Gift Giving On a Budget

Christmas is coming! Time to panic?! Not with these helpful holiday saving tips!

This year I began to lull myself into a false sense of preparedness in September when I finished all of my Halloween preparations a month early. As with all jobs well done, I had been rewarding myself with inactivity since, blissfully ignoring the looming holiday season. Somehow, we are a week away from December, and the countdown is on. Crowded stores with grumpy shoppers, full parking lots and crying toddlers in checkout lines, and an empty bank account come January, ( I need a nap just thinking about it all). There HAS to be a better way! This year I wanted a less stressful holiday, I plotted, I planned, I executed and have managed to (almost) finish all of my Christmas prep BEFORE December. I made a vow;

- I WILL keep the cost down this year,

- I REFUSE to be in ANY store on Christmas Eve, AND

- I will still manage to provide a magical Christmas for my little elves.

To help you, (and myself) out I have compiled a list of a half dozen holiday saving tips to help you remain relatively stress-free this year.

1. Shop early and throughout the year. So yes in a perfect world we all make this promise to ourselves, "next year I'm starting in JUNE!" but if we can actually stick to our guns on this one, it can save you ALOT of heart ache later. Buying small gifts here and there throughout the year and putting them away is not only a great way to put a major dent in your Christmas list, it also allows you to avoid the spiking holiday prices that seem to come as soon as the first Christmas carol is played on the radio. The only caveat is not forgetting where you stashed the goods come the end of December!

2. Set a budget, and stick to it! It's so easy to go overboard at Christmas, there are so many beautiful and sparkly things to distract you as you venture out to find the 'essentials,' I almost ALWAYS end up buying more than I intended, which sets a dangerous precedent in my house. This year, we had a clearly defined budget (TINY) and I had no choice BUT to stick to it. Our girls will still have a wonderful Christmas, and we won't be stressing out come January 1st!

3.Hit those Discount stores! I am not ashamed to say that the lions share of Baby D's Christmas gifts this year came from thrift stores and the like. At two and a half, she is not going to care that her new Elmo doll, doesn't come with the warranty or instructions, and I saved a TON of money on toys that she will grow tired of in a years time.

4. Another awesome tool at our disposal are the various online selling communities. Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and VarageSale are awesome sources for new and used items. When it comes to toys (especially for younger kids) and books, you can't find a better place to save money. One persons clutter may be JUST what you've been looking for.

5. Brave the Black Friday Sales

If I was honest I would say that I usually avoid these sales at all cost. But one day of rushing could save you TONS of money in the long run, as long as you don't mind getting up super early to do it! I went to ONE store this year on Black Friday, I went prepared, knew exactly what I wanted and how much I wanted to spend. I walked in when they opened and walked out 10 minutes later, completely unscathed. It IS possible, if you just believeeeee.

6. Make some home made and DIY gifts! I try to do this each year for a few things under the tree. I like to crochet, so stuffies are always on the agenda, I have even given a box of crocheted ornaments as a gift before. Mason jar DIY's seem to be a popular and versatile way to give an inexpensive yet personalized last minute gift. If you think outside the box, you can come up with a one of a kind present that will sure to surprise and impress. There are so many awesome ideas floating around Pintrest and Google, it's easy to find inspiration!

These are only a few suggestions to get you well on your way to a stress-free holiday. Don't forget to treat yourself along with everyone else on your list while you're out making Christmas happen! If you have any Christmas money saving tips and tricks I would love to hear them, comment below!!