Budgeting?

Question

I am really tight on money right now and it seems as if EVERY MONTH something comes up-a kids fundraiser-birthday party-etc.etc. and I dont want my kids to miss out on the fun of the birthday party just because mom cant afford to buy an extravagant birthday gift. Any ideas on low priced gifts but are not cheap as in falling apart ? I feel bad being the cheap one at the birthday party but you kind of have to look out foryour kids first. FOOD ON THE TABLE.

Answer 1

It helps to shop for gifts a few times a year & stock up a bit in advance instead of waiting right before a party.

Use your experience from previous years to estimate your needs and keep a schedule of events.

Keep a list of gift ideas & an inventory of items you have.

1) Shop after Christmas sales & other after season sales to stock up on toys & other gifts.

2) Shop at scheduled sale events. Get on the mailing list & e-mail list of your favorite shops for notices & coupons.

For ex) Bath & Bodyworks has a twice yearly sale on lotions, shower gels, lip balms, etc. so you can stock up on gifts for girls. This store sometimes sends out e-mail coupons too.

The Body Shop has frequent promotions too.

Old Navy has clearance sales about every 3 months. Check the racks for purses, totes, jewelry, tee shirts, etc.

3) Check out local discounters like Tuesday Morning, Ross, etc. for toys. I've seen some great Lego sets, Barbie dolls & accessories @ really low prices @ Tuesday Morning.

Check the book sales racks @ Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc. I've seen some great craft kits, journals, and cute story books on those tables & racks.

4) Stick w/ more traditional toys like board games, Etch-A-Sketch, Play Doh sets, etc. These tend to be lower priced because they are classics and have to compete w/ more modern items like video games.

5) Try to think of gift sets you can create w/ items from discount retailers like Target.

For example, girls would like embellished hair pins, headbands & pony tail holders in a plastic case. You could include a styling brush, a compact mirror & some mini beauty products.

A boy might like a tee shirt w/ his favorite super hero & a few comic books.

As for fund raisers, find other ways to contribute or participate. (e.g. by volunteering to help w/ organization or help publicize the event)

Set a strict limit for the year & track what you spend. Don't feel bad about sticking to your limit either. Just politely decline if you must or if you cannot use anything being offered.

Try to limit your purchase to 1 item per fund raiser & make it a multi-purpose item. For example, buy a roll of gift wrap you can use for b-days and other special occasions.

Selling cookie dough is another typical fund raiser. You can buy 1 tub and then use it to bake cookies for a pot luck or school bake sale. You can make them special by adding sprinkles or drizzling some melted chocolate over them.

You can decide what you want to do for the year and set a policy for yourself. If you think money is going to be very tight - then do not buy anything from fund raisers & to be fair, do not sell anything for fund raisers @ the office. You don't have to explain yourself - just politely decline & know that you won't be imposing on anyone either. Or you can stick to the 1 item per fund raiser & only make a purchase if it's something you can use. Not every fund raiser is a good one.

Answer 2

When my kids have birthday's to go to my daughter heads to the dollar store and buys 5$ in hair accessories, chokers (string necklace) mood rings or craft supplies (like bracelet making stuff), depends on what her friend is into. She makes the card herself. She's 13 and has been doing this forever. It's really what all her friends do, especially since 8 of them all have their birthdays in May and a couple more are right before Christmas!

My son is 11 and he usually buys his friends candy for presents, lol.

Answer 3

start hitting the clearance racks for great sales on items all year long. keep them in a plastic tote and go to the tote when you run into this situation. You can save alot of money on really nice stuff this way.
good luck.

Answer 4

I know it might be too late for this suggestion but my daughter is on a very tight budget and she puts stuff on layaway so she doesn't have to fork out a lot of money at once.