Holiday Shopping on a Budget

It’s the Holidays and everyone and their mama is expecting a gift from you! Being the kind hearted person you are, you can’t help but continuously add names to your gift list. If your wallet stretched as far as your generosity, this would be fine. Since I’m assuming it doesn’t, just like mine, you are probably going to have to wait on buying Prada handbags for all of the girls and Rolexes for the dudes until next year. (Or in my case, in about 10 years!)

Americans get themselves into more debt between the months of October and November than they do all year. That is really sad. I will give you this: if it’s better to give than receive someone has to do all the giving, right? You are so nice! Here are some tips so you can make sure you won’t be kicking yourself come spring.

MAKE YOUR LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE
Santa sure knows what he’s doing! Write a list of everyone you plan to buy gifts for. Sort it in a “need to buy (mom)” and “would like to buy (mailman)” fashion. Check over your list and make sure all of your recipients have really been nice. If not so much, toss them to the “card” list. Coal is an expense!

SET A BUDGET
Look over your list and keep the numbers in mind. Go through each person and predetermine the amount you can afford to spend on them. Write the number beside each name (be sure it wont be in their view, not a great situation when you have to explain why Uncle Jo is only worth 5 bucks!). Then take a grand total. You can give or take a few bucks if you like, or need be, and add some more for cards and candy, etc. This is your Christmas gift budget. That wasn’t hard at all! The hard part is next…

GO SHOPPING
OK, shopping may not be the hard part, but shopping according to your budgeted list definitely is. When you write down the amount you are willing to spend per person, go window shopping so you can brainstorm to decide what gift would be the best gift within your budget. If someone requests something specific, you may have to cut down on someone else in order to satisfy their liking. Be on the lookout for special sales and coupons and utilize them! You do not have to pay full price for everything! Log onto E-bay and do some bidding. Do some research online to find the best price for your item. Go to discount stores such as Ross and Marshall’s. Low prices are great prices and the smile your friend will get for that big ticket item full price will be the same as that same item half price, and your smile will be too.

DON’T OVERDO IT!
Yes, the new baby in the family would look super cute in a cashmere hat with matching booties. I don’t think the effect would be any less if you didn’t get the sweater, shirt, pants, underwear, socks, bib, rattle, mittens, burp cloth, baby bag, etc..
Minimal is fine. I know it’s hard to resist, but you will be thankful when in March you have money to go to Rio instead of paying your Christmas shopping debt off.

Shopping on a budget is not a new idea, even at Christmas time. Stick to your plan and you will be fine!