I prefer the small paper envelopes over plastic envelopes and you are right that you can pick up bundles of small (2"x2" or 2"x3") manilla packets at the office supply store. You can also by dessicating packets there for including in your packet storage system. Or you can make your own decorative seed packets and print them on the computer. There are several websites that offer free instructions on making them. Accordian files - the alphabetized ones - will work. Or you can purchase one of the solid plastic manilla file containers and a set of alpha divider cards and sort your individual packets into it. Keep it in a cool dry place. For less seeds, paper packets stored in Mason canning jars is good and they can be refrigerated or even frozen for longer storage. There is a FAQ here on general storing and a search using seed storage will pull up several previous discussions to review if you wish. Hope this helps. ;) Dave

The past three years my nephews were all given money for Christmas. The first year, I glued a stack of 50 brand new crisp $1 bills together to create a book out of them, just like what was mention above. The second year, I did the 2-liter bottle thing. I pit a slit in the plastic, crumpled up the money loosley then applied a new, personalized label when the original label would be to cover up the slit I made. To make it more difficult for them to open the bottle, I glued the cap on. Because the money was loosely crumpled, it took them a bit of thinking before they found out how I got the money in there in the first place. Now that I think of it, I should have done some sort of origami folding of the money so they would have really been scratching their heads. I finished off the bottle with curling ribbon around the neck Last year, my mom rolled the money up in toilet paper (still on the roll of course) then wrapped it in various boxes from around the house (Mac n' cheese, pop tarts, etc.) This year, I plan to do something different; different than I've done in the past and different for each nephew (5 of them). In the past, since they all got the cash in the same way, once one of them opened the gift containing the money, the rest of them were not as surprised. I have to say that the money pad was by far the biggest hit. My son didn't want to spend which I was happy he was saving it but on the other hand he didn't want to put it in the bank either. Oh well, at least he didn't spend it foolishly, right. Lastly, if you are going to gift money, plan ahead so you can get brand new crisp bills. If the bank does not have any/enough, I'm sure if you ask them to "order" you some they will do it. New, crisp bills makes for a better gift! For this year I am for sure going to do the cold hard cash and the umbrella ideas....now I just need to find 3 more and I'll be set!

Hi, Here's a list of what to keep from Clark Howard's website. He's a no nonsense all around money guy. His radio show and website are filled with valuable info on what papers to keep, as well as many other money issues. This doesn't cover receipts in general, but is a great help for that other related stuff. There are probably ideas for receipts too if you do a search there. As far as receipts for everyday purchases, if I think it may be needed later, I take a fat Sharpie pen and write what the item is in large print on the receipt so it's easily read, and just put wherever my current papers are piled or filed. Receipts for large purchases are with the other info on the item, in a ziploc bag, taped to the item. If it's a kitchen appliance, it's taped on the back. Water heater is right on front, along with a business card from my plumber. Furniture receipts can be stapled to the bottom of most pieces. There are lots of good tips on this thread. If receipts are being saved in case of fire or other disaster, remember that with the stuff also goes the receipts. I would add to make sure you have everything important, especially pictures, backed up away from your home. Computers make that very easy now, even though it can be time consuming. Linda Here is a link that might be useful: Clark Howard's what to keep

A little more background would help us give you more ideas, Lynne. What are your favorite methods of making cards... using die-cuts, paperfolding, pop-ups, embellishments, ribbons, painting, stamping, embossing, beads, ??? Will the card be hand-delivered or will it go through the US mail? Some of the suggestions below would have to be hand-delivered (or mailed in a box) because of the thickness (and fragility) of the embellishments. Minnie has given you a good idea to avoid going to the craft store and investing in a whole different bunch of supplies (LOL!! - not that you don't want to do that, but sometimes it is far less expensive to just [heaven forbid!!] buy a card than to get all the supplies to make one!). Are you giving her just a card, or a card with money or a check in it? A cute way to give $$ is to make a pop-up card with a hand that holds the $$ and "pops" up and out when the card is opened. Another way to give money is to make a diploma using a cardboard tube (from aluminum foil, saran wrap, etc.) covering it with parchment or other paper that has been aged with tea. Tie a red (or HS color) ribbon around the tube, seal with a gold sticker or sealing wax. Put the check or $$ inside the tube. Write a message of congratulations on the paper before sealing it! A third way to give money is to make a purse from cardstock. (If this idea appeals to you, email me and I can send you instructions.) A three-deep graduated petals card can be used as a holder for money, too, or just as a card with lots of messages of congratulations. Playing on Minnie suggestion of graduate stickers, use your niece's HS colors as the backgrounds, and for dimension add a bit of gold thread made into a tassel to the mortarboard. And maybe a black "button eyelet" to hold the tassel in place. Is she going on to college and do you know which one? You could incorporate that school's logo or mascot into your card, or maybe a roadmap from her home to the college. Does she like nature or the outdoors? Make the card with the cover message "Never stop chasing your dreams..." and decorate it with a subtle background of butterflies, perhaps overlaid with sheer vellum. Punch a hole about 2" in diameter in the cover and mount a little butterfly net inside so it is just visible through the hole. Put a couple butterfly stickers inside on or near the net, with inside verse, "Congratulations _ _ _ _ _ (niece's name)!" Here's a very simple one... Print and cut out (or use a sticker) of the world (Earth) that is just the size of a clear, flat-backed glass piece. Mount a plain white square on a textured card. Glue the Earth to the center of the square, then glue on the glass piece. Inside verse could be something like, "The world is waiting for you. Go for it!" Make an accordian pleat card with lots of die-cut hands mounted inside. Mount a single hand on the front on a couple layered rectangles (in HS colors).Tie a little tag to one finger on front hand that says "Clap Clap Clap." Put another set on layered rectangles inside with your message or just "Congratulations!" If you need further explanation for any of the above ideas, Lynne, just email me. Hope these ideas will inspire you.