This year we’re going to splurge on a tree topper
This weekend the bf and I went to the mall to pick up a few things. The first store we walked through was Macy’s. It being barely October, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked around the store. I suspect you know what was “out.” All of their Christmas decorations!
And I don’t mean, a few red and green things here and there. They were in hardcore, full-force Christmas mode. The trees, the garlands and the mailbox for kids to send their wishlists to Santa were all out and ready to go. They weren’t playing Christmas carols (yet), but I’m sure that’s coming soon. I know stores start earlier and earlier each year, but wow! We’re not even past Halloween yet and everyone is still wearing shorts.
I’m not really in the holiday spirit yet, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t already started my shopping. If you were reading last year you might remember that my Christmas budget was a little bit higher than normal because my grandparents were visiting from out of town. This year (and most years since I’ve been an “adult” shopping on my own) I like to keep my costs low by shopping for gifts (birthday, Christmas etc.) year-round.
Here are a few of my favorite tips for holiday gift gifting on a budget:
- Make a list. I have a lot of naughty friends and family, but I don’t believe in giving coal. Keeping a detailed list with the names of each of the people you plan to buy for is important. Nothing is worse then forgetting someone important and running around the day before the holiday to grab whatever over priced gifts are “left.” Don’t forget teachers, co-workers, your boss, the paperboy etc.
- Check it twice. I keep a detailed list of everything I purchase and for whom. When I first started shopping for gifts year-round I sometimes bought things and forgot that I had them. I’ve even been known to misplace a gift or two and find them months later (shh!). Now I keep a detailed list of everything that I have and where I placed it (example, “2 cinnamon scented Yankee candles for grandma-in the guest closet or 5 Polar Express hardcover books to donate-under the guestroom bed in the Rubbermaid storage container.”
You may have to “wrangle” the comics from your shih tzu.
- Think outside of the box. Alternative “wrapping” is one of my favorite ways to “dress up” gifts inexpensively. One year I bought a roll of brown packing paper and wrapped all of my gifts with that (think “brown paper packages tied up with ribbons”-The Sound of Music just so happens to be one of my very favorite movies-I love Julie Andrews!). If you’re an artist, crafty or have kids, you can decorate the plain paper with colored sharpies or with stickers and stamps. Baskets and newspaper (the comics) are also fun and eco-friendly alternatives to wrapping paper.
- Stock up on generic gifts. I always like to have a box of “generic” gifts on hand. Most of them I buy at the drug stores with coupons or at the “big box” stores on clearance. I use them throughout the year (but particularly during the holidays) for secret Santa gifts, gift exchanges and hostess gifts. Examples of generic gifts include lotion sets, gift cards, blank stationary sets, books etc. You know, stuff you can give to anybody if you need a gift in a pinch. I like to give generic gifts with a nice handwritten note.
A “String” of My Little Ponies
- Buy off season. Target has a huge toy sale twice a year. This year I was able to find a ton of toys for really cheap. I don’t have anyone on my list who would want to receive a my little pony (my nephews are 5 and not into ponies and my niece will be 1-year at Christmas). So what am I going to do with a string of ponies (did you know a group of ponies is called a string? I didn’t, until today!)? I’m going to donate them. Each year bf and I like to donate a bunch of toys and clothing to the mission in my hometown. This year I hope we’re going to make a few little girls very happy. The cheaper we’re able to find the toys (the ponies were $1.00 each!), the more kids we’re able to help.
- Buy multiple small gifts instead of one big gift. I’m a huge fan of “theme gifts.” I love to put together a box or basket of items based on the giftee’s hobbies, interests etc. My mom is a huge popcorn fan, so when I find popcorn related things on sale-microwave popcorn (grocery store with coupons), flavored popcorn salts (Homegoods on clearance), gourmet popcorn kernels etc. I’d stick them in a basket and include a gift card for the local movie theater. In Christmases past I’ve given “spa” baskets to friends and family, filled with lotions, makeup, nail polish, bodywashes etc. that I get for free with coupons.
![One of my favorite hat patterns to knit]()
One of my favorite hat patterns to knit
- Make homemade gifts. I’m a knitter and a quilter, and I love to give and receive handmade gifts. Scarves, mittens and hats are quick and inexpensive to make. For people who aren’t into wearables, I like to knit dishcloths and give with a bottle of dish soap, a bottle of hand lotion and a nice hand towel. To keep my costs low, I stock up on good quality yarn at my local yarn shop when it goes on sale. I also buy yarn at the chain craft stores with half off coupons.
Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Tell me how you’re going to keep your costs low.