So, here you are with this list of X number of people for which you’ve got to buy gifts. How can you find meaningful gifts for every person without breaking the bank? Here are some ideas to save money on Christmas shopping...
The following post is by MPFJ staff writer, Laurie Blank. Laurie is a wife, mother to 4 and homesteader who blogs about personal finance, self-sufficiency and life in general over at The Frugal Farmer. Part witty, part introspective and part silly, her goal in blogging is to help others find their way to financial freedom and to a simpler, more peaceful life.
It’s that time of the year again; the time when the average American spends a boatload of money on Christmas presents.
In fact, in 2017 alone, the average American spent $906 on Christmas gifts. That’s a lot of cash. And, the thought of spending that kind of cash on one event can feel overwhelming.
However, there are ways you can save money on Christmas shopping – even without cutting your gift-giving list. Here are some ideas.
Ways to Save Money on Christmas Shopping
So, here you are with this list of X number of people for which you’ve got to buy gifts. How can you find meaningful gifts for every person without breaking the bank? Here are some ideas.
1. Shop the Sales
The weeks preceding Christmas boast some serious money-saving sales. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the most popular sales events. However, you can find awesome sales in the weeks before and after these events too. Keep your eyes peeled for great deals.
2. Start Early and Hit the Clearance Racks
If you’re willing to take some time to be organized, you can start shopping for Christmas as early as January. January always holds some massive clearance sales.
You can find winter clothing such as hats and scarves, and awesome gift selections that were stocked in stores just for Christmas. The difference is that you can get them at super low clearance prices.
Shop for Christmas gifts during the other times of the year too. For instance, you can find great deals on summer toys for the kids on your list in August when stores are getting ready for holiday displays.
Keep Christmas in mind all year long as you shop, and grab those great deals when you see them.
3. Give the Gift of Time
Another way to save money on Christmas gifts is to give the gift of time. This works well for the kids on your list.
For instance, you can gift nieces and nephews the gift of a sleepover at your house. Plan a fun evening filled with popcorn, movies, and games that they’ll cherish for years to come.
Or give a gift of spending the day at the local zoo with the kid or kids in your life. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the sites for free.
Think of ways you can spend time with gift recipients on your list that they’ll cherish.
4. Give the Gift of Service
I know of three boys who once gave their parents a terrific gift of service. They offered to paint mom and dad’s house. The house needed a good painting. The parents had planned on hiring out for the job, but the cost ran into the thousands.
The boys saved their parents thousands of dollars by giving up some of their time.
Think of service jobs you can do that your loved ones will appreciate. For instance, if you’re a mechanic, you can give a gift of free oil changes (they buy the oil) or other maintenance jobs.
If you know how to cut hair, you can give free haircuts to people on your list. Or give free babysitting nights to your family members with younger kids.
Another idea is to give free house-cleaning services to busy parents on your Christmas list. The opportunities to give gifts of service are abundant – you just need to get a little creative.
5. Do Handmade/Homemade Gifts
Another idea for saving money on Christmas gifts is to do handmade or homemade Christmas gifts. In my family, we tend to use this tip for gift recipients such as teachers, postal workers, etc.
The possibilities here abound too. You can make Christmas cookies or other treats. You could can jellies, salsas or jams during the summer to give away as Christmas gifts.
If you knit or sew, you could make knitted gifts. People love the thought that goes into a handmade gift. And you can save money in the process.
Conclusions
The Christmas season of gift giving can be joyous without leaving you in the poor house. Just plan ahead and use these money saving tips to keep within your budget.
***Photo courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/msvg/6444437489/in/
