Oct 30 | Money Saving Tips, Budgeting, Frugal Living, Holidays, Organization
Are you excited to work your way to a more organized Christmas? Today marks the first day and task in the 8 Weeks to a More Organized Christmas series that I hope will be super helpful to you!
Before we get started, I have a whole bunch of printables and checklists for you to print out to help you along:
Alright, on to the first task, an important one. 🙂 This week, if you haven’t already, sit down with a hot cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate… and create your holiday budget. This is what you think your holiday season will cost and will allow you to put limits on your holiday spending to keep you from shopping regrets if a credit card bill comes your way!
Related: How to Have a Merry Christmas Without Spending a Dime
Here is an extensive list of things you should keep in mind when you create your holiday budget:
Gifts:
- spouse
- kids
- parents
- siblings
- nieces/nephews
- grandparents
- neighbors
- coworkers
- friends
- secret Santa gift exchanges
Activities/Events/Parties:
- tickets
- dining out
- clothing
Food (not including regular groceries):
- baking ingredients
- dessert ingredients
- Christmas eve
- Christmas dinner/brunch
- Boxing day
- parties
Cards:
- stamps
- cards/envelopes
- stationary for family newsletter
- photos
Clothing:
- outfits for photos
- parties
- Christmas day outfit
Decorations:
- tree
- lights
- ornaments/candles/wreath/etc.
- craft supplies
Giving:
Now, these suggestions are just a guideline. Every family is different and has different needs. My intent is to bring to mind every possible thing that could incur an expense during the holiday season. I’m sure many of you won’t even spend money on half of these things this year. Also, in my mind, the more planning you do, the more money you will save and the saner you will feel. 🙂
As for my family, we only buy gifts for immediate family and a couple of close friends. My husband and I only exchange stockings. I make some homemade gifts as well as collect credits throughout the year so I can do some online shopping for “free”. Of course, I search for deals too. I will probably buy a few inexpensive Christmas decorations this year. This year, I’m toying with the idea of having a cookie decorating party with the girls’ friends. I think that would be fun! As for any party that we are invited to, I like to bring some baking along.
But enough about us. 🙂
If after writing down your expenses, you’re scared of the number you see, you have two options: Decrease your expenses or increase your income.
Decrease your expenses
To make a happy holiday season, you really don’t need to spend a lot of money. In fact, I’m daring to say, that being extravagant in your spending can be overwhelming not only to you, but the recipient as well. When I was a child, one set of grandparents used to be quite extreme in their gift giving. It was SO exciting, but I remember being quite overwhelmed with all the gifts once Christmas was over.
Gift giving is probably the easiest expense to cut back on. If you have a large extended family, consider drawing names so each member is only responsible for one gift. Or do what our family does and only give gifts to the children. My parents have also started to set a $20 limit on each other in recent years. Jesse and I exchange stockings.
Setting a price limit on each gift will allow you to shop within that budget. If your limit on sister Sue is $30, then that $50 purse is off limits.
It’s possible to decrease your food budget too by shopping the sales and limiting the baking and Christmas dishes you prepare.
When it comes to decorations, why not create some memories by making some homemade decorations? (I’ll be featuring some ideas in a few weeks) Or read my Fond, Frugal Christmas Memory post for a fun Christmas tree idea.
Increase your Income
If decreasing your holiday expenses is not an option, then consider increasing your income. Many retailers hire for the holiday season (and may offer an employee discount!).
A couple of other ideas are to:
- Sell extra baking to those that may not have much time to create their own.
- Sell unwanted household items for cash (make room for new stuff too!)
What are your tips for staying on budget at Christmas time?
Sign up for the 8 Weeks to a More Organized Christmas newsletter to receive a FREE Christmas Dinner Checklist! This checklist is quite detailed and will help you remember all the details needed for a memory filled dinner with family and friends. You’ll also receive a weekly email with each week’s “task”.
Oct 18 | Holidays
The Best Gift Ideas for the Techie
Shopping for a gadget-obsessed friend or family member? Tech gifts are some of the most popular and sought-after gifts out there. However many electronic gifts come along with a big price tag. If you’ve written off any and all devices this year because of cost, you might want to think again after seeing these picks.
This list is full of affordable gift ideas for the techie, you’re sure to find something they will love!
(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)
- Anker USB Car Charger – For the techie on the go.
- Wireless Bluetooth Headhones – These headphones have a high rating for comfort and sound quality.
- Bluetooth Earbuds – These are also highly rated and waterproof.
- iPad Case – Another highly rated product at a great price!
- Lose Your WiFi Mug – It’s the true. It’s all fun and games…until you lose your WiFi signal.
- Wireless Smart Plugs – These smart outlet plugs work with the Echo or Google Home!
- PopSockets – Well these sure are neat! Use it to secure your grip when texting, taking photos and more. Also perfect for propping your device for watching videos.
- Wallet Phone Case – Protect the device and make it even more functional with pockets for ID and important cards.
- Bluetooth Headphone Toque – Keep warm while listening to your favourite tunes… without any wires in the way!
- I’m Thinking T-Shirt – Perfect for the techie with a sense of humor.
- Cable Organizer Case – Pack away all your chargers, cables, and devices in one convenient place.
Let us know what gifts you have bought for the tech minded person that they have really enjoyed, in the comments below!
Oct 18 | Holidays
The Best Frugal Gifts for the Organizer
Perhaps you know someone that loves to be organized. In turn, they love some fantastic organizing products. This gift guide is sure to give you some practical, but fun, ideas for the organizing enthusiast! Everything listed is very affordable too, coming in at around $30 or less for each item.
(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)
- Foldable Fabric Storage Cubes – This set of six is perfect for wrangling all sorts of things around the home.
- Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home – Effortless Systems and Joyful Rituals for a Calm, Cozy Home
- The Home Edit Life – The newest book from the creators of The Home Edit organizing company.
- Chalkboard Labels – Perfect for the person who thinks labels and organization belong together.
- Q-Tip and Cotton Pad Holder – Bring some practical organization to your gift recipient’s bathroom.
- Magnetic Calendar for Refrigerator – This gift will help keep the whole family organized!
- Scarf Organizer – Ideal for the person that loves scarves and needs a way to contain them all.
- Purse Organizer – A dream come true for those that like to change their purse often!
- The Budget Binder Kit – I’m sure the organized person also likes to keep their finances organized? This kit from Simply Frugal will do the job wonderfully.
- Charging Station – Something most every household struggles with these days…too many gadgets that need to be charged. Streamline the charging process with this useful charging station.
- Dymo Label Maker – My favourite label maker, these labels stay put!
- Packing Cubes – Let’s just say, I will always travel with packing cubes now. They are a game changer!
- Laminator – A laminator is so fun and great for making things that you want to able to write on, then erase.
Oct 18 | Canada Deals, Holidays
The Best Gift Ideas for the College Student
This list contains a great selection of gadgets, useful dorm room items and basic living necessities at affordable prices for the college student. Chances are you’ll find something that fits your budget and helps the college student on your list lead a more comfortable college life.
(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)
- Magic Color Changing Mug – When cold, this mug shows a sleeping face, when hot, the mug wakes up! Haha!
- Portable Charger – What college student isn’t nearly running a dead battery on their phone? Perfect gift!
- Laptop Backpack – Why not make carrying a laptop and books more fun with this great looking backpack?
- $5 a Meal College Cookbook – 300 hassle-free dishes, this cookbook will not only satisfy hunger but a meager bank account, too!
- The Instant Pot College Cookbook – Perfect for dorm room cooking!
- Netflix Subscription – What college student wouldn’t love this?
- Starbucks Gift Card – Or perhaps one to their favourite local coffee shop? Can’t go wrong with this!
- Vera Bradley ID Case – Help her keep just her important cards easily accessible with this ID case.
- Neck Wrap Massager – For those extra long study sessions.
- Laundry Today, Naked Tomorrow Laundry Basket – A laundry basket to inspire and motivate. 🙂
- Silicone Animal Card Holder – Perfect for those random bits of paper. Business cards, tickets that they want to keep…etc.
- Extra long USB Cable – an extra long USB cable may come in really handy!
- Electric Kettle – Handy for making a hot drink or a quick meal.
- Legend Planner – A fun way to keep track of tasks, assignments, errands and other miscellaneous notes.
- Bedside Caddy – Perfect if the living space doesn’t have a lot of extra space!
- LED Photo Clips – This is a fun gift that allows for non permanent personalization.
- Amazon Gift Card – This would be a gift that they really appreciate!
- Weighted Blanket – These can help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper all night long.
Oct 1 | Canada Deals, Holidays
The Best Gift Ideas for the Fashionista
Here’s a list of gift ideas for the fashion forward person on your list that they will love to receive! Each gift is budget friendly…coming in at (mostly) $30 or less! Simply get ideas or shop right from the links provided!
(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)
- Essie Gel Nail Polish – A new nail polish is always a good idea.
- Plaid Blanket Scarf – Freshen up their wardrobe with this classic staple.
- Knotted Headbands – I have seen headbands like these all over Instagram! These ones come as a set of 9.
- Eye Shadow Palette – This palette has amazing reviews! This one is sure to be a hit.
- Hammered Hoop Earrings – These look gorgeous! Available in Stirling silver or 14k gold.
- Leopard Print Phone Case – Animal prints are a popular trend right now so for this price, your phone may as well be on trend too!
- Women’s Pullover Sweater – Cozy is in all the time!
- Long Cardigan with pockets – Yet another classic wardrobe essential that is all around this year. The pockets are key!
- Velvet Hair Scrunchies – Scrunchies are baaack!
- Cambivo Yoga Pants – I think leggings are going to be in style for quite some time still!
- Hair Finishing Stick – This is so neat! It looks like a mascara wand, but it actually holds hair gel to tame flyaway hair!
Dec 3 | Holidays, Frugal Living
How to Save Money and Time this Holiday Season
Who doesn’t love to save money and time over the holiday season? Each year, the holidays can quickly become all consuming. They can quickly rob us of our hard earn money and precious, limited time. Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite, simple ideas to help you save your hard earned dollars and precious time!
Shop online
Online shopping is great this time of year. Especially if you want to avoid crowds and if you know what you need to purchase. Online shopping is also great for those who find it difficult to find time to get to the stores. Here at Simply Frugal, I try my best to list the best holiday deals from retailers across Canada.
Search for discount codes
This goes together with the shopping online tip. Often, retail stores have discount codes available. They can range anywhere from dollars off to percentages off to free shipping. To find these discount codes, do a simple search here on Simply Frugal, Retail Me Not or google “‘business name’ coupon code”.
Ask for a Price Adjustment
Stores quite often have a 30 day price guarantee. So if something goes on sale within 30 days of you buying it, you can come in with your original receipt and receive the difference back! Each store is different, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you could save a pretty penny by doing it!
Follow your favourite businesses on Social Media
Use social media to your advantage. By following your favourite businesses on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you’ll be one of the first ones to know when they have a special promotion going on! On a related note, sign up to their email lists. I often find small businesses have special discounts or secret sales for subscribers.
Handmade Gifts
Sometimes handmade gifts are the ones that are loved the most. I’ve seen some pretty amazing gifts during my travels through the web! Pinterest is a gold mine of ideas. I even have a whole category of homemade gift ideas on Simply Frugal! I’ve often sewn my husband hooded sweat shirts to give as gifts because the store bought ones usually end up fitting him weirdly after a short amount of time. He loves them and loves the thought I put into making them for him!
Buy new accessories instead of a new outfit
If you’ve got a holiday party or two to attend this year, why not pull out one of your favourite outfits you already own and simply purchase new accessories to create a new look? Way less expensive than buying a whole new outfit!
Make your holiday get-togethers a pot-luck
Who says you have to spend all the money and time to put together a gathering? Make others bring along their favourites, and you’ll have a great selection of food! Or an appetizer party could be fun too! (Don’t we usually fill up on appetizers first anyways?)
For decorating, use nature to your advantage
Wander around your neighborhood and collect all the great looking sticks, cedar boughs, and pine cones. Then use your findings to create your own unique mantel displays, railing decor and wreaths! Use some metallic spray paint to inject a bit of shimmer.
Have a decoration swap with friends
Tired of putting up the same decorations year after year? Get together with some friends who are feeling the same way, and swap your goods! This also works with wrapping paper, if you’re thinking you’ll never get to the end of a roll!
Shop the after Christmas sales
I don’t suppose this need to be said, but this is how I get all my holiday bags, wrapping paper, ribbon and bows! Usually for a whopping 50% off or more. Holiday greeting cards are usually deeply discounted as well.
May you have fun, be frugal and enjoy the pleasures of the Christmas season! What are some of your best money and time saving tips for the holidays?
