Favorite Things: Personalized Plates

If you've been reading Cheap and Cheerful for awhile, you know I love monogrammed and personalized items. So, how cute is this personalized melamine plate? This Etsy seller has other adorable items and special discounts for the upcoming holiday season. Just be sure to shop early as the creator is getting ready for a holiday break with family and friends.

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: Tiny Prints $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Check this out:
Get a jump on your holiday photo cards! Win a $100 Gift certificate to @tinyprints. Great designs! http://bit.ly/6st0h @katydidandkid
You just might be the lucky winner!

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: Ideas from our Faithful Readers

* Julie from Seattle recommends Chef on a Shoestring from the CBS Early Show: http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/earlyshow/saturday/chef/main3441.shtml

* Tracy from Sacramento pointed out these adorable slippers on L.L. Bean. Right now, on LLBean.com, you "earn" a $10 gift card for any order over $25.

* Margaret from San Diego came across this unique popsicle machine from Williams-Sonoma. Yum.

* My husband reports that he spent $125 dollars at Safeway today and "earned" $20 of Kohl's cash. You can get $20 off if you spend $20, getting yourself 50% off items worth $40. You can redeem the certificate between November 9 and November 21.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know what our other awesome deal detectives have seen lately.

Deal of the Day: Faux Uggs at Target

The real deal Uggs, even for kids, are upwards of $80 and certainly out of my price range. I found these faux Ugg boots at Target today for just $17.99. While they are labeled for girls, these could would totally work for your little man as well. I just wish they had some in Women's 9.

Favorite Things: Fun and Funky Hostess Gifts

As much as your host would appreciate a nice bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers, why not think outside of the box when picking a hostess gift?

Here are a few ideas that are fun, funky, and under $5.

* At most grocery stores and also online, you can find these kitchy candles. Wrap it up in some cellophane and top with a ribbon.

* I love giving cute, colorful paper napkins or fingertip towels. Caspari, sold at Target and stationery stores, has some unique designs.

* Wrap up a picture frame. Then, send some prints from the evening in your thank you note for the hostess to place in the new frame. Aaron Brothers is having a 25% off the entire store sale right now.

* Bring a game. It is always easy to find a card game or board game on sale. You can bring something for the host family to play later or to enliven the event.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What are your favorite go-to hostess gifts?

Cheap and Cheerful Crafts: Wooden Storage Box

For less than $4, you can get a sturdy wooden box (like this one) and decorate it for just about any purpose. Paint it. Decoupage it. Stain it. Stick some treasures or even a gift card inside and you're all set. This craft is easy enough for anyone who can hold a brush or sponge and would be a fun activity for a holiday gathering. Or instead of buying gifts to exchange, invite some friends over for cookies and coffee and pick names when everyone arrives. Set up a fun craft and each person creates a box (or other craft item) for the person whose name they have selected. Trade creations at the end of the party and no one goes home empty handed. Cheap. Cheerful. Creative.

Favorite Things: iPhone Skee Ball App

For just $.99, you can buy a great stress relieving application for your iPhone. Believe me, the iPhone version of Skee Ball is just as much fun as the real thing. Just don't let your almost five year old try it. Well, unless you realize first that he'll be able to beat you after about ten minutes. Happy rolling!