmo costume). Instead of a character costume, buy a character blanket sleeper that’ll double as the coziest pajamas ever after Purim. Or, take that old stained tee and craft it into the perfect themed costume.

2. Buy after Halloween

If your kids must have their own choice of super cool costume, buy after Halloween. The best sales are in-store, but we’ve gotten great deals on costumes online too (Walmart is our best bet.)

3. Borrow from friends and neighbors

If you have neighborhood chats, definitely post your requests there. You might be able to borrow (or even buy for cheaper) that costume that you really were looking for to complete your family theme. You can even base a theme on what people are looking to give away!

How to save on Mishloach Manot

4. DIY where it makes sense.

DIY is a touchy issue because it’s food. Not everyone wants to eat from everyone’s kitchen. But for those you’re closer with, making a big batch of challah and dips, the pasta salad everyone compliments you on + iced tea, or any other inexpensive food combination, can allow you to put together very cheap packages.

You can also DIY your packaging to help you save. I customized the cheapest tin containers in the store to fit with my theme, as well as 4/$1 glass bowls.

You can also DIY smaller packaging elements from paper, repackaging smaller loose items into pretty cone gift boxes or similar concepts.

5. Buy in bulk

Buy in bulk if it makes sense and repackage if necessary – but don’t forget to include allergy warnings!

Buying in bulk usually works if you really have a lot of people to give to. I’ve combined what I give to kids as well as class parties so that I can bulk-buy things like Twizzlers, juice boxes, etc.

You can also bulk buy loose candy, however, do include package information on a slip of paper or labels.

You can buy your packaging in bulk too if you stick to the same concept year after year, can lay out the initial money for it, and are willing to store it.

6. Have a good plan

I find that without a good plan – lists, lists, lists – I overbuy. Or I underbuy and scramble last minute. Make a plan. Include a budget with that plan.

Planning helps to avoid “just tossing in one more thing syndrome” which is a huge budget buster. If you’re the visual type, you can sketch out your idea. Measure your containers. Make a sample before purchasing everything.

Don’t make too many extras.

Do keep a few nice, fresh bags handy to repackage closed packages that you’ve received in case you undercounted.

7. Learn the laws

The law is that one must give two kinds of food to one person. There is no reason to go beyond that unless you can afford it. People take advantage of Purim to thank those that have done them good (teachers, etc) but you do not have to do this.

So if you’re literally going broke, you can break away from our overhyped habits instead. Tell people who deliver you’re just doing the minimal mitzvah this year, and you’re giving that to your parents (or someone similar).

You can even simply give out a nice card (look for something you can print) to those who come to show them you care!

More ways to have a classy but cheap Purim

Here are some more broad ideas to cut back costs on costumes, decorations, Mishloach Manot, and more.

8. Craft store Coupons

Crafts stores, such as Michaels, are one of the most underrated resources for Purim. They are full of all sorts of party supplies, those piles of felt that turn an old t-shirt into a cool costume, and more! I am always visiting Michaels a few times before Purim, even when I’m not DIYing much.

If you’re a rewards member (free) you’ll often get coupons for a discount on non-sale purchases. Since you’re looking for very specific items, they’re likely not on sale.

So if you get that 40% off coupon, use it on your highest ticket Purim item.

9. DIY from recyclables

During my most frugal Purim – the year I originally wrote this post – I actually collected pasta sauce jars as well as large tin cans – the size that crushed tomatoes would come in. The cans were all opened using a can opener that doesn’t leave sharp edges.

I spray painted them aqua – using the cheapest spray I could find since they were really single use – and wrote HUNNY with yellow puffy paint. It was fabulous with our Winnie the Pooh theme.

While this might not work for everyone, turning trash to treasure can make things really cheap.

More trash-to-treasure ideas:

• Making a base for food using cardboard boxes. You can wrap them with wrapping paper and finish it off with cellophane.
• Use old clothes to sew costumes. Cut up old jeans and sew them into drawstring bags.
• If you don’t sew, use old t-shirts as your base (the dollar tree sometimes has t-shirts too) and embellish with appliques made from old costumes.
• Turn paper towel rolls – or any un-germy cardboard tube – into pillow boxes.
• Use scrap fabric, upcycled ribbons, or anything else that’ll work to make your own bows. You can sew bows from fabric, or learn how to make no sew fabric bows here.

10. Think ahead

People tend to grab the cheap items first. Scour dollar stores and other discount shops earlier in the season so that you’re not stuck with whatever’s left over.

Thinking WAY ahead can also help you get post-holiday discounts. You can get Easter basket clearance for the next year. Halloween sometimes features fun baskets that you can repurpose. End-of-summer beach pails can make cool packaging for kids. Valentine’s and heart shaped items are perfectly seasoned to go on sale Purim time.

You can even choose a family theme according to what you’ll find on sale!

11. Take notes for next year

This is my most common pitfall – I forget to write things down! Lately, I’ve been sending myself an email, and snoozing it (yes, you can do that in gmail!) to pop back into my inbox around the time I start planning for the season.

Keeping notes can help you remember things that might otherwise induce costly mistakes. For example:

• We only need one package of napkins, even with a big crowd.
• I already bought plain cellphane bags just in case. We have plenty.
• We also already own sternos for the seudah/feast, it’s stored behind the Chanukah box….
• Dollar tree has glue dots.

And similar notes…

12. Keep a “purim box” for decor and extra supplies

To expand on the previous point, having a centralized – and labeled – spot to store extra supplies can help you avoid repurchasing. Limit the space to what you can afford to dedicate to that particular need. And when it gets full, you know to cull what you don’t really need to store.

Pull it out as you plan your Purim shopping to see what you don’t need.

You can even keep an inventory list on the outside of the box (redo it from scratch yearly) so that you don’t need to pull out the box before you start shopping. Date it so you know it’s current.

This also allows you to actually reuse things like decorations, if you’re the decorating type. I mean, we always PLAN to reuse, but we have to actually know where it is, right?

12. Plan around what you find instead of vice versa

When you have a vision in mind ahead of time, it’s harder to stick to that budget. When you go shopping first, find what’s affordable, and make your plan accordingly, you can save lots of gelt.

I personally think that the biggest budget busters are the things we splurge on to go with that holy grail of a vision that we had that we just can’t depart from.

13. Deliver early

This is relevant to you only if you live a busy Jewish area where traffic gets crazy. I learned this trick early on…

You might not have thought of the gas costs – but gas costs! These days, especially. And the least efficient way to use gas is in stop and start traffic. One year, my husband and I went to a 6:00 megillah reading so we can be out delivering by 9:00. There was NO TRAFFIC! And I’m talking in Lakewood, as we ere spending it with my parents that year.

I mean it was even less traffic than on a usual day as the entire town was out at the megillah reading. It was amazing!

Most homes had someone home with the children who were too young for the reading, and the ones that didn’t got left at the door (very few – and always include a note saying who it’s from!)

14. Include a note, recipe, or other filler

Got a package that’s not quite there yet, despite your plan to stop where you’re at? This is another bad budget buster – the “I think we should just add a chocolate bar, juice box, fill in the blank”.

Instead, you can roll up a fun note. Include the recipe, turn it into a scroll, and tie it with a ribbon. What you might normally tack to the outside can be placed in the inside to make it feel fuller.

Get a package of tissue paper, cut it into quarters, fluff it up, and nest your foods on that (do NOT get shredded paper if you care the tiniest bit about the recipients’ sanity).

But only do this if you need the space filled! Otherwise, SKIP all these extras because they will bust your budget.

Printable crafts work too – and are a FABULOUS choice for teachers and others who give to a crowd. And I’ve got loads of that here on the blog! Grab my Purim puppets, print it on cardstock, throw in some popsicle sticks, and you have a fun little addition to kids’ packages. (For personal use only). You can even pre-assemble the full-color puppets using craft sticks and glue lines for ZERO dry time.

Find more ideas for Purim crafts you can print and put in Mishloach Manot here.

15. Printable Labels, cards, and other elements

On that note, anything that you can print at home – even if it’s a purchased printable – can be reused from year to year. Printable labels are a fabulous example. You can save money by purchasing sticker sheets (which are often cheaper and are less specific) rather than the correct size labels and simply cutting them out by hand.

16. Remember the purpose of the day

It’s not meant to be insta-worthy, the talk of the town, or super fancy. If you really want to save, you can go simple and minimalist. Don’t worry about having crystal clear acrylic containers with perfectly paired mini liqueurs and custom made cookies that no one wants to eat besides for the over-junked 5 year old anyway.

Choose seasonal fruit, pair it with an inexpensive drink, and you’ve got your Purim nailed. Let each kid choose a costume from the local gemach, put one together from elements you own, and you’re ready to make noise and drown out Haman.

Happy Purim!

The post Cheap Purim: 16-ish Ways to Save this Purim appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Are you looking for ways to make Pesach more special this year?

Simple solutions to beautify the chag and your seder table?

Or are you looking to make things easier on yourself? To be more organized and budget better? To avoid last minute craziness with better planning?

Maybe you just want more things that the kids can do to keep busy? Or fun stuff to make them feel more involved – without it taking over your time?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, the Pesach Bundle was designed with you in mind!

Following the success of this year’s Tishrei bundle, Rochel and I decided to put one together for Pesach, only we made it bigger and better. From printable planners to coloring pages, and even Pesach themed games that can be played on the chag itself, the bundle is now available at the incredibly low price of $72.84 $18.

Yep, you read that right!

We are offering the entire digital bundle of planners, games, coloring pages, and more… at the insanely low price of $18. That’s 75% off the full value!

That includes everything listed below!

Please note: these are printable PDF files! Offering these in printable format allows us to bundle them for this price. Print what you need as you need it, and reuse it year after year!

Here’s a quick summary of what’s inside the Pesach bundle.

Below this, I’ve included a full description of each,  a link to the product listing for the individual products (where relevant) so that you can see it in more detail, and multiple photos.

Planners:

• Monthly planner to draft a prep outline
• Weekly planner to draft detailed to do lists
• Pesach cleaning fill-in-your-own checklist, with an outline to help you draft it. Separate lists for the house and the kitchen
• Pesach brain dump to keep handy so you don’t forget anything
• Pantry inventory and pre-Pesach meal planner to help you purge chametz.
• Pesach expense tracker to help you budget better
• Shopping list that can be used as a plain sheet organized into sections, or cut out into cards and stacked by store
• Pesach cooking planner to better coordinate when you cook what according to cook method, time, and temperature, as well as fresh/freezer categorization
• Freezer inventory so that you don’t forget what you have and meal plan better
• Packing list for adults and kids for those of us who are going away for some or all of chag
• Erev Pesach checklist
• Separate first days, seder, and second days menu planners
• Chol Hamo’ed activity and menu planner
• Pesach storage box labels to print on sticker paper and organize better
• After Pesach notes so that you can improve for next year

Table Decor:

Original watercolor artwork was designed for these beautiful table decorations, in three different on-trend themes and styles so that you can match it to the rest of your table setting.

• Three different styles of paper napkin rings – wine glasses, seder plate, and a kriyat yam suf inspired water print.
• Three styles of place cards, perfect for seating all your seder guests quickly!

Kids Activities and Games:

• Nine brand new coloring pages in assorted Pesach themes
• Our famous Makkos puppets in both uncolored and full-color versions
• Brand new Pesach puppets featuring the four main characters of the Pesach story – in both color-in and full color versions.
• A “kids’ bedikat chametz” coloring page craft. Kids can color, cut out, assemble and do their own number hunt using paper pieces of bread.
• A brand new Ditch the Chametz Pesach old maid game that can be played on the chag too! Featuring original drawings.
• My Splitting the Sea board game with trivia questions.

Want to see the Pesach bundle in detail? Here you go!

Please note: any previews here are low resolution and will not print properly. Please purchase the bundle to print.

Pesach Planners:

Proper organizing and planning helps you get a better handle on what needs to be done, avoid distractions, save time, and even save money. Rochel designed these to hold your hand through the planning process. Print as many of each page as you need, and put them into a binder to use them easily and efficiently.

Pesach cleaning and pre-Pesach prep:

Non-bundle price: $6.99

• Monthly planner to draft a prep outline. This calendar is blank, so you can print out as many as you need and fill in the dates on your own.
• Weekly to-do planner to draft detailed to do lists.

• Pesach cleaning “make-it-your-own” checklist, with an outline to help you draft it. Separate checklists for the house and the kitchen.
• Pesach brain dump to keep handy so you don’t forget anything. All the last minute thoughts, everything that’s overwhelming you- just jot it down on the brain dump and then sort it out after.
• Pantry inventory and pre-Pesach meal planner to help you purge chametz. There are two versions of this printable included. One is pre-categorized for you, with sections like “Grains”, Sweeteners” etc, and one is blank for you to organize as you’d like. Use whichever one is easier for you.

• Erev Pesach checklist for all the important millions of things you need to do Erev Pesach.
• Comprehensive packing list for adults and kids for those of us who are going away for some or all of chag.

Pesach & Chol HaMoed meals, cooking, planning, etc:

Non-bundle price: $6.99

• Pesach expense tracker to help you budget better.
• Shopping list that can be used as a plain sheet organized into sections, or cut out into cards and stacked by store. This page can be totally customized for your own needs and is versatile enough to use for any store. You can make lists for each type of store or for aisles and sections within the store. For example, divide up your grocery list into freezer items, produce section, meats, etc.

• Pesach cooking planner to better coordinate when you cook what according to cook method, time, and temperature, as well as fresh/freezer categorization. There’s also a handy column for the recipe source- write down the cookbook number and page number when you menu plan, so that when you actually cook, you know exactly where to find the recipe.
• Freezer inventory so that you don’t forget what you have and meal plan better.
• Separate menu planners for the Sedarim, first days and second days.

• Chol HaMoed activity and menu planner so that you can organize your days in advance and enjoy each day to the fullest.

Post-pesach and next year:

Non-bundle price: $2.99

• Pesach storage box labels to help you organize better. These can be printed on sticker paper or cardstock and affix using clear packing tape.
• After Pesach notes so that you can improve for next year
• Pesach expense tracker to help you budget wisely and plan better for the future

Table Decor:

When we asked our Instagram followers what they prefer on their napkin rings, wine glasses or seder plates, we got a close vote. So I decided to do both… and a bonus one! I created these using watercolor art with graphic backgrounds in marble and watercolor textures.

I figured that with the amount of meals you have over Pesach, you might want to switch between a few different styles!

Print these on card stock for best results. These can be tossed or recycled when you’re done, or they can be laid flat for next year. The napkin rings use a glue-less tab closure so that you can just open them and store them flat. The place cards – even the ones with the cutouts – stack nicely either lying flat, or in the tent position.

Just a reminder: you get the digital files to print these yourself! I printed them out to show you what they look like. Does not include printed files, plates, napkins, flatware, etc.

Wine glass set:

Non-bundle price: $4 each or $7 for both

On these beautiful napkin rings, the wine glass shape sits nicely on the napkin, adding form. On the place card, the top is cut out to stick up. You can use stickers, a label maker, or a brush pen to write names, or just write it in simple block handwriting. Since it’s not Pesach-specific you can use it any time of year, however it’s still totally in the Pesach spirit and will look great next to the sparkling glasses of wine.

Ke’arah/seder plate set:

Non-bundle price: $4 each or $7 for both

On these beautiful napkin rings, the seder plate was painted with metallic watercolors, which shows on the scanned and copied result! Both components are assembled similarly to the cups, but the shape is easier to work with,  the colors are more neutral, and the marble background is on-trend.  You can use stickers, a label maker, or a brush pen to write names on the place cards, or just write it in simple block handwriting.

Sea set:

Non-bundle price: $4 each or $7 for both

If you’re looking for a much easier assembly, and a neutral pattern-based design, this set is perfect. It’s inspired by the splitting of the sea, but isn’t quite a drawing. You can also use it year round, however it’s very appropriate for Pesach.

Kids Activities:

When we asked our Instagram followers what more they want to see in our bundle, the consensus was… help! As in, a babysitter help. Cleaning help. You get the drift.

While we can’t quite send you that, we can try and keep your children productively occupied with Pesach themed activities, crafts, and games. The games are designed to be assembled and printed before Pesach, and can be played with both before and on once you’ve assembled it.

Just a reminder: you get the digital files to print these yourself! I printed them out to show you what they look like. Does not include printed files, scissors, glue, coloring tools, etc

Coloring pages:

Non-bundle price: $5.50

There’s nothing like good old fashioned coloring pages to keep the kids occupied! These include various themes, with quirky characterization of various familiar Pesach images.

Makkot puppets in both uncolored and full-color versions:

Non-bundle price: Uncolored is free with optional donations, full-color is $5

The uncolored version serves as a coloring activity and craft from scratch, while the full-color one is more of a “print and craft” toy. Both are a great way to bring the Seder to life and a great tool for when you talk about the makkos. I illustrated these so that they are non-scary and appropriate for very young children too.

Pesach Character puppets in both color-in and full color versions:

Non-Bundle price: $4 each

This year, to add to the storytelling aspect, I also made Moshe, Aharon, Miriam, and Pharaoh puppets so that you can play out how things went down!

Kids’ pretend bedikat chametz:

Non-Bundle price: $4.50

Kids love to feel like they’re part of things, but you don’t want them hiding real chametz without supervision! This is a learning tool and a number hunt, a coloring page, a craft, and a fun activity all in one. The bags are simple to assemble, and I included to versions of the bag: a “decorate-your-own” that only says the words “bedikat chametz” in Hebrew, and one with a fun cartoon drawing.

Games:

Bestselling Ditch the Chametz Pesach old maid game:

Non-Bundle price: $8

How cool is a deck of Pesach cards? You can two of each card – but wait! There’s only one Chametz card! Don’t get stuck with it because that one has no match. Based on the classic old maid game, this deck of cards can be played with other games, including memory match.

I used both illustrations designed for some of the products above as well as brand new illustrations for this fun Pesach card game. I even designed a box that you can print and assemble – but if you want to play it the easy way, just print the cards on card stock and cut them out.

Splitting the Sea board game:

Non-Bundle price: $7

This printable board game was designed a few years ago, using hand-drawn elements and backgrounds. The simple game play includes a board with rocks trailing through water. You have a spinner that shows which level trivia card you pick according to the pattern on the back… and how many spaces you move forward if you get the answer right!

Since it’s also designed like a classic board game, you can make up your own game play rules.

Got any questions about the Pesach bundle? Comment below!

The post Pesach Productivity and Activity Bundle – Crafts, Planners & More! appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

My husband and I have been making Pesach ourselves since the second year of our marriage. It’s just something that has worked best for us, and we absolutely love it. Yes, I’m one of the crazy people that loves not just Pesach itself, but the whole process leading up to it.

It took a couple of years to get it right, but we have found a good rhythm that works for us, in terms of cleaning, cooking and shopping. I work full time, especially in the days leading up to Yom Tov (that’s retail for you) andyet, we still manage to turn out a great Pesach every year.

The most important part of making Pesach is to reduce your stress. There’s no need to get stressed and it will actually be beautiful if you can find the joy in your preparations.

Below are three lists; one is my most helpful tips on making Pesach. The second list is essentials you’ll need for making Pesach the first time, while the third list is non-essentials that you can stock up on over time throughout the year.

Tips for Making Pesach Stress-Free

1. Plan your menu in advance

Before any shopping or preparations, plan your menu. Plan the seder plate, every single meal, every snack, every Chol HaMoed breakfast. This will achieve two things. One, you will only have to shop for food once, maybe twice. Two, next to each item write down every ingredient needed. That will form your grocery list. Then, write down everything needed to make that dish- pots, pans, peelers, knives, cutting board etc. Like this, you will have a better idea of what you’ll need to stock your Pesach cabinets with.

Get Pesach Planned here to help you organize everything! 

2. Make a budget

Whatever you think you might need goes onto a list. Plan your expenses carefully and include obscure things that you might forget- like cookbooks, shelf liners, Afikoman gifts and a Chol HaMoed trip. Whatever your expenses add up to, up that number. Pesach food costs more than usual, and you will likely end up buying things you forgot to add to the list.

3. Buy cheap

Throughout the year, buy items on sale. It takes people years to build up a Pesach collection- you don’t need all your kitchen gear and every utensil and gadget the first time you make Pesach. Dollar stores are your best friend. You don’t need top of the line products for one week every year.

4. Don’t buy unnecessarily

There are three types of things you don’t have to buy for Pesach:

• Don’t buy items that don’t need to be kosher l’Pesach, or buy ones that are already kosher for Passover all year round. Those are often cheaper than products specifically made for only Pesach.

• Don’t buy items that you likely won’t need. Pesach is only one week. If you can, do without. Try to make foods that use similar ingredients so you’re not buying a whole cabinet worth of spices and ingredients that you’re only using a bit of.

• Don’t buy items that you can make kosher l’Pesach; for example, you can kasher your silver kiddush cup, or you can wash dishtowels and tablecloths to use for Pesach.

5. Eat clean

Stay away from processed foods made kosher for Passover. They are mostly all overpriced and also, not particularly tasty. Stick to proteins like meat, chicken, fish, etc. which will have similar pricing to year round. Buy produce in a produce store for better prices. If you have a sweet tooth, make your own desserts and snacks.

6. Avoid dairy

If at all possible, consider no milchigs for the week of Pesach. You will save by not buying any utensils for that. If you love matzah with cream cheese, you can use a disposable knife to spread it, and you can get disposable foam cups for coffee.

7. Lists, lists, lists

Lists before Pesach will help you keep organized and focused. It’s helpful to plan out exactly what you plan to clean and cook and when.

Pesach Planned is the ultimate dot grid Pesach planner for the busy Jewish home! It’ll help you organize all your lists, and keep them from year to year, saving you money, time, energy, and lots of sanity!

Lists after Pesach are immeasurably helpful, as well. Keep running lists from year to year with recipes and menus that worked, items you have on hand or will find helpful for next year, and things like that. An Excel or Google Docs spreadsheet will work great. Keep them in a handy spot so you can easily reference them as you get closer to the following Pesach.

8. Hire help

If you can afford it, hire help! It is a lifesaver and the relief is worth its weight in gold.

9. Don’t spring clean

I repeat, do not spring clean! It is not necessary, and it can wait for after Pesach. It just adds to an already overwhelming amount of things to do. If you know there is no chametz in the attic, or that the encyclopedias (does anyone still have those?) haven’t been touched in a year, then don’t waste your time cleaning those areas.

10. Plan storage space in advance

In order to keep yourself in check when buying, and in order to keep Motzei Yom Tov less stressful too, plan your storage space before Pesach. Where will you be keeping things from year to year if you don’t have a dedicated Pesach kitchen? I like to use large storage bins. My parents like to use a storage closet that they can move in and out of the kitchen as needed. If you don’t have enough cabinet space to clear over Yom Tov itself, consider storage drawers to keep what you need on hand nearby. Find what works for you.

Want to make your Pesach prep easier, your seder table more beautiful, and your kids’ happier and busier? Get the printable Pesach bundle today for 75% off the full value! It’s full of 30+ cleaning and menu planners, kids’ games, coloring pages, and activities as well as cool seder table decorations!

Must-Haves for Making Pesach

This list is a good place to start with to figure out what you’ll definitely need when making Pesach for the first time. You may choose to get more than one of certain items, like spatulas or peelers. If you’re looking for things to stock up on throughout the year, but that you don’t necessarily need the first time, scroll down to the list of non-essentials.

• dishes. Many people opt to use disposable dishes over Pesach for both convenience and lack of storage space. However, it can also be more cost effective to buy a cheap set of real dishes to use from year to year. I use plastic, but I have real silverware and glasses (for both drinking and wine).

• hand grater (I put a food processor on the non-essentials list, but that’s because I don’t use mine often during the year and I don’t make tons of potato kugel. However, if you are heavily dependent on yours, this can definitely be an essential item for you.)

• Seder plate

• Kos shel Eliyahu – try making one yourself for a little “me time” in all the Pesach rush!

• knives– this is one item where you don’t want to skimp on quality. Good quality knives will not only last longer, but they are safer to use.

• cutting board

• peeler– if you’ll have help in the kitchen, get a few of these!

• meat and dairy labels; trust me, you think you’ll remember from year to year which pot is meat and which is parve, but I can guarantee you won’t

• If your counters cannot be kashered, you’ll also need some form of counter covers; be it contact paper, or something else. I find it best to find these in your local stores.

• mixing bowls that can also double as salad bowls

• disposable aluminum foil pans; your best bet is to buy these by the case in your local supermarket

• hand mixer (only if you’ll be baking)

• baking sheets– these are great for roasting as well. You can use disposable cookie sheets as well, but your food will not cook evenly.

• serving spoons

• cutlery- disposable or real

• shelf liners

• measuring cups and spoons

• wooden spoons

• spatula

• soup ladle

• saute pan

• sauce pan

• stock pot

• hot plate or blech

• storage unit or storage bins

• corkscrew; from experience I can tell you that you don’t want to find yourself without a corkscrew on Seder night.

• can opener

• dishwashing sponges

• salt shaker

• kettle

Good-to-Have Items for Making Pesach

The items on this list are great for stocking up throughout the year. They’re not a must for making your first Pesach, so you can buy slowly over time, look for good deals and save some money.

• cookbooks- I debated putting this on the essentials list, but you can find a lot of great recipes on the internet and in Facebook cooking groups without spending the money on a cookbook. However, if you find you’re the type that wants guidance with unfamiliar recipes, definitely invest in one of these. My favorites are Perfect for Pesach (I use it year round) and Spice and Spirit Passover (particularly helpful if you have a lot of strict chumros.)

• hot water urn

• food processor

• crockpot

• Instant Pot – this is particularly helpful if you want to get a head-start on cooking early or streamline your cooking process. If you’re new to the Instant Pot, here’s a great chicken soup recipe to get you started.

• potato masher

• immersion blender

• grill pan

• crepe pan

• serving platters

• nut cracker

• dish rack

• real dishes if you chose to go with plastic for the first year or two

• tongs

• kitchen shears

• trivets

• whisk

• kitchen timer

• egg slicer

• food chopper

Have you ever made Pesach on your own before? Do you have any tips to add for those making Pesach for the first time? Let us know in the comments!

The post A Guide to Making Pesach for the First Time appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Along with sharing the free printable, I thought I’d also share with you some tips I’ve learned along the way. Let me set the record straight. I’m not an expert. I’m not a professional in any sort of capacity so take any advice I might throw your way with a grain of salt. Always do what works for you and your family. There are months that we are in the red, and our budgeting principles failed us. We are human, and we are only trying our best, but there are some things that I wished someone had told us along the way, so I’m here to tell you what we’ve learned.

When my husband and I chose to take charge of our finances, it was hard to decide where to start. Like you, we scoured the internet for tips and ideas. We came across some terrific advice and some very terrible advice.

But, one thing that we did right was start from scratch. What that meant for us was completely starting over. We literally started a new month with the assumption of us not knowing anything about our own bank accounts and wallets and started tracking our spending. It took nearly six months for us to get an accurate portrayal of our finances. We tracked every dollar and every expense.

Jewish budgeting for a frum family is a little different than budgeting in the secular world. We have many more non-negotiable expenses to take into account, like the ones mentioned above, kosher food and a higher cost of living for many of us in big cities.

The printable, which is available for download towards the end of this post, actually comes in two options- one prepared with typical “frum family” expenses and a blank version. I cannot assume I know what your finances or expenses look like, so you may want to use the filled one as inspiration to complete the blank one on your own. The filled one does come with a little extra space in each section to add something I may have neglected to include.

(For example, you may want to add something like lawn care, or garbage removal or a second mortgage in the “Home” category. If it applies to you, you may need to add a “Legal” section for alimony, child support or legal fees, or a “Pets” section, for pet food, kennels, vet bills and so on and so forth. You may also choose to remove a category entirely if it doesn’t apply to your situation, like “Tuition”.)

Jewish budgeting: 5 tips to start from scratch

1. Make it tangible

I’m the kind of person that needs to see and feel in order to process information. So, one of the best things I did while tracking my spending was turning everything into cash. (If I recall correctly, this idea was gleaned from Dave Ramsey.)

I cashed every check, bought these handy little accordion folders, and divided the cash into different categories. I stuck an index card into each section with notes- how much I put in to begin with, how much I spent and so on. Any receipts, I put into the same category.

I actually bought two of the folders- one to carry with me daily in my pocketbook for living expenses, and one I kept at home that accrued things like rent and tuition, which were only billed monthly.

This really helped me see my cash flow and spending. We don’t use credit cards, so this was very doable for us. It also helped reinforce our rule- if we don’t have the money, we don’t buy it.

2. Be on the same page

It is imperative that you and your partner be on the same page when it comes to finances.This may seem obvious, but unfortunately, many people struggle with this. In every relationship, you’ll have one partner who is a spender and one who likes to save. But dealing with major financial decisions, and knowing how to not spend when money is tight is something you must be able to communicate about.

If you and your spouse struggle with this, it may helpful to sit down with a third party, be it a therapist, or financial adviser, and gain some clarity. Communication (or miscommunication) regarding finances can be stressful, and can lead not only to a strain on your budget, but also on your marriage.

3. Don’t forget to re-evaluate

If you’re just starting to create a budget for your family, tracking your spending is a great place to start. However, in a few months’ time, or a year, or a life event can cause your budget to change. Don’t forget to go over your budget every month to ensure that you are spending correctly, or taking active steps to live within your means.

4. Be honest

Ask yourself this: are you really, truly living within your means? If your expenses are greater than your income, carefully examine your spreadsheet and see where you can cut down. Can you cut meat during the week? Can you make DIY homemade gifts instead of buying?

5. Find what works for you

Number one on this list is something that worked well for my family, but it might not work well for you at all. Figure out what will. There are so many ways to track your spending, be it via Excel spreadsheet, or an app, or Mint.com, or by downloading the printable in this post. The important thing is for you to start somewhere.

Download your Jewish Budgeting template

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What does Jewish budgeting look like for you and your family? What kind of tools do you use to aid you manage your finances? Let us know in the comments!

The post Jewish Budgeting from Scratch – Free Printable appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Grab bags are often used at parties, in classrooms and offices as a fun way for everyone involved to receive a gift. Many times, a maximum price point is established so that no one spends too much money on one gift, and so that the gifts are all on an equal level within the same price range. The range can be anywhere from one dollar to twenty, so I picked a mid-range ten dollars max on any of the budget gifts listed below.

However, this list is not exclusively for grab bag gifts. Buying budget gifts is also perfect when you need to gift multiple coworkers or a slew of your children’s teachers, therapists, Rebbeim, and bus drivers.

It has never been easier to shop for any kind of gift, with internet shopping the way it is today. However, looking for just the perfect gift at just the perfect price can be overwhelming. I’ve put together this list so you don’t have to spend precious hours searching! Just pick an age, pick a gift and click! Easy peasy.

Budget Gifts for Every Age

I split this list into categories by age, with multiple options under each sections. I only separated by gender for the adults, though many of the gifts can work for both men and women. The teens section also has some gifts that would work better for girls, but many can be used for both. You’ll find budget gifts great for all kinds of kids, like science-y ideas, creative gifts and others.

Budget gifts for babies (0-24 months)

1. Moccasins/crib shoes

Baby mocs are all the rage right now. You can get them in a ton of colors and prints, for both boys and girls. They make a fun addition to any outfit, and Mom will definitely be thrilled.

2. Foot finder socks

These socks are absolutely adorable! Especially good for babies in the 0-12 month range, this is a great way for baby to have both warm, cozy socks, and a fun toy at the same time.

3. Teething necklace

To relieve teething pain, get Mom this pretty necklace that baby can safely chew on and rub their gums against.

4. Crochet bottle cover

I was so happy to come across these in search of the perfect budget gifts for babies. They make a great gift, specifically because it’s something Mom would likely never buy herself!

5. “Starbucks” sippy cup

This sippy cup is too cute! Parents obsessed with coffee will get such a kick seeing their babies drink from this.

6. Mustache kissable pacifier

This one is sure to get everyone laughing. The over-exaggerated mustache looks adorable when the pacifier is stuck in baby’s mouth.

7. Matroyshka silicone teether

Any teething device makes a great gift for baby, which is why I’ve included two on this list. And this teether, in the shape of a classic matroyshka doll, can’t get any cuter!

8. Pat and play water mat

This gift is a great way to get baby excited! The perfect mat for the all-important infant tummy time, and a great sensory toy for when baby is ready to sit in the high chair.

9. Bath toys

When my children were babies, the one thing I could never get enough of was bath toys. They often get moldy or too ragged to play with, so a fresh set makes the perfect gift!

10. Muslin cotton bibs

These bibs are super soft and perfect for a baby’s delicate skin. I love that they come in all different prints and patterns!

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Budget gifts for toddlers (2-4 years)

1. Play doh kit

What toddler doesn’t love play doh? It’s a great way to keep a kid occupied for a long time, and all the accessories make it really exciting.

2. Fun pad musical toy

If there’s one thing toddlers love, it’s imitating the adults around them. In a toddler’s eyes, this toy looks like an iPad, but is a lot more age appropriate.

3. “I Spy” bag 

My children love this toy, and have for several years already. Somehow, it never gets old! It is the perfect sensory toy to keep toddlers occupied so Mom can make supper, nurse the baby or do the hundred other things that need to get done while entertaining the three-year-old.

4. Felt s’mores set

Who doesn’t adore s’mores? This cute, little toy will delight all ages, and makes a perfect addition to any kitchen toys the toddler may already have.

5. I Spy Letters

I always appreciate when a gift for my children has an educational aspect. This book is both fun and educational, so it makes a perfect gift for a toddler learning his or her letters.

6. Color bath drops

Nothing makes bath time more fun than changing the water color! These color tablets are inexpensive, and will make for a bunch of fun bath moments.

7. Growth chart

A growth chart is such a great gift idea- parents love tracking their children’s growth, and kids get excited by the colorful designs and the idea of them growing up.

8. Silly scents crayons

Take a simple gift of crayons one step further with this gift. These crayons are not only great for coloring, but also have all sorts of fun smells.

9. Unicorn Crayon Roll

Unicorns AND crayons?! What could be better? This adorable crayon holder comes in all sorts of designs, but the unicorn is definitely a favorite.

10. Personalized stacking cups

Stacking cups are a great toy for younger toddlers, but make it an even better gift by personalizing them! Even toddlers who can’t read, know when their name is on something!

11. Fabric puzzle

Most toddlers love puzzles, and they make for a great fine motor toy as well. These fabric puzzles are really cute!

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Budget gifts for youths (5-9 years)

1. Rubik’s cube

A Rubik’s cube is one of my favorite toys for this age group. It’s cheap, yet very entertaining. It also comes in a bunch of different sizes with varying complications. In general, brain teasers always make for a good gift.

2. Jenga

Jenga is one of those games that everyone always loves, and it’s fun for the whole family. There are a lot of different versions and sizes, but the classic Jenga game is always a good place to start.

3. Beginner’s needlepoint kit

A needlepoint kit is a great way for a kid to learn some sewing basics. This is a good choice for a child who shows interest in creating their own masterpieces.

4. Coloring books and crayons

My children are five and six years old and spend most of their time coloring. When I’m making supper, doing laundry, or taking a shower- those kids are busy getting creative. They can never have enough coloring books and crayons!

5. Books

Books are so important at this age, and a home can never really have enough books. Get only one or an assortment of books- they will most definitely be appreciated!

6. Name crayons (1-5 letters)

Crayons are fabulous and all, but what about crayons making up the letters of a child’s name? These are so fun!

7. Kitchen science kit

Great for a the science enthusiast child in your life, this kit is perfect for experimenting at home, with common kitchen ingredients.

8. Drawing emojis book

Kid loves to draw? Kid obsessed with emojis? They will absolutely love this tutorial book on how to draw ’em!

9. Wooden tic tac toe

Tic tac toe is one of those simple games that a kid can never get enough of. A wooden set makes it a little more exciting, and also has the benefit of being more durable.

10. Snowball maker

Going into winter, what could be better than a snowball maker? This is sure to put a smile on the face of any kid (or adult) you buy this for.

11. Optical illusions

I had a similar book of optical illusions when I was young, and I loved it. The illusions were exciting over and over again, no matter how many times I opened that book.

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Budget gifts for tweens and teens (10-17 years)

1. Money maze puzzle box

Want to present some cash in a unique way? Stick into this cool money box- the recipient has to solve the puzzle to receive their money!

2. Makeup soap

No, this is not soap to wash off your makeup. This is soap in the SHAPE of makeup! How cool? There are also some great soap options for boys, like footballs and the like!

3. Phone charger wraps

Teens and their phones, am I right? These funky charger wraps are perfect for a teen who’s got everything.

4. Mermaid sequin wallet

Those dual sided sequins are everywhere- on pillows, keychains, sweatshirts- and wallets!

5. Bath bombs

With all the stress teens face these days, why not get them some bath bombs to relax?

6. Metal brain teaser

This is such an easy gift, but also something a little different from the typical. Boys, girls, kids, adults; anyone would appreciate this.

7. Monogram keychain

Here’s another budget gift idea that’s not strictly for teen; everyone loves a gift that includes their initials!

8. Glass jar USB 

Every teen needs a USB handy. Why not give them a useful gift that also happens to be fun?

9. Phone case

There is a plethora of fun and trendy phone cases out there, but I really like this one! It says “I’m sorry I’m late, I didn’t want to be here!” I definitely know some people who would love that!

10. Postcard coloring book

Adult coloring books are all the rage right now. These quirky postcards are a great choice for a teen short on time!

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Budget gifts for women (18 years +)

1. Colorblock glass candle

This colorblock glass candle is super trendy, and sure to put a smile on your gift recipient’s face! While you can easily buy this, why not consider making it yourself? A handmade gift is always just a touch more special. Check out the tutorial here.

2. Fur sleep mask

Any woman would be grateful for this gift! It’s cozy, practical and something to enjoy!

3. Funny kitchen towel

Kitchen towels are always a good thing to have in abundance. Bring some humor into the kitchen with this gift!

4. Personalized Starbucks coffee cup

Is every adult you know drowning in coffee? Well, I know of a few people that would totally love this personalized Starbucks cup!

5. Color-in recipe book

A woman’s recipes are something near and dear to her heart. It’s usually something organized either in a pretty box or neat binder. This gift is a double gift- it gives the gift of therapeutic coloring, and one neat place to organize all her recipes!

6. Fingerless texting gloves

These are pretty self-explanatory, don’t you think? They make the perfect gift for the busy Mom heading into winter!

7. Bubble gum fridge magnets

I am forever looking for cute magnets to use on my refrigerator to hang all my important stuff- calendars, photos, kids’ drawings, etc. When I saw these, I just couldn’t resist!

8. Glass water bottle

I like to always have a water bottle on hand, but I hate the gross plastic taste they get when I leave them in the car while running errands. This glass water bottle is a much better alternative.

9. Himalayan salt lamp

This salt lamp has a lot of health benefits, and also happens to make for a beautiful gift!

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Budget gifts for men (18 years +)

1. Peanut butter spoon

Okay, obviously this is not strictly for men, but how awesome is this gift? A dedicated spoon for glorious peanut butter (or nutella, or lotus spread?) Yes, please!

2. Rx wine glass

A giant prescription wine glass for the avid wine drinker in your life! It doesn’t get better than this!

3. $100 toilet paper roll

No, not TP worth one hundred dollars! This toilet paper roll is a great gag gift, something most guys would love!

4. Custom city map ceramic coasters

For a favorite city, or one close to his heart, these ceramic coasters are the perfect, sentimental gift.

5. Personalized flask

If the guy appreciates a good drink, he’ll definitely go for this flask with his initials on it.

6. Wooden log neck pillow

A hardworking guy can always use a place to rest his weary head. This pillow is functional and fun to display!

7. Wine line drink markers

I personally don’t drink wine, but a friend assured me that these would make a great gift for anyone that does!

8. Credit card sized survival tools

If survival tools means a beer opener, than this surely qualifies! In all seriousness though, this handy card fits right into your wallet and makes for a very practical gift.

9. “Not my circus, not my monkeys” keychain

Doesn’t that just scream “Dad” when you read it? It’s the perfect budget gift for any Dad you know!

This list of budget gifts is all things I would love to receive or give as presents, but they are also only a suggestion! Let your imagination go wild! What is your favorite go-to budget gift for the people you love?

The post Budget Gifts – Perfect for Grab Bags! appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

My family is forever in search of new and exciting Chol HaMoed activities. When the budget is tight, or when the kids vary greatly in terms of ages and interests, it can be difficult to find a Chol HaMoed trip or activity that pleases everybody. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

There are always those that speak up against Chol HaMoed trips. While I don’t agree or disagree, I do think that there is an important factor; spending time together as a family is not something that everyone has time for during the year. Even during the summer, many people (myself and my husband included) work full time.

On Chol HaMoed, if you are off from work, and your children are off from school, you have a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and bond as a family. Whether you stay home and put together puzzles all day or go all out and visit an amusement park, you will be giving yourself and your children unforgettable moments to cherish and remember many years in the future.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you spend money on your Chol HaMoed activities or not- what matters is that everyone had fun, and everyone has a wonderful memory to look back on. Keep that in mind as you plan out your Chol HaMoed, whether it’s one day you plan, or all of the days. It’s not about what you’re doing or where you’re going, it’s about who you’re with.

Chol HaMoed Activities and Ideas

1. Visit family

A great way to spend your Chol HaMoed is spending time with family that you don’t get to see too often. Grandparents, cousins or those close friends that you consider family. Invite them to your place and serve a meal in the sukkah or go visit them. Everyone will enjoy the time spent together!

A nice idea to do when spending time with family is pulling out old picture albums and wedding videos and reminiscing. The little kids will love it and the big kids will have a ball making fun of the old hairstyles!

2. Craft day

All ages will be happy with this kind of day. If you have children of all different age groups, you can set up stations per age, or prepare different ideas that will occupy everyone. Don’t forget yourself- you can get in on the fun, too.

Most of my crafts come from Moms & Crafters. Menucha has some brilliant ideas on her site, for everyone from toddlers to adults, boys and girls. She also has a wealth of free printables that turn into beautiful projects. Print out a bunch of fun coloring pages for yourself and your children and spend some time coloring together. (Don’t forget this Sukkos coloring page!)

My plan for this year’s Chol HaMoed activities include making the kid and adult versions of the DIY mezuzahs from a few posts back on Beyond the Balagan.

I also came across this incredible color-in playhouse that my kids will go nuts over. This will totally keep them busy all day! I especially love crafts and activities that can be used for a purpose after the craft is finished.

I confess- I hate play-doh. I’m sure you can all relate. The mess just drives me up the wall. But I’ll be giving in this Chol HaMoed. Two hours of play-doh fun will hopefully be worth the mess. Anything that keeps my kids busy for two hours without me getting involved must be worth it, right? Right?

Don’t forget puzzles! The greatest thing about puzzles is the versatility. Literally all ages will enjoy them. Get a few easy ones for the little kids, harder puzzles for the older ones and challenge yourself (and your spouse!) to a difficult one! Put some music in the background and have fun! Glue them all after and hang them in the kitchen, playroom, family room- wherever. You will all enjoy looking at them and remembering the day they were all put together.

3. Local Free Activities

Check your local circulars and city websites for free activities in your area. This can include a free day at a museum, the zoo, a free instrumental concert, or a botanical gardens. Groupon is a very useful site to find great deals and coupons for fun and different stuff to do in your area.

While these places tend to be incredibly busy on a free day on Chol HaMoed, especially in the NY/NJ area, the trick is to arrive early. Plan well and get there before or at opening time, and avoid the crowds. Chances are that these places fill up between 12pm and 2pm, so if you arrive at 10, you will be ready to head home just as the place gets crowded and busy.

4. Kids in the kitchen

Whether you use this day for prepping for second days or not, you can have so much fun with your kids in the kitchen. Get them involved in baking and cooking. Let the kids come up with a menu for that night’s dinner, and let them cook it (with supervision)!

Of course, a lot will depend on your children’s ages. If they are too young to cook on their own (like my children), try relinquishing as much control as you can to them. Let them peel everything, let them mix whatever possible and use the time to teach them some valuable safety skills in the kitchen, like putting out a grease fire with baking soda. Let the kids experiment with as much as possible- there will be lots of laughter!

You can even pick just one thing to make, like ice cream! Making ice cream is such an enjoyable activity, and you have a sweet treat to enjoy when you’re done!

5. Check out a state park

You’ve visited the playground around the corner a million times by now, so why not try something new? Load up your car and go to a new place- a state park! State parks are large and the perfect place for the whole family to explore. Your state park may have bikes or canoes available for rent that can add so much fun to your day.

You can also go hiking in many state parks! I have some great memories of hiking on Bear Mountain in Upstate NY with my family when I was young.

The weather around Sukkos and Pesach is usually the perfect time of year (in many places) for flying a kite! It makes the perfect Chol HaMoed activity for all ages to have fun. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!

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6. Ferry rides

If you have a ferry near you, make a trip out of it! Most ferries are fairly cheap, if not free. Hop on with the kids and enjoy the ride! See what there is to do wherever you get off. Go window shopping (leave your wallet at home!), visit a new playground, have a picnic. It makes for a great change of pace.

7. Go fishing

Fishing is a great activity for the whole family! Even the little kids can join in with a youth fishing pole. If the place you choose to fish in does not have a policy to throw the fish back in, cook a fresh fish dinner with the family!

8. Visit an old age home

A great way to spend your time is giving to others. Prepare a little skit or choir with your children and visit an old age home to spread some cheer to people who may not have too many visitors.

9. Head to the airport

My husband and I love visiting the airport. We drive to the highest point in the multi-level parking garage and watch planes take off and land. It’s fun and thrilling for the kids, and almost never gets old. All it costs is an hourly parking fee.

What is your favorite way to spend Chol HaMoed? Do you have any other exciting Chol HaMoed activites to add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

The post Chol HaMoed Activities on a Budget appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Shopping for modest clothing online is a win-win for me. As a busy mother who works full-time, most of my clothing purchases (and a whole lotta other purchases!), both for myself and my children, are made online. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

For some people, shopping online and modest clothes don’t make sense to be said in the same sentence. It can be difficult to figure out how soft a dress is online, let alone know if it will be modest enough by covering areas that you wish to keep covered. But after years of doing it, I’ve amassed some great tips that I thought I’d share with you.

Some of these tips include things like explaining different neckline types, measuring skirt lengths, and understanding the information blurb on an item. Please keep in mind, everyone’s modesty standards are different. This is by no means a halachic post. It is merely some helpful advice!

I’ve definitely found it easier to shop for clothing for my children online. Even for my daughter- it’s easier to size up in a dress or skirt for it to fit appropriately, or to find layering tees or cardigans that pull an outfit together in a modest fashion.

As a working mom though, the convenience of finding modest clothing online is becoming more and more of a necessity. I can’t count how many times I’ve ordered something with express shipping to get to me in time for Yom Tov last minute. Too often, us moms put ourselves last, and if we get anything at all in honor of a holiday, it’s so often at the very last second.

Shopping for Modest Clothing Online

1. Neckline Types

There are so many necklines types out there! If you’re anything like me, and prefer the shell route instead of a cardigan or similar, you’ll be okay with a more open neck. A very open neckline will include ones like a V-Neck, or wide scoop or boat neck. I find that necklines such as a sweetheart, square or a very wide V-neck don’t look great with a shell underneath.

A boat neck is a bit tricky, because while it can cover up to your collarbone, more of your shoulder will be exposed. If this is of concern to you, keep in mind that it can still be worth a try. One of my favorite shirts, (here’s a link to a similar one) was touted as being a boat neck, and it’s actually one of the most perfect, fully modest t-shirts I own.

The best kinds of necklines are crew or scoop. There are different kinds of scoop necklines, but I find that most of them don’t actually “scoop” down, and are often the same or similar to a crew neck.

A turtleneck, for those who can tolerate it, will always cover everything, but don’t overlook it’s close second, the cowl neck. A high cowl neck will be more breathable than a turtleneck, but will look both stylish and effortlessly modest.

2. Measuring Lengths

One of things I have found most confusing when ordering online is skirt or dress lengths. It looked great on the model in the image- why does it look so short or long on me? It’s really important to know your measurements before ordering.

For a skirt, you’ll want to measure from where you like the skirt to sit (waist or hips), down to where you want the skirt to cover. To measure the length you’ll need for a dress, you would start from the tallest point of your shoulder all the way to where you want the dress to finish. For example – I am 5 foot 9 inches, and I know at a glance that I want my dresses to be a minimum of forty-two inches to be modest enough for me.

Knowing this measurement will take the guesswork out of online shopping. Instead of squinting trying to see if the model’s knees are covered or not, a quick look at the product information will tell you what you need to know.

3. Understanding the Info

I mentioned once or twice above product information, or an information blurb. This section is usually very helpful when shopping. First of all, it will tell you the material content. I like my son’s t-shirts to be 100% cotton, so a quick look over at the blurb will tell me if there’s any polyester in the item I’m perusing.

It will also hopefully tell you some measurements. If there is a size chart option, take a look at it. You can glean a lot of information from looking at a size chart, instead of stabbing a guess as to what size you need. And size is the most important thing when it comes to a proper, modest fit.

4. Read Reviews

I’m considering making this number 1 instead of number 4 on the list; that’s how important this point is. You can gather so much information about a product when you read reviews. Whether it’s how a product actually fits, and how the sizing runs, to the quality of a product- reading reviews usually makes the decision for me if I’m clicking “Add to Cart” or not.

Don’t just read the top few reviews, or one from the most helpful and one from the most critical sections. Actually go through the list. I like to start with the 3-star and 4-star reviews. Those reviews tell it like it is. It’s a good product but… Then I decide if the negative part of the review is relevant to me or not.

5. Recommended Ways to Shop

For dressy evening wear, you may want to try some mother-of-the-bride sections. Aside from a few dowdy-looking pieces, this section usually has a way more modest collection, and is very elegant for a night out. Items bought from these sections will usually require less alterations to make it more modest.

Aside from Jewish boutiques online (always a first choice), for more modest casual wear, you can also try looking for other religious shops that advocate a modest approach to dressing.

Believe it or not, another great place to shop for modest clothing online is Etsy! This fantastic website featuring all kinds of sellers will always leave you wanting more.

6. Layering Tees/Cardigans and Boleros

Every millennial Jewish woman worth her salt knows what a shell is and how to use it. Dress it up, dress it down, use it to add a pop of color. We’ve all got a drawer or shelf packed with these wonderful layering tees. When you’re looking at a top online and you’re not sure if it is up to your modesty standards, don’t forget to picture it with a shell underneath. Will it do the trick?

Alternatively, you can also make a top or dress more modest by adding a cardigan or bolero. I like the cardigan option in the winter, when I’ll opt for an extra layer anyway. A bolero can be hard to pull off, but it can totally bring an outfit together and make it look cohesive.

Have you been successful finding modest clothing online? Let us know in the comments!

The post How to Shop Modest Clothing Online appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Shopping for children’s clothes can be exhausting. Wouldn’t it be great if they could wear in-style, decent quality outfits, purchased with less than our life’s savings, and without zapping every last ounce of our energy? Would you believe me if I told you they can? Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. 

I don’t know about you, but the discussion among my friends and sisters-in-law before Yom Tov tends to revolve around what we each bought our children to wear. Everyone wants to know where to get a good deal, how to avoid the steep prices we often see and how to still retain some quality even when saving money.

I actually work in a retail store, selling children’s clothes. So I see what goes on come Yom Tov and you need to dress everyone, and keep everyone happy- and sane. It’s not easy. The tween doesn’t like anything, the 5 year old is way too skinny for anything other than dresses, and the boys definitely are not trying anything on.

I’m sure all of us can benefit from some savvy tips on how to dress our children. Either you want to save money, or you want to streamline the process so that it doesn’t take up every waking hour that you’re not working or preparing for yom tov.

Some people have pretty good reasons for investing in more expensive outfits. I say investing, because it is considered an investment if the clothes will become a hand-me-down. When a classy baby knit is handed down from brother to brother, it can definitely be worth the cost.

I start off the season ready to shop. I have one son and one daughter, so I don’t really have hand-me-downs. (My children’s clothes are actually the ones that becomes hand-me-downs for their younger cousins.) But at some point, usually as we get closer to Yom Tov, I start getting frustrated. I either can’t find what I have in mind, the shoes that fit my son well are sold out in his size, or I fell in love with a dress out of my price range.

Tips for Shopping for Children’s Clothes without Losing your Mind:

1. Shop in Jewish stores

First and foremost, whenever possible, please frequent our small businesses. It is respectable to give our Jewish sisters and brothers parnassah if you will be spending the money anyway.

Additionally, the salespeople in Jewish-owned children’s clothes stores understand what you need. They are knowledgeable in tznius requirements. They understand the desire to match your children’s clothes whenever possible.

2. Learn the trends

There is an easy way to figure out the upcoming season’s colors and fabrics. Just Google “fall winter 2017 fashion trends children”. You can either search through images or click on various designer websites to get a feel for what will sell this season.

You can also search for the Pantone color of the season. The Pantone Matching System usually determines the color of the season for a variety of industries. For example, the colors of summer 2017 tended more to pastels and deeper shades, as opposed to bright, primary colors.

However, and this is important, remember that you don’t have to stick with the trends. A lot of fashion schemes now tends to be mix and match. You can also stick with classic, solid-colored outfits that can work all year round, any season, and add a cardigan or fur vest in a versatile color.

3. Make sure it fits (with a little room for growth)

It really doesn’t matter if it’s expensive or cheap- clothing has to fit properly. However, you also want to make sure it lasts a through the full season. My six year old is very tall- and, thank G-d, growing. The only way to make it through the season with all her clothing fitting throughout is to start with clothes that are a tad too long.

However, there is a difference in clothes, that are just roomy vs. downright “shlumpy”. If a size 10 is “just just” but the size 12 shirt reaches her knees, go with a different shirt.

4. Understand how sizing works

One of the biggest misconceptions I see everyday is that if your child is two years old, he must be wearing size 24 months or 2T. This is simply not true. Age is not a size. Age is not a size. Yes, I repeated that, because it’s important.

Children come in all sizes- slim, chubby, tall, short, etc. Some kids will wear one size in shirts and another in skirts or pants. Before you go shopping, know what size your child wears. If you’re not sure, either bring them with you on the first shopping trip or check the size of an outfit that currently fits them well. While it can be hard to gauge, if you anticipate your child going through a growth spurt, you may want to size up for the coming season.

If you’re still not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and buy a bit bigger. It is much easier to alter an outfit that is too big over one that is too small.

Pro tip:  keep a file on your phone recording your child’s current shoe size (for socks) and height and weight (for tights).

5. Buy on sale

A great way to get ahead of the rush is to buy at the end of season for the following (i.e. buy at the end of one summer for the following spring/summer.) Try to stick to pieces that will be stylish no matter what the trend is next year. Don’t wait too long though, because all the popular sizes will be sold out!

Be wary of sizing when buying in advance. Most stores that sell very reduced clothing have final sale policies, as they are trying to get rid of inventory to make space for the new items coming in.

It is very hard to know what size your son or daughter will wear ten months from now. Size one to two sizes up, and if it doesn’t work out, either donate it as a ma’aser contribution, or pass it down to a sibling, cousin or neighbor who will be able to wear it.

6. Shop children’s clothes online

There is so much available online. (I can’t wait to order this outfit for my daughter’s upcoming school year!)

A lot of people prefer shopping on sites that offer free returns, but I don’t pick those exclusively. I love Next Direct, which while they don’t offer free returns, (based in the UK), they do have a very consistent, 2-Day shipping method that is great when I’m shopping last minute. Amazon Prime is always my first pick, followed by sites like H&M and Zara.

I have found beautiful and cute clothes shopping online, like this awesome dress or this precious bunny rabbit pullover.

7. Shabbos shoes vs. weekday shoes

I’ve come to a realization in the past few seasons. This is a decision that works for my kids, but it won’t necessarily be the same for you.

Weekday shoes get a lot more wear than Shabbos shoes. This is especially true in the winter if your children are still young- how much do you really get out on Shabbos in the winter?

So what I choose to spend more money on my children’s weekday shoes- I buy good quality, European brands that fit well. This almost always means that they last a full season.

For their Shabbos shoes, I buy cheaper shoes, either from Zara, Payless or my favorite- Amazon. I bought this beautiful pair in silver for the summer, and it held up so nicely that I’m considering buying it again for the winter in the rich burgundy color.

This arrangement works well for my daughter- not so much for my son, though, who has an extra-wide foot and is very hard on his shoes.

Keep in mind that in the winter, aside from weekday shoes, you’ll also need to spend on boots. I love these boots: the price is great for the quality, and the inner, removable lining makes all the difference.

8. Shop sooner than you think

Sizes and favorites sell out- fast! There are really only two seasons for children’s clothes shopping- Fall/Winter and Spring Summer. Winter clothes will start to fill the store shelves in the beginning of August, if not earlier, and you’ll see summer clothes as early as February!

How do you shop savvy for your children’s clothes? Let us know in the comments!

The post Children’s Clothes- Shop Savvy and Efficiently appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

One of my hardest problems making yom tov for the past few years has been coupling my tight finances with my delight in hosting. (I know- it should be my biggest problem!) If you really cannot afford it, you shouldn’t be hosting. If you are hosting (out of necessity), or you can barely afford yom tov as it is, or you simply want to be frugal (kudos!), keep reading for ways to stretch your meals this yom tov.

8 Ways to Keep your Yom Tov Meal Budget in Check:

1. Inexpensive meat

When we are really having difficulty making ends meet, my husband asks me to only make chicken l’kavod yom tov. This is difficult for me, partly because I grew up always having meat exclusively and especially on yom tov (aside from meat in cholent year round).

If you still want to honor yom tov with meat, pick cheaper cuts (ask your butcher which ones) that are easy to cook. I am always terrified of buying a fancy, expensive cut of meat and then messing it up when I cook, especially since I cook meat so rarely.

To make your meat go even further, serve it on a platter already sliced. Few guests, if any, will notice, and people take less when it is already cut into portions. You can also try making beef and veggie kebabs. This will add bulk to your dish, while incorporating meat, but you will use much less to complete the dish.

2. Ground meat

This tip is sort of a continuation of the previous one. Ground meat is so versatile and can take you very far for a yom tov meal. On Rosh Hashanah, I like to make elegant mini meatballs with some pomegranate seeds and fresh juice added to my regular sauce recipe.  On Pesach, meatballs (with potato starch instead of breadcrumbs) over mashed potatoes is a great comfort food.

Try mixing ground beef and ground chicken together for an even cheaper option. Bulk up your meat balls with some shredded veggies (try zucchini or carrot) for even more stretching (and a dose of healthy).

3. Stretch the fish course

I tend to cook very traditionally, so my go to fish for yom tov and Shabbos is usually good ol’ gefilte fish. If you want to fancy it up a bit for yom tov, but still not blow your budget, try a new twist. Cubing your salmon will make it go pretty far. I like serving one or two small salmon cubes and serving it with a mini skewer over some pasta salad. Pasta salad is a great addition to your meal that will fill everyone and also go easy on your wallet.

4. Make it a potluck

Hosting? When your guests offer to bring something, don’t say “nothing, please just bring yourselves!” When I am a guest and offer something, I genuinely want to help you out. If you say no, I will probably bring something store-bought, like a candy dish (that no one needs) or a bottle of wine.

So, ask your guests to chip in- a salad, dessert or a side dish are all good options that will save you time and money, and won’t be asking for a lot from your guests.

5. Shop carefully

I don’t know about you, but I am terrible at clipping coupons. However, even without couponing, there are a couple of ways you can spend carefully to save money.

• First of all, it’s always helpful to shop in advance. If you have the freezer space, stock up on raw chicken, gefilte fish family packs, frozen veggies, or puff pastry dough when it’s on sale.  When you are shopping in a rush, (or when hungry) with hundreds of other shoppers, the day before yom tov, you are bound to overspend and buy things you didn’t even need in the first place.

• Second, make a list and stick to it! Before I do a major shopping, or even my weekly Shabbos grocery run, I will sit down with the recipes I plan on using and make sure to write everything down. I then check the freezer and pantry to make sure I don’t already have the items I need.

• Third, don’t shop for produce in your local supermarket. It is usually overpriced and not very fresh. Rather, shop in a produce market, as close to yom tov as possible. Your wallet will thank you, and your fruits and veggies will last through most of yom tov instead of wilting by the end of first days.

6. Challenge yourself

Something I’ve been working on recently is challenging myself to use up as much food as possible from the pantry, fridge and freezer before shopping for something new. This is difficult because I don’t cook according to a weekly schedule- I cook what I’m in the mood of eating. (Thank goodness my family is usually okay with that!)

Before you make your menu for your yom tov meals, go over the food you already have with a fine tooth comb. Anything that can be incorporated into a yom tov or chol hamoed meal should be included on that menu. This will save you so much!

Just last week, I attempted this before Shabbos. I ended up with two side dishes, a dessert and my chicken stock (found in the back of the freezer) all taken care of- without spending a dime!

7. Leftovers

A great way to make your yom tov meals stretch is to re-purpose leftovers from one meal into the next day’s meal. For example- shred the chicken from your chicken soup and add it to a chol hamoed chicken stir fry. Once it’s coated in sauce, the kids won’t realize where it came from!

8. Reheat carefully

A big mistake people make is not reheating food properly, leading to a lot of waste. Food that is reheated multiple times either ends up getting dry and rubbery, or spoils and goes straight into the garbage.

To avoid this, when reheating the same food for separate meals, only warm up what you actually need. I keep a big pot of chicken soup in the fridge, but reheat it in a separate, smaller pot for each night that I serve the soup. The same goes for main dishes and sides. Your food will last longer and taste fresher.

How will you be frugal in cooking your yom tov meals? Let us know in the comments!

The post Don’t Blow the Budget on Yom Tov Meals appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.

Back to School Money Saving Tips:

1. Buy in Advance

A great way to limit your spending on school supplies is to buy as much as you can before the rush. This is possible even when you don’t have the actual supply list. We have a general idea of what teachers put on this list year after year. If you haven’t thought of something, or the teacher put a specialty item in the list, (like a steno pad)  you can easily purchase those once the school year starts.

 

 

Off-brand items are usually okay. However, be wary of dollar store quality- if the item seems flimsy, it probably is, and you will end up spending more time and money later to replace it.

 

Anything you purchase way in advance should be placed into one storage bin so you know exactly where to look when you are running low. If you’ve totally overstocked and don’t need to save it for the following year, consider donating your extra stuff to a gemach or to your child’s classroom.

3. Buy in Bulk

4. Invest for the Long-Term

It is actually quite economical to invest in a sturdy knapsack that will last several years, instead of buying a cheap one every year. I still have my over-the-shoulder Kipling backpack that I bought nearly 15 years ago and it is in mint condition. Buy a classic style, in a great color, and it will never go out of style! Add a keychain or iron-on patch to liven it up every year.

 

5. DIY

Why not save money and have fun at the same time? DIY some school supplies for a new, exciting year. Try out this awesome pencil case, (you’ll never guess what it’s made of!) or these adorable book covers. You can also personalize or bedazzle knapsacks on your own!

6. Price Match

Be on the look out for price match guarantees. Staples has a great 110% price match guarantee. Walmart has price matching as well.

7. Penny Deals

A lot of office supply stores offer penny deals during the back to school season. Limits generally apply, as well as a minimum purchase required. However, even at one penny, these deals are only worth it if this is something you will actually use.

8. Make a List

If you will be shopping during “rush hour”, the best thing is to make a list beforehand and STICK TO YOUR LIST! The best way to do this is to make a master list and see what overlaps. In this way, you will save some money by buying bulk items and at the same time, avoid impulse purchases.

How will you be saving money for this back to school season? Let us know in the comments!

The post Back to School! Eight Ways to Save Money on School Supplies appeared first on Jewish Moms & Crafters.