Christmas Shopping on a Budget

Christmas is a time of year when it's easy to get caught up in the panic of gift buying and the thought that you need to at least find something for everyone on your list- whatever the cost. But you need to remember that thoughtful gifts mean more than expensive ones. So, my biggist tip would be to keep that in mind when you are shopping, don't just buy to buy. Think before you shop.

Here are some other ideas I have on how to save money at this expensive time of year:

1. Make a list. Write out (or put in a spreadsheet) a list of everyone for whom you NEED to buy a present. Then come up with ideas for each of them with projected prices. Try to have options in a few different price ranges for each. But be sure to track actual amount spent on each person, so you have a working budget. If you spent less than you thought on someone, maybe you can get someone else the more epensive option. Seeing it listed out like this will help keep your spending on track.

2.. Shop Ahead of time. This goes along with #1 . . . and although it's getting a little late for this . . . there is still time to buy one present every week instead of everything all at once. Planning ahead with help you avoid desperation shopping, when you will be willing to pay more just to have something to give.

3. Suggest a gift exchange with friends and family. This is a no-brainer - buying one gift instead of many is much cheaper. Use some of the extra money you save to buy yourself what you REALLY want, instead of hoping someone else get's it for you! One rule we have is that children are excluded from gift exchanges. You will have more money to spend of them though, since you are only buying 1 gift for the adults.

4.Buy CHEAP stocking stuffers. In our family, we make an annual trip to the dollar store right before Christmas and my husband and I buy each other fun, silly and occasionally practical gifts for our stockings. And these are the ONLY gifts we exchange. We hide the gifts and secretly put them in the stockings the night before - usually wrapped. It's so much fun to see what we found for each other and we spend less than $20 total. I also get the kid's stocking stuffers there as well (or the dollar area of Target). They love everything, crayons, coloring books, small dolls and toys and candy.

5. Make presents. If you have children, frame their artwork in a simple, inexpensive frame for grandparents, etc. Make a scrapbook - even if you aren't crafty, you can buy pre-packaged books with everything you need. Make a batch of yummy treats and put them in a cute tin or container, or tryout making your own candles, soap or Cookie mix in a jar (see link below). Or go to one of those paint your own pottery places and decorate a mug or frame (choose something small, but make it personal).

6. Go in together as a group. Good for teachers, coaches, ministers, parents, grandparents, etc.. If everyone goes in on something together, a little goes a lot farther.

1. Magazine subscription. Gift wrap a copy of the magazine with a typed up note

2. Make a t-shirt. Buy a plain t-shirt and some iron-on lettering. Do they have a favorite quote? Perfect! Or just think of a fun saying or description of them to use. This is a fun and CHEAP personized gift.

3. Photo gifts. Photo gifts are perfect, both personal and inexpensive. Make a calendar, mouse pad, mug, ornaments, photo book or just frame a great shot.

4. Themed Gifts. These type of gifts make more of an impact for less dough. For example, put a small gift basket together a movie night, with a Blockbuster gift card, popcorn, candy in maybe a cute "popcorn" bowl. Or a relaxation gift basket with a personal massager, oils and lotions, stress relief ball, etc. Even a small gift, or gift card for a small amount, can be enhanced with additional inexpensive themed items (from the dollar store or target) that tie it all together and make it seem like a more substantial gift.