1. always pay cash for your gifts - credit cards enable us to spend more than we should
2. keep a list of exactly what you plan to give to each person, and then what you have already purchased
3. mail purchases at least 10 days before Christmas so you don't pay extra for shipping
4. teacher gifts - make cookies or some other inexpensive food item (they really don't want another mug or some item to clutter their home)
5. look for sales or inexpensive places to shop - I particularly like Tuesday morning and sales items at World Market
6. if you have a large family, draw names for one nice gift instead of lots of little gifts which really add up
7. make a budget and stick to it - kids won't love you any less if you spend $25 less on them
8. if you really enjoy being out in the Christmas shopping spirit and might be encouraged to spend, only take a little cash with you and no cards and just enjoy windowshopping, music and decorations
9. ignore all the talk about deflation - look for good sales and by what you need at a price you can afford
1 comments:
The best way I've found to keep my Christmas gift expenses low is to shop all year. Who I'm buying for rarely changes, so if I find the perfect gift at the right price in January, I buy it. I keep a list of what I've bought (or am regifting) and for whom it is intended. For those final gifts, I shop just a few days before Christmas when the sales start. I am under-budget this year and am only hopeful that I can outdo myself in my thrifty-ness next year!
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