With the holidays approaching quickly, we’re all looking for ways to save some money, especially if you have a lot of people to buy gifts for. Here are some ideas to help!
01
Consider handmade gifts
These could include hats or scarves (if you knit or crochet), baked goods, sugar scrubs, handmade toys (if you have those skills), cards, jewelry, and so much more!
02
Secondhand gifts
Shop thrift stores, yard or garage sales, and Facebook marketplace. You may even find brand new items this way! You can also find such unique items this way.
03
Consider an experience gift
If you have someone in your life that seemingly has everything, consider an experience gift. This could include tickets to show, cooking class, museum, or art gallery. This could also include a day at the arcade or a nice dinner somewhere. You could even do something like a hot air balloon ride (although that’s an expensive option).
04
Look for free items!
Use your resources and check around your town/area. My small town will often have free gifts around our Christmas tree downtown that people donate. You can also check buy nothing/trading groups. If you need wrapping paper, check for free newspapers or use brown packing paper and draw some festive doodles on it or use a cloth you already have in your home. Sustainable and frugal!
05
Only buy for certain family members
We can’t all afford to buy for every single loved one in our lives, especially if we have a growing a family. It may go from buying for your parents and siblings, to also buying for multiple nieces and nephews, and that adds up quickly. Consider buying one gift for the family or only buying for the children in your family. It’s okay to have that conversation with the adults and figure out what works best for the whole group. You could also consider “Secret Santa” or a white elephant gift exchange so everyone only has one person to buy for. Everyone can also agree on a price limit so you don’t feel like you need an extravagant gift for someone.
06
Skipping gifts altogether
It’s definitely okay to skip gifting altogether if that’s something you’re comfortable with. It can be awkward to bring that subject up sometimes, but not everyone can afford gifts for all of their loved ones. Some people may only be able to get a gift for their child, and that’s okay! Wherever you are in your current situation, enjoy the holidays regardless. Maybe go look at the Christmas lights around your neighborhood with hot cocoa (free activity and so fun!).
These are just a few ideas of how to save money when shopping for gifts around the holidays. I know some people also look throughout the year and tuck the gifts away, so as not to have huge, debt-producing bills at the end of the year. We even have a “gift container” we keep gifts in (labeled for who it will be gifted to). What other ideas do you have? Let me know in the comments! Happy Holidays!