We are a one-income family on a tight buget and every year we seem to break ourselves. I don't like it, it's stressful. This year was especially hard because we chose to participate in the family event and only buy for kids, but it still added up and of course I buy for parent(s). It was so close this year, that I didn't send out Christmas cards!!! Is there something you do that helps to watch your Christmas funds without being short at the end of the month?
2006-12-20 10:58:17 · 11 answers · asked by LittleFreedom 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
I plan my presents all year. This allows me to buy from yard sales and flea markets. Not c.rap, but things that my friends and family truly will love. For example, I got my sister two molas (worth at least seventy five dollars each) for a dollar apiece. I can sew, so I make what I can. (Everybody needs nice pot holders.) I give gift certificates and follow through. (Babysitting, shoveling the walk, a casserole each month, cookies every month.) The trick to making this one work and not just become a cheap cop out is to follow through. One year when I was really strapped I dehydrated apples that a neighbor had let me pick from her tree - it was a big hit. I cut them cross ways so that they made big circles that were quite beautiful and save the not-so-pretty ones for myself.
If your nieces and nephews live in the area, have your kids decorate gift certificates for future outings. Promise a hike, a day of sledding, or a day of baking. Tailor the event to the child and be sure and follow up. There are so many fun things to do that don't cost much. Be creative and don't give into the pressure to keep up with the Joneses. As you said, it just stresses you out. What most people really want is a little piece of your time, anyway.
2006-12-20 11:11:30 · answer #1 · answered by jane7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's best to set a budget. Get together with your husband or other significant other and decide how much that you're going to spend on Christmas presents for everyone. STICK TO IT!
Then make a list of who you're shopping for. Pre-pick some potential gifts for them that are in line with the budget goal you set. Think about ways to get things for less than you would normally get them...you can find some great deals on ebay and amazon.
Start early! If you start early you won't feel so panicky when it comes close to Christmas...when you're panicky you'll buy whatever and whatever cost just so it's done. Give it some though and start early. If you find a great deal on a scarf that Cousin Betsy would love in March, go ahead and buy it in March.
You just have to not allow yourself to spend more than you can afford.
another idea: set aside a certain amount of money each month all year long, so that you'll already have money ready to spend for Christmas.
Remember, it's the thought that counts...not necessarily how much it cost. Sure, everyone would love getting really expensive things for Christmas, but people also like less expensive gifts, if they think you put thought into it.
2006-12-20 19:11:20 · answer #2 · answered by gypzndog 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
BUDGET! Plan out who you plan to buy Christmas presents for and set a budget. The point here is not to go over your budget, and if they don't like...its the thought that counts right? Use cash only! Don't use any credit cards or debit cards...these are pretty tricky when spending a lot of money and it will be a nightmare to keep track of. This way you get to see how much you spent and when to stop shopping. I hope this helps...
2006-12-20 20:02:45 · answer #3 · answered by ♪♫♫♪ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First make a pact with other parents on your potential gift list. Essentailly it is a no-present pack. My family had this and it worked great.
Second, budget presents for kids according to what you CAN afford. Kids want everything, but if they don't get it, the world does not end for them. Don't be afraid not to buy the do-dad you can't afford or ONLY buy the do-dad!!!
Third, don't compete!!! If you are poorer than other relatives, spend less money on christmas. You might tell them ahead of time.
Remember 99% of toys are played with for less than one week!!!In some countries, kids are lucky to have a single toy.
2006-12-20 19:08:23 · answer #4 · answered by rostov 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to have a budget. If all you can afford for the whole family is twenty bucks, then spend twenty bucks. I know how hard it can be. I've been pretty down and out at times myself. You just have to consider this. What good does it do for the family, if they have a lot of presents on Christmas, but it takes until June to recover financially? Self discipline and common sense are the best gifts that you can give to your children.
2006-12-20 19:06:49 · answer #5 · answered by redhotsillypepper 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I try to save money all year long (we have a savings account dedicated to Christmas money), then I set a budget for what I will spend on each person. I also start looking for presents in October, so I have something in mind for everyone, plus you can watch for items to go on sale. I shop alot at Marshall's, Ross, and Big Lots--You can get alot of nice, name brand merchandise at a considerable discount. I also buy things like stocking stuffers and candy from the dollar store, I also get my cards there.
2006-12-20 19:06:49 · answer #6 · answered by missyhardt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it!!! Charity begins at home dear. It is hard, I know, but you MUST take care of your own needs way before buying anything for someone outside of you household, I don't care if it is man, woman, child or dog. Please take care of your self. If you want to give a gift, have your kids draw a picture, or make some cute craft, but all that stress and bad feelings are NOT what Christmas is SUPPOSED to be about.
God Bless You, and a very Merry Christmas.
2006-12-20 19:05:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I set a certain amount for each person and I stick to it, then again, I only have about 4 people to buy for and my little "boy" and I spent a lot more on him and I only use cash or a debit card (which is like cash)
2006-12-20 20:37:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At the beginning of the year go to your bank and set up a christmas fund.
2006-12-20 19:01:40 · answer #9 · answered by Ruth Less RN 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use Cash?
Good Luck!
Happy Holidays!
~Santa's Personal Shopper~
2006-12-20 19:01:30 · answer #10 · answered by ♥Rae♥ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋