As we get even closer to the holidays, you may be looking to save money on more than just gifting. If your family with children especially, you may need ideas for other things to do as a family or while your kids aren’t in school.

Some of these ideas may not work for your family, so use what you can and leave the rest.

1. Taking a walk at a park or downtown.
2. Sledding or build a snowman! – this can be low cost or free depending on where you go. It obviously will only work if you have snow in your area, like we do.
3. Hot cocoa and a car ride to look at Christmas lights!
4. Christmas movie and popcorn or another treat.
5. Going to meet Santa.
6. Christmas/holiday parades.
7. Make ornaments at home.
8. Game night with friends and family. You can even do snack/charcuterie boards with this!
9. Decorating wrapping paper. If you received anything via mail, you probably got plain brown packing paper. Give your kids markers, paint, crayons, or other craft items and have them decorate the paper and use it to wrap gifts!
10. Help someone else. If that looks like shoveling snow (like where we live), that’s a great idea, especially if you have elderly neighbors.
11. Bake some treats together! You can also take these to other family and friends.
12. Donate unused items or clothes. Have your kids pick out toys they want another child to have and donate to a local family or toy drive!

Let me know in the comments if you use any of these ideas or what other creative ideas you may have!