Although this idea isn’t a new one, I really like the idea of giving “want, need, wear and read” gifts each year for Christmas. I think it’s a great idea to not only help keep costs down, but to possible reduce some of the spoiling!
I’m wondering: How do you keep Christmas gift giving in check? Do you?
Aren’t the ornaments picture above beautiful?
Learn how to create these classic cornstarch ornaments over at The Pickled Herring! Perhaps a fun craft for kids?
Thanks, Kathryn!
Christmas is usually a tough time to stay in check financially. With all the extra activities occurring, parties and of course the gifts, we could all use some help with keeping ourselves in check. Here are three tips that will help you resist holiday overspending!
Use Cash - Along with creating a budget for holiday spending, when you’re limited to using only cash, you’re way less likely to spend more then you have. When you’re out of cash, you’re out of excuses to spend.
Give homemade - Whether it’s knit, baked, or glued, any gift you make not only feels meaningful to the recipient, it also keeps you away from the major stores and malls. In turn, keeping you away from most temptation!
Check out the Homemade Christmas Gift series here on Simply Frugal for some great ideas to get you started!
Plan Ahead - Take a look at your calendar for the next few weeks leading up to Christmas and figure out all the activities, parties and gift exchanges you’ll be attending that require you to bring something along. Think of everything you could do to prepare ahead of time so you’re not rushing and making unnecessary stops at the store, which could lead to unnecessary spending. Freeze some sugar cookie dough so it’s ready for that cookie decorating party or to bring to a neighborhood party. Dig through your closet to find an outfit for the office party. Buy or make hostess gifts to have on hand for last-minute party invitations.
The more you put your cold hard cash to good use, have fun creating and plan ahead for the Christmas season, the less likely you are to feel the effects of your overspending in January when your credit card statements will be due to arrive! After all, now is the time to focus on celebrating the season for it’s true meaning.
What are your tips for resisting holiday overspending?
Looking to add a bit of fun or class to your Christmas decor this year? Check out these 5 budget friendly DIY project ideas:
Make some beautiful Christmas tree snow globes by re-purposing empty canning jars!
For a neat twit on the typical Christmas village, try your hand at creating a vintage paper house village!
This snowflake wreath would be so simple and cheap since it uses only popsicle sticks, wooden disks, paint and optional glitter!
I quite like this Chalkboard Christmas tree art because you could easily use the chalkboard all year long!
Light up the outdoors or a dark corner in you home with these tomato cages wrapped in lights!
What sort of projects will you be making for your home this year?
Noisetrade, a completely free and legal source for free music downloads, is offering a free album download called Snow Angels by Over the Rhine! It’s a Christmas album!
To get the free download all you have to do is leave your email and postal code, then click Finish. The download will be sent to the email address you provided.
Crystal Paine, the blogger behind MoneySavingMom.com has just released a fantastic new ebook for those looking to simplify their Christmas!
For 3 days only, from November 13-15, 2012, Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas is only $0.99. After that, the price will jump to $4.99. In this ebook you’ll learn to:
At the moment, only the Kindle version of this eBook is available, but you can go here to download free apps that will allow you to read on your PC, tablets or smartphones.
Here’s a handy dandy free printable Christmas Gift Planner for those of you that would love to be organized for Christmas!
Here’s a frugal tip from reader Kris:
I was at Canadian Tire this week, and they’re setting up for Christmas. Walmart, Zellers, RCSS, and all other major chains are doing the same. Yes, it’s not even Halloween yet!!! But the upside is that a lot of the stock from last year is being but out at last year’s clearance price. I just replaced all my Xmas lights at 30% off, and while you may find this deal later on in the season, there’s no guarantee there will be stock to go with it. The new stock with the same UPC is being priced at the same price as the older stock. Some items are still 75% off, and I picked up some newer designs of Christmas lights as well that won’t be in stock long. The cashier had her eye on them and told the other customers how pretty they were as I was cashing out! Trees, decorations, storage containers, all are marked down.
image source.
Are you looking for a creative way to save all the Christmas cards you’ve received?
Creative Organizing has a simple way to keep all your cards and letters in one place if you enjoy looking over cards from years past. (scroll down the page until you find the project pictured above)
Thanks, Toni!
