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Christmas on a Budget

December 4, 2011 By Ashley 7 Comments

This weeks blogging carnival question is: When it comes to holiday shopping, how do you make sure you stick to your budget?

I have a few tricks up my sleeve and since I love my readers I will part with my secrets ๐Ÿ˜‰ First things first, set your budget. Oh wow, thanks Ashley that's so profound! Yes, I know it's not very deep but seriously, if you start out with a set price in mind you are more likely to keep it. I don't set an overall total, I set a limit on each person. Second, I shop throughout the year. If you know ahead of time who you are buying for (your kids, husband, family members) keep an eye out. A lot of stores clearance things monthly, making it easy to find great deals on gifts. Toys go on major clearances twice a year. Once in August/September to make way for Christmas, and then again in January to clear out the leftover stock. I get most of my toy shopping done for Christmas (and birthdays too) during these times.  Third, be willing to put in the extra “leg work” and shop around. Always check online prices prior to buying in store. A lot of stores price match their competitors even if it's an online deal, you just need to ask firmly yet nicely. Speaking from retail experience, I'm more likely to help you if you are kind then if you take out all your frustrations on me. Another trick of the retail trade, more then likely, that “amazing deal” you see advertised for black friday already happened a few weeks prior it just wasn't shouted from the roof tops. Finally, I give out homemade gifts to teachers and family. Grandparents love anything made by the kids, so I'm happy I didn't have to spend a bunch of money and they are happy because little Suzy painted them a masterpiece. Win-Win.

Don't stress about finding the perfect gift. There is no such thing, just find something that the person will like. After all, it is (and should be) the thought that counts!!

 

 

 

โ€œThis post is sponsored by Reflect It Apparel and Iโ€™m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation โ€“ a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for womenโ€ The money saving tips are all mine!

Filed Under: Family, Holidays, Mamavation Tagged With: Family, mamavation, Sales, shopping

Previous Post: « Portrait of a Teen Mom Part 1
Next Post: 2 Week Challenge Kick-Off »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for gaflygirlgaflygirl

    December 4, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    great job on the shopping ahead of time. I too want to start doing this to avoid the stress out at December!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Andrea Emilien (@AndreaEmilien)Andrea Emilien (@AndreaEmilien)

    December 5, 2011 at 12:47 am

    We make gifts too. This year I am making the neighbors peppermint bark and then the kids will make special Christmas cards. My famiyl always gets pictures and a photo calendar. Nice and easy. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Megan @mnmspecialMegan @mnmspecial

    December 5, 2011 at 1:30 am

    I love that reminder. It should totally be the thought that counts mentality. I need to introduce that into our plan again.
    You are so right about deals coming around without the crowd. Awesome tips!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for WhitneyWhitney

    December 5, 2011 at 11:05 am

    Thanks for the tips, those are great! Handmade gifts are always the best!
    Good luck to you with the 2 week challenge too!
    @luckystars54

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Krista SwanKrista Swan

    December 6, 2011 at 10:25 am

    In our house, handmade gifts are not only great for the grandparent recipients, but also for the kids – they GO CRAZY for craft projects! It’s a great way to spend a rainy weekend.
    Have a great week!
    @kristalswan

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Joanna @way2gomomJoanna @way2gomom

    December 6, 2011 at 10:32 am

    Great ideas! I hope you have an awesome week!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for lorrielorrie

    December 7, 2011 at 11:11 pm

    i used to give gifts to all my teachers till 8th grade then that traditon stopped but the teachers loved it

    Reply

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Avatar for lorrieAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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