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Step 1
Set a gift limit - while the conversation may feel awkward to start, ask your friends and family if it is OK to put a spending limit on gifts this year. Keep it simple at under $50 or under $75 - gifts are gestures of love and appreciation, and don't need to break your bank. You may be surprised how amicable, and relieved, your friends and family will be!
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Step 2
Remember the value of homemade. Instead of buying small gift cards or trinkets for the second tier of people in your life, like mailmen, school teachers, and bus drivers, try baking a large batch of cookies for them instead. Homemade anything speaks volumes more than just buying a generic, impersonal trinket or gift card, and can also save you some money.
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Step 3
*Host Holiday a Potluck* Instead of hosting that party all by yourself, get your friends to share the food preparation burden by hosting a potluck! Having every guest bring a little something (side dish, bottle of wine, dessert, appetizer), it not only saves you time but also save you the money of providing all the party food. Also, consider planning with your friends to host one large party instead of everyone hosting their own to save even more money.
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Step 4
*Give instead of Receive* Ask your family to trade in one gift request this year in exchange for providing a community service. In this year when money is tight for everyone, remind your family that it truly is better to give than to receive. Care for those in your community who are less fortunate than you as a family and find that sometimes the greatest - and least expensive! - gift of the season can be spending quality time with your family giving back to those around you.
