We have a large family and years ago we agreed that if we were doing gifts at Christmas that we would draw names and give a gift to one person, usually with a $50 limit. That has deteriorated over the years and if we have something for someone, we give it when we see the person since we don't see each other much anymore. We are all scattered across the country and it's difficult to all get together. I like to give homemade gifts or something I've won.
regifting and buying presents at my beloved Grocery Outlet. I have bought fancy candles ($2.99), fancy shampoo ($12.99), amaryllis bulbs ($4.99) and wine ($4.99-6.99) depending on the person. I love the GrocOut so much.
I totally agree with splurging a little on experiences. I always budget in the cost of particular experiences before I leave, and then don't feel bad if I need to utilize my credit card for the spur of the moment oppoetunities! I might also say "self care" - whatever that means to you. Like I had a 2 wk trip and planned a stay in a cheap hotel with a small gym so I could at least get 1 or 2 legit workouts in!
I try to plan ahead and make the gifts I can and buy non-perishables (booze) when I find it on sale earlier in the year. I've also done more of a group get-together, where we treat ourselves to dinner and a movie instead of buying each other things. It's more about doing something together, so this could easily be a different and cheaper activity.
Throughout the year I shop at thrift stores and discount places, and when I see books, candles, or other good gift ideas, I grab them up! I also try to make a lot of my own gifts.
We try to limit gifts to only the kids in the family. For everyone else, we try to keep it small and consumable (i.e., no knick knacks or unnecessary clutter).
I have 2 unpaid Medical bills cuz i was in an accident last year and was only in the er for a few minutes. I was wondering will this prevent me from getting a new apartment? Or do I need to make payment arrangements?
In our family we all give gifts to pets and children, and the adults either draw names so we only buy for one other adult or, as we're doing this year, we each buy a gift (limit $50) that can be for anyone and we each get to choose one. You can trade if you want, but it usually works out that somehow everybody gets something they really like and is suited to them. I also use coupons and sites like Ebates, etc., to score good deals on whatever I'm buying for whomever.
This year our family is doing a Crazy Christmas Sock Exchange in the White Elephant game style (all new items) with a $20 price limit. I was able to stretch the $20 with sale prices. Our family only has adults, but this works with all age ranges.
For gifts to mailman, etc., I give home baked goodies.
purchase just small stocking stuffers as opposed to pricey gifts
I save money on gifts by buying them on sale and using coupons when shopping.
We have a large family and years ago we agreed that if we were doing gifts at Christmas that we would draw names and give a gift to one person, usually with a $50 limit. That has deteriorated over the years and if we have something for someone, we give it when we see the person since we don't see each other much anymore. We are all scattered across the country and it's difficult to all get together. I like to give homemade gifts or something I've won.
I've never heard of Santa's bag before and I definitely didn't know you could chat yourself into a better deal. Going to have to remember that!
My best tip is to shop throughout the year and get the best prices on everything.
regifting and buying presents at my beloved Grocery Outlet. I have bought fancy candles ($2.99), fancy shampoo ($12.99), amaryllis bulbs ($4.99) and wine ($4.99-6.99) depending on the person. I love the GrocOut so much.
I'm always searching for sales and buy gifts with coupons/sales.
I shop early and hunt sales to save on holiday gifts.
I buy many of my gifts online over Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend. Also, I don't over-do it and only get gifts I know will be appreciated and used.
I totally agree with splurging a little on experiences. I always budget in the cost of particular experiences before I leave, and then don't feel bad if I need to utilize my credit card for the spur of the moment oppoetunities! I might also say "self care" - whatever that means to you. Like I had a 2 wk trip and planned a stay in a cheap hotel with a small gym so I could at least get 1 or 2 legit workouts in!
I try to plan ahead and make the gifts I can and buy non-perishables (booze) when I find it on sale earlier in the year. I've also done more of a group get-together, where we treat ourselves to dinner and a movie instead of buying each other things. It's more about doing something together, so this could easily be a different and cheaper activity.
Throughout the year I shop at thrift stores and discount places, and when I see books, candles, or other good gift ideas, I grab them up! I also try to make a lot of my own gifts.
I shop thrift stores
I save money on holiday gifts by making homemade gifts - usually baked goods.
We try to limit gifts to only the kids in the family. For everyone else, we try to keep it small and consumable (i.e., no knick knacks or unnecessary clutter).
I have 2 unpaid Medical bills cuz i was in an accident last year and was only in the er for a few minutes. I was wondering will this prevent me from getting a new apartment? Or do I need to make payment arrangements?
In our family we all give gifts to pets and children, and the adults either draw names so we only buy for one other adult or, as we're doing this year, we each buy a gift (limit $50) that can be for anyone and we each get to choose one. You can trade if you want, but it usually works out that somehow everybody gets something they really like and is suited to them. I also use coupons and sites like Ebates, etc., to score good deals on whatever I'm buying for whomever.
This year our family is doing a Crazy Christmas Sock Exchange in the White Elephant game style (all new items) with a $20 price limit. I was able to stretch the $20 with sale prices. Our family only has adults, but this works with all age ranges.
For gifts to mailman, etc., I give home baked goodies.
I decided to reduce the number of gifts I buy this year and make some instead.
I look to stack discounts online and I shop at places with free shipping and returns so I can avoid driving to the store
I save money on Holiday gifts by buying on Black Friday and Cyber Monday for all the deals.
I save money on gift by using cash back websites and coupons when shopping
I look for sales on wish list items.
During the year I earn gift certificates on various websites and save them to help pay for Christmas Shopping.
I give mostly gift cards so they can take advantage of after-Christmas sales.