The holidays have snuck up on us. In a few weeks we will be exchanging gifts with friends and family. Luckily we have time to ponder the best gifts for the women in your life (including homemade gift ideas for her), the best gift ideas for your favorite men, and the latest and greatest in toys and technology for the kids.
When shopping this holiday season here are a few tips to be in control of your holiday spending
1) Make a list and check it twice. Write down everyone you need to purchase or make a gift for this holiday season. Include your family, friends, and coworkers. Remember, gift giving is a thoughtful process. Gift giving is not a chore that drains your bank account.
2) Set a limit. Creating a budget and sticking to it is the only way you will not overspend this year. The presents you give do not need to send you into a financial spiral. In my house we try to have a low key Christmas where the girls get 4 presents: want, need, wear, read. Yes, deals come up that I know would be huge hits in our house, but those extra purchases add up quickly and before I know it my whole budget is blown on small, insignificant things that don’t matter.
3) Talk to family about your gift spending limit. This can be an uncomfortable subject, but chances are afterwards you will feel much better. You may even discover that both parties involved are relieved to know there is a limit. Remember, a thoughtfully chosen present is much better than an expensive present.
4) Make your own gifts this year. Consider gifting cookies in a jar, hot chocolate in a mug, a crocheted scarf, homemade vanilla, or homemade bath salts. Check Pinterest for inspiration and YouTube for tutorials.
5) Account for everything. When you are creating your holiday budget remember all the categories you will spend money. In addition to the actual gifts themselves you may need to budget for:
- Stocking stuffers
- Holiday cards
- Postage/Shipping
- Wrapping Paper
- Holiday Meals
- Baking Supplies
- Decorations/Tree
- Entertaining
- Clothing
- Travel
- Charitable Donations
- Tips and service gifts
If money is really tight, consider delaying Christmas by a few weeks. It sounds craaaazy, but you are bound to find crazy good deals on all things Christmas or Hanukkah related after the big day has passed. Another option is to delay Christmas a year.
The holiday season is great at making us feel stressed and anxious. Create your lists this year and take control of the season!
About Leandrea Voskanian
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