Things You'll Need:
- pen
- paper/pda
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Step 1
First, you must make a list of the people you are shopping for. Add a couple of blank spots for unexpected recipients.
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Step 2
Check dollar stores or garage sales for the small children on your list. (They have no idea that you didn't spend a bundle on their gifts.) If you do make purchases from garage sales and the items are slightly used, make sure that they are clean. Package them in an attractive manner.
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Step 3
For the older children, purchase gift cards; or give them ones that you have received and not used. Anyplace that sells electronics is a great place for a tweens gift card. Don't feel obligated to spend a huge amount either. $10.00 is not an insult, it is a contribution to the big items that they so often crave.
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Step 4
For the adults on your list, choose items that are meaningful to them. I found some great little porcelain crosses at a craft store that were very inexpensive. They make great gifts, even for the non-religous. Homemade cocoa in a jar is also a great alternative to expensive gifts.
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Step 5
One big tip that I forgot to add was check with friends or family for those big items. I got a great T.V. for my daugters room from one of my uncles and a swing set in excellent condition from a friend that his son had outgrown; for my daughter's impending Birthday. So, friends and family can save you alot when buying for your kids.
P.S. These items were free to me! Can't save anymore than that unless they paid me to haul them off. (lol)
