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A few of you have requested tips for saving money during the holiday season. It seems that wherever I go on the web recently, I run head-on into articles full of ideas. I also have ideas of my own, of course. So here are the best of both. Add yours to the discussion boards, please! We could use a jump start there.
* Set an amount to spend on each person. Stick to those limits. Lower the amount a little each year, getting more creative so that the quality of the gifts isn't any less. * Get crafty. I sew, make polymer clay bead jewelry, painted wood crafts, and anything else I think I can do. And believe me, if I can do it, you can too. Now if your craft cost $3 to make, but would sell for $15 at a craft show, count the $15 toward your budgeted amount for the recipient (above). You've just saved $12! And people love handmade things if they are done well. * Give food gifts. Food theme baskets work well, as well as hostess or co-worker gifts of fudge or cookies in yard sale 25 cent tins (in perfect condition, of course.) * Give what you can afford, and don't try to match others gift for gift. It's the thought that counts. If others' feelings are hurt, simply explain your limitations. Make sure you let others know what they mean to you, separate from the gift-giving. * Shop clearance sales throughout the year. I often shop months ahead for birthdays as well as Christmas, at up to 90-95% savings off the regular price. * Try to plan ahead as much as possible. Avoid shopping at the last minute, which doesn't often yield the best deals (although it might, on Christmas Eve). * KISS (keep it simple, sister). That includes decorations, baking and gift wrapping. Look to nature rather than retail for pretty Christmas decorations (pine branches, cones, winter plants). Bake half as many cookies this year. I have each family member pick one favorite, then add a few staples. See the discussion board for my best gift wrapping trick. * Remember why you celebrate the holiday. Remembering the reason for the season helps keep commericalism in check and puts things in perspective when expectations for material goods aren't met. Okay, enough about me. Here are a few article links with even more good ideas: Go To Page: 1 2 |
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