It’s that time of year…a time full of family and friends, food and parties, travel and gifts. Oh the gifts…while I enjoying shopping and gift giving, unfortunately the sky is not the limit when it comes to holiday expenses. So it’s important to me and my family to stay on track financially while buying meaningful gifts and spending our time with those who matter most during the holidays.
A few budget friendly gift ideas…
Our family was gifted this game last Christmas and it’s so much fun. We play it at almost every get together now, it’s for ages 8+ but adults go crazy for it!
I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a toy that makes kids think, LEGOS are all about critical thinking skills and are perfect for boys and girls.
This is the gift for the guy who has everything. This emergency weather radio is solar or hand crank powered, has a flashlight and plug in to charge your cell phone.
Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Digital Radio, Flashlight, Cell Phone Charger
I just came across this recently and I’m putting this on my Christmas list. A lightweight, flexible tripod that will hold your regular camera and you can get attachments for your DSLR and even phone!
I really love magazine subscriptions as gifts, they keep giving all year long and they definitely don’t break the bank. Food Network Magazine is one of my faves.
The baker in your life would be thrilled to be the owner of a Silpat Baking Mat. These last a really long time are a worth the initial investment.
Here are a few resources to keep in mind when planning your holiday this year:
- A holiday budget spreadsheet from Mommy Savers
- 12 Days of Fun & Budget Friendly Christmas Activities from Family Balance Sheet
- How to Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange from Simply Gloria
- Budget Friendly Holiday Travel Tips from Good Housekeeping
- H&R Block Emerald Advance Line of Credit
Yes, that’s right. I included H&R Block Emerald Advance Line of Credit in my list of resources. If you need a little extra $$ this season or if you want to be prepared for the unexpected, H&R Block has your back. Here’s what you need to know about The Emerald Advance Line of Credit:
- H&R Block will begin accepting applications in offices November 25th so call to set up your appointment today!
- All you need to apply is an unexpired government-issued photo ID and your most recent pay stub (no W2 form required!)
- You don’t already need to be an H&R Block client to apply
- The Emerald Advance is a line of credit you can draw from as you need it. You can use it year-round for unexpected expenses and other short-term credit needs. It’s that easy!
***GIVEAWAY DETAILS!***
H&R Block has been gracious to provide a Crumbs and Chaos reader with a $300 gift card (you can spend it like cash) toward your holiday needs this year. Enter using the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
- H&R Block has asked me to help promote the Emerald Advance Line of Credit. I have been compensated for my time. This gift list in this post contains affiliate links. The prize was provided and may be shipped to the winner by H&R Block, but all opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of H&R Block. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US only. Winner to be chosen at random.
I make a list and try to stick to it. Those impulse buys add up!
I make a list needs vs wants and try to stick to my list!!
My tip is you do not have to buy the high end products. The generic brand is just as good.
I also have a list which I start in September. And I also keep my eyes open all year around for gifts which are perfect. Finally, since I’m a baker, home baked goodies are a must for friends!
set a monetary budget and stick to it, shop sales
I make my own greeting cards every year and many of my own gifts,its easier on the pocketbook and comes from the heart…cant beat that!
tina phillips recently posted..Digitally Sweet Challenges #41 Celebrations!
I try to shop year-round to minimize the monetary impact. And I keep a spreadsheet (password protected, of course!) so I don’t forget what I’ve got!
I start shopping months before Christmas so I don’t have to buy it all at once!
Start shopping early so you’re not pressured by last-minute purchases.
I like to make my own holiday cards. It is a lot of fun and isn’t expensive!
Shop all year round instead of all at once.
I make a list and stick to it. It was tough the first couple of years, but now it makes my holiday shopping a breeze AND keeps me on budget!
My best tips for staying in a budget is first participate in a Christmas club then make a list with a budget set for each person and do not go past what is budgeted
My tip is to set a budget and look for the best prices.
Only buy on sale and look online for additional coupon savings!
Mercedes recently posted..Sprinkles Cookbook Review
I like the idea of starting early to gather money for Christmas.
I like to save money during the holidays by doing as many things homemade as I can! I think you can get creative on the cheap by making or creating or designing things for family and friends using stuff you have around the house! 🙂
I like to compare prices online.
I check the papers and flyers for sales, and compare prices, and use rebates and coupons
I cut coupons, plan my menu ahead of time and stock up on needed items when they are on sale.
we buy as much as we can from craigslist, you can even get nice things if you know what to look for. Our Nikon DSLR, my 27″ iMac, my ipad,etc. we have gotten on craigslist and have never had a problem.
Jessica w recently posted..Labor Day Weekend
I don’t have credit cards which really helps with the temptation to go all out. I always ask myself if that is something the person I am gifting too would really want or if it’s something I would want.
I make a list shop sales, enter contests and win gifts 🙂
thanks
I have a December holiday weekly spending budget that I stick to, and it works for me.
I start to buy baking supplies and non-perishables for holiday meals in advance, a little each week is easier than everything at once. I also shop all the sales.
I try to include homemade gifts
Shop early and right after Christmas. Also, I’ve found that making a lot of my own gifts is the best way to go.
I’ve got two – if I am ordering online, I ALWAYS check retailmenot for coupon codes for whatever company I am ordering from, and I then also order via the Swagbucks site so I get swagbucks for every dollar spent.
I make a list and try to pick up things throughout the year and shop sales.
I am afraid I am not very budget friendly; however, make a list so you know how much and for whom you need to buy. I also like to buy things throughout the year as I see them.
I have great ideas to stick to a budget and my list, however, by the time Christmas rolls around I have usually failed… so I guess my tip would be *NOT* stray off the list! 🙂
Thanks!
I research online for the best prices.
I use coupons for every purchase.
I use online promo codes for online purchases.
I budget an amount for each person to spend.
I try to look for discounted gift cards!!
Thanks SO much for the giveaway!!
My favorite budget friendly holiday tip is to set a limit, make a list, research for the best price and don’t overspend!
I shop online first and use coupon codes whenever I can.
Make a list and budget for each person. Also set up a gift exchange for the adults instead of everyone giving presents to each other.
Shop the after Christmas sales
Thanks so much! I won, can’t wait to receive my prize! 😀