As much as I wish I could buy that vehicle, I know dad would be (and some years has been) thankful for a hug and a kiss. Also... New trucks are simply not in the budget.
So for all my readers on a tight budget or simply those who are budget-conscious like we are, here are some of my favorite holiday tips/ideas!
Plan, Financially, Ahead of Time
- Pick a dollar amount to spend per person and stick to it. Decide what is manageable within your own budget and stay within your means. It's not about how much money you spend or how impressive of a gift you bought with X dollars, it's the thought you put into it that counts!
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
- Shop early and buy one or two things each payday. We start in July. (Perhaps an idea for next year?)
Use Coupons
- Watch for coupons and discounts from your favorite stores. There are so many couponing blogs out there. Look them up and get some tips. I love Target's cartwheel app, in-store coupons, and online coupons. You can combine them and get some great deals! I also save Kohl's cash when I purchase something the kids need and I use that towards Christmas gifts
Save on the Stuff We All Forget About
- Once Christmas is over, buy all of your wrapping paper and supplies at a deep discount for the next year.
Make Gifts
- You do not have to be crafty in order to give a handmade gift. It takes absolutely no creative talent to pick out a Christmas card and write a heartfelt letter. It takes no creative ability to have your child color a picture for a grandparent. It takes no creative ability to print a photo and pick up a frame at a discount store.
Photo Gifts
- Speaking of photos... This time of year, Walgreens typically has promotion codes for prints and/or photo gifts (albums, mugs, calendars,etc). You can pick up a nice frame at the dollar store or your favorite discount store. There are hundreds of ideas online for making your own picture frames, as well.
Keepsakes from Children
- Hand print, footprint, and fingerprint keepsakes. You can buy a bottle of paint for less than a dollar at most craft stores. Simply paint your child's hand, foot, or their finger tip, stamp, and create your own work of art. I'll be posting a specific Christmas project idea for you soon. So keep checking in!
Fulfill a Need
- Listen to your family and friends when they mention a particular need. Fulfilling a need for a loved one is a completely thoughtful and generous gesture.
- For example: 1) Gift certificates to a children's museum. 2) Pick up a basket and fill it with candy and popcorn. Include a note promising a movie at the theater over Christmas break. 3) Invite a parent or grandparent to dinner out or prepare a nice meal for them at home!
Sentimental Gifts
- A couple of years ago, my grandma and grandpa gave me an ornament off their tree that my dad had made when he was a little boy. Let me tell you, that really tugged at the heartstrings and it's one of the most special things I own.
Use the Talents You Were Blessed With
- Do you bake? Gift a plate of cookies or other treats. Do you crochet? Give a scarf, afghan, or kitchen towels. Do you sew? Consider a holiday table runner, stockings, the sky's the limit! Do you have a way with words? Again, write a heartfelt letter. Do you enjoy cooking? Offer to contribute to the holiday meal as a gift.
I hope these tips will help you to enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank. Remember, gift giving is only a small part this time of year. We give gifts as a reminder and a symbol of the gift God gave us. He didn't give in order to receive in return. He didn't give in order to impress. He didn't give to out-do someone else. He gave out of pure love. I think the most important tip I can give is to encourage all of you, and myself, to evaluate your priorities this holiday season.
Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Cheers,
Alyssa
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