Christmas On A Budget? Tips To Giving Thoughtful Gifts Without Breaking The Bank

Each year, it seems as though Christmas sneaks up on us despite being on the same day in the same month and if you’re not careful, shopping for the perfect gift can be a real pain that many tend to avoid. Between seeing wish lists that stretch out like a grocery receipt to trying to stick to a budget, the holiday spirit can quickly turn into holiday dread. But, even though Christmas shopping can seem intimidating, it doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive and cause you to max out your bank account. So, if you’re working with a tight budget this year, you’re not alone. Instead of feeling down, check out some of our tips below to help you navigate this Christmas season.

For starters, this is the perfect time to get honest with yourself about your finances. It’s best to take a thorough look at your funds and set a hard limit. Try being specific with a set number. If you’re only allowing yourself to spend $400, then divide that up between the amount of people you’re buying gifts for. Making a list and jotting down notes can also help you keep track of your spending and hold you accountable. It’s way too easy to have the “just one more thing” mindset when you’re out in the stores.

Another way to avoid breaking the bank on materials is to trade in gifts for experiences. If money is tight, don’t be afraid to suggest making traveling a new tradition. Instead of gifts, try to focus on spending time with your loved ones. A good way to do this is to bake a sweet treat together and snuggle up in your favorite PJs to watch a holiday movie. To add a little spice to the night, you can even go Christmas lights watching in a nearby neighborhood.

A top-tier hack that seems to never fail is finding a good deal! This is not the time to play so get into your bargain bag and get to hunting for the best store sales. To do this, you may want to sign up for the store’s email alerts and newsletters. Sometimes you can snag a good deal through emailed coupons and you can always unsubscribe later if the notifications become too much. If you’re a person who likes to know what they’re getting into before stepping into a store, try comparing prices between multiple places to find the cheapest price. Pro tip: most stores allow price matching. Lastly, if searching the web for discounts isn’t your thing, opting for a thrift store is always a good option for finding nice pieces for a low price.

At the end of the day, Christmas isn’t about how much you spend but showing up for the people you care about. Whether you’re thrifting a gift or getting something at a discounted rate, remember that it’s the thought that counts and not the quality of the gift.