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Step 1
FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Set your price range and make a holiday budget. Decide on a dollar amount to be the maximum spent on any one Christmas gift. The price can vary according to the person and situation. When noting Christmas gift ideas for each person jot down the maximum amount you can spend. Add up the money on your list and see if you can afford all the gifts. If necessary, make adjustments to your per-gift price range until you come up with an affordable total. Take this list with you each and every time you go Christmas shopping and do not go over your budget for each gift. Don't worry if you cannot find an affordable gift for everyone right away. Keep looking for gift ideas and shopping holiday sales.
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Step 2
FOR STOCKING STUFFERS: To keep stocking stuffers from adding up too fast head to your local Dollar Store. Shop with care, though, to avoid buying useless junky items just to fill space. Affordable items to stuff stockings with include magazines, sewing kits, small boxes of chocolates, paperback books, a pair of slippers, and gourmet food items such as stuffed olives. For children look for coloring books, new socks, bags of chips or cookies, a new toothbrush, or winter gear like a hat, scarf, or mittens.
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Step 3
FOR HOLIDAY MEALS: If your family's Christmas meal is at your home this year suggest a potluck dinner. Plan your menu and assign family members one side dish or dessert to bring. No one will be stuck preparing or purchasing the entire meal.
If a potluck dinner won't work for your family be sure to shop around for the best price on groceries. Stick to the basics and don't overdo your menu. An affordable roasted meat like turkey or ham can be accompanied by mashed potatoes, a green salad, dinner rolls, and pie.
Comments
pamom24 said
on 12/22/2008 great tips, I love the dollar store, i finished my shopping there this year....5