'Tis the season of giving, but let's face it ? holiday spending can quickly get out of hand! Whether you're worried about keeping your budget in check this holiday or simply want to find ways to save on gifts for your loved ones, these simple money-saving tips are sure to make gifting a breeze. Read on for some savvy spending advice that will help you enjoy the holidays stress-free.
1. Set a budget.
Setting a budget is an important step in ensuring that your holiday spending stays within your means. It?s easy to get carried away on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so having a plan can help you keep tabs on where your money is going.
The first step when setting a budget is to figure out how much you want to spend overall. Set a total amount and then break it down into categories like gifts, decorations, food and beverages, travel expenses, etc. You can even use separate envelopes for each category and put the corresponding amount of cash in each one ? that way you?ll have an easy visual reminder of how much money you have left for any given item or activity.
It may also be helpful to create tiers of gifts for different recipients. If you?re buying for family members or close friends, make sure there?s some wiggle room in case something comes up that would require more than the original budgeted amount. For co-workers or acquaintances, set a lower tier with less expensive items so you don?t overspend.
If you?re not sure how much to allot to certain purchases or activities, try researching the cost ahead of time so you know what range to stay within. Shop around online before making any big purchases as well ? often times stores will offer discounts or promotions that make an item cheaper somewhere else.
Finally, allow yourself a bit of wiggle room when setting your budget ? remember that holidays are meant to be fun! Set aside an extra 10-15% just in case something unexpected pops up throughout the season so that if treated yourself (or someone else) to something special without breaking the bank.
2. Make DIY or personalized gifts.
Making DIY or personalized gifts as part of your holiday spending is a great way to show someone you care and save money. Set a budget for how much you plan to spend on gifts this year, and then factor in the costs of materials or supplies for creating homemade gifts.
If crafting isn?t your thing, there are plenty of ways to make meaningful and affordable presents without having to use tools or sew. For example, making a photo album with photos from the past year is a great gift that cost next to nothing but is sure to bring joy. You can also create a digital photo album with software such as Canva if you want something more polished.
Another personalized gift idea could be creating a scrapbook with handwritten notes or messages written alongside the photos. You could even put together an entire collection of mementos like ticket stubs from events attended throughout the year, postcards, letters, and other keepsakes that will hold sentimental value for years after the holidays have ended.
For those who are crafty at heart, think outside the box when it comes to DIY gift ideas - there are endless possibilities! Knitting scarves or hats can make thoughtful presents for family members and friends alike. Or try making terrariums ? these low-maintenance plants come in all different shapes and sizes so you can get creative with them however you see fit! You could also make jewelry using beads or stones found at craft stores; this is a great way to add sparkle and personality to any present.
These types of gifts require time and effort on your part, but they?re sure to bring joy during the holiday season while helping you stay within budget! Get creative and get ready to spread some cheer this year by giving these special DIY gifts that will be cherished long after the holidays!
3. Prepare your "Naughty and Nice" list.
Naughty:
- Ebenezer Scrooge
- The Grinch
- Jack Frost
Nice:
- Santa Claus
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Frosty the Snowman
Time to put your gifting skills to the test! Create your own custom list of people who deserve a special something from you this holiday season. Who knows, maybe even Santa will be impressed!
The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends, not worry about money. By following these tips, you can stretch your dollar without sacrificing the quality of your holiday season. Most importantly, remember that a gift is a gift whether it's big or small. It's the thought that counts. So relax, enjoy this special time of year, and don't forget to save a little something for yourself. Happy holidays!
