How to Save Money on Christmas Gifts

It's the most wonderful time of the year, as the Christmas carol goes, although shopping can be a not-so-wonderful task on a tight budget. The thing to remember is that Christmas is made special by your presence, and not necessarily the presents. It doesn't make a difference to anyone how much money that you spent, it's the thought that counts. There are many ways that you can save money when buying Christmas gifts. Here are a few suggestions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make your list and do the Santa thing and check it twice. List all of the people, family and friends that you need to purchase gifts for this year. You could even make a budgeted amount for each person on your list as a way to save money on these Christmas gifts. Stay firm and don't deviate from what you have written for spending limits. Refrain from spending unnecessarily on additional gifts.

2. Go through all of the clearance aisles and look for discounted items. Keep in mind what you have on your list to buy and look on the shelves that have items that have been marked down. You can get great bargains from the clearance racks and save money on your Christmas gifts on your list. Before going out to the stores, you should also check through the advertised specials and look for things that you need to buy off of your list.

3. Buy all of your paper supplies at the dollar store. Wrapping paper, Christmas cards, transparent tape and bows can all be purchased for an inexpensive price. If you have small gifts that you need to buy for the mailman, teachers or bus drivers, even stocking stuffers can be bought in the dollar store.

4. Give Christmas gifts that come from the heart. Make a scrapbook of nostalgic things such as pictures, tickets to events and cut-outs from a magazine. The goal should be to let the recipient know that you are thinking about them and that you treasure them. This is a fun project for the whole family to work on and each can contribute their own personal sentiment.

5. Make your own Christmas gifts to give. Being creative when gift giving can save money on all of your Christmas gifts this year. You don't have to spend a lot of money, you could simply bake a basket of baked goodies or buy a decorative tin and fill it with their favorite candy.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick to your list and you will save money.
• Don't buy extra things while shopping for Christmas gifts.

[grouch]

on 1/4/2008 I think that homemade gifts are so much more personal then anything bought in a store. Thanks for the ideas.