Christmas is a great time of year. You get together with family, have a great meal, and swap gifts. Everyone says the gifts do not matter, but most are not being honest. We all love receiving nice gifts, and most of us enjoy giving them as well. We want to buy everyone a gift, but sometimes can’t afford it. There are ways to get more, and spend less.
You have to have a list. This should be a running list you keep with you, or easy to access. Update it often, and write down when you purchase a gift for someone. This will keep you from purchasing numerous items for the same person, and you will save money by reducing the amount of gifts.
Now that you have a list of everyone you will be purchasing for, budget your money. I find it easier to have a set amount for each person. If it a family, give them a set amount. This will allow you to know ahead of time what you wish to spend. If an item costs too much, you can choose something else. Do not exceed your planned budget
Most of us do not like thinking about Christmas all year, but it is actually a good idea. Anytime you are shopping, and find an item that someone would love, buy it. You should have a small closet, or even a box, to put these items in. Keep any items you purchase together. This will also prevent you from multiple purchases. Be sure to update it on your list.
Watch for sales. Never buy items that are full price. If you are shopping throughout the year, this is easier to do. Purchase a paper every week and just sift through the sales. You do not want to have this on your mind at all times, but it will become a habit, and not an inconvenience. If you are not doing it year round, it will still save you money. Start watching papers a few weeks before Christmas, they usually have great sales.
Shop during the off-season sales. At the end of each major season stores have major markdowns on items from that season. They clearance them to make room for new merchandise they will be receiving. These markdowns can be up to 90% off if you shop at the proper time. I have worked in retail for years, and I make a point to purchase items during these times, it saves me quite a bit of money.
Shop yard sales, discount retailers or second hand stores. You can find items that have never been used, and no one will know where you purchased it. These places have heavily reduced costs on items you could spend a fortune on anywhere else. Make it a point to go to some of these locations before doing any major Christmas shopping, you may be surprised by what you find.
Make your own gifts. Even if you are not very creative, check your local craft stores. There could be something that is easily completed, and would make a great gift. A lot of people like these gifts. It shows that you are thinking of them on a more personal level. You actually spent the time making them a gift. This idea works very well with kids. Instead of purchasing gifts for them to give out, have them make the gifts.
Christmas is a time for family. Think about the gift you have been given, THEM. Your family, and friends would not want you to go broke buying them gifts. Most will be happy spending time with you. Small personal gifts are sometimes more appreciated.
You can save money buying Christmas gifts. Shop for sales, make your own gifts, or even buy second-hand items. It is not all about how much money you spend, it is truly about the thought. You do not want to go into debt purchasing your Christmas gifts, so watch your spending.
