It’s every parent’s worse nightmare. Christmas is coming and money is tight. I can sympathize with you because I’ve been there myself. You’re definitely not alone! Here are some tips for Christmas giving on a budget to help you have a wonderful holiday.
Buy on Sale – If you can, don’t leave all the shopping for the last minute. There are some great sales (both online and off line) before Christmas. Look through your local papers and try to buy items before they go up in price. And remember you don’t have to buy tons of presents for a lot of people, be measured in your buying and remember that Christmas is not just about presents.
Don’t Forget Yard Sales & Auctions – Depending on the weather, there may not be many at this time of year but you may still find some good bargains in your local newspaper. Often times people will sell toys that still look like new for a fraction of the price. You may even want to check out some of the “mommy” or parenting websites to see if anyone offering free or low-cost items. I know I have given items away in this manner while trying to get ready for our holiday celebrations.
Handmade Gifts – Are you a crafter? Use your talents for creating handmade items and make all your Christmas gifts this year. Kids love things like long, funky scarves and hats. Not only can you make gifts, but your kids can, too. Let them make cards, calendars and scrapbook pages on the computer to print out for family members.
Gifts from the Kitchen – The kitchen may be your biggest asset during the holidays if you are on a tight budget. Homemade goodies like cookies or candies are great presents, especially if it’s an heirloom recipe. If this is the case, make sure you include the recipe along with the gift.
Fun for Everyone – Is there something that all your kids have wanted for a while? Purchase one nice, “big” gift for them to share. Kids are almost always flexible when it comes to these things. Each child only things about using the item and not having to “share” it with others.
Buy for Younger Kids Only – In multi-family gatherings, tell them that you will only buy presents for the kids in the family and that they don’t have to worry about giving to you either. This will take the pressure off you and the less you have to buy for, the easier it will be to stay within budget.
Draw Names – This is a great option if you have large families or multi-family gatherings. Other than spending less money, another advantage to drawing names is that you can focus more of your energy on creating or buying a memorable gift.
Stay Close To Home – Christmas means traveling for many families. This year, save your money and stay home for Christmas. Your family will understand if money is tight. Staying home will mean less stress for you and less money spent.
Volunteer – Volunteer your family’s time to elderly neighbors or the local nursing home. You will be amazed at how much fun your children will have helping others. Even if you are on a tight budget yourself, this is an opportune time to teach your children to value and share what they have.
To help you out with Christmas giving on a budget, you may want to take advantage of our family and holiday gifts. If you need something personalized or have questions, email us through the contact page.
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