Christmas Budget/Shopping?

[HookdonWDW]

I'd like to hear from some elementary teachers in particular, since I will have to buy for 2 classroom teachers, plus all of the "specials" (art, music, etc...)
Thanks!

When I taught Elementary School, I liked to get gifts that I could use in the classroom.

One idea is to really take advantage of the back to school sales, when you can get crayons, paper, markers, etc... dirt cheap. I had a parent bring in a rubbermaid container full of lined paper, boxes of crayons, markers and colored pencils, pens, pencils, erasers, etc... there was a note saying that the box was so that we could start the New Year off with fresh supplies. That was great, because the supplies were needed, and it kept me from having to supply them myself.

Another parent ordered a treasure box of novelty toys from Oriental Trading. I used these for my classroom incentive program. Stationary, stickers and stamps are also useful.

Another memorable gift was a rubbermaid tote full of snacks. The parent was a couponer, and said that she bought items when she got a great deal. She filled the tote with a variety of individually wrapped snacks, and it provided classroom snacks for about a month. It was so popular, that other children would bring in boxes of snack treats to "replenish the box" when it started getting low, and the classroom had snacks for the rest of the year.

HTH!

 

[LisaNJ25]

I was just telling hubby we should go away for x-mas this year.Even if its omewhere locally. It will actually be cheaper than if we buy everyone gifts.

Problem is we all meet all my moms: aunts, uncles, cousins. It ends up being 40 plus people and some you only see at christmas time. We set a limit of $20 per couple and I always make sure I get something nice for the $20. Even if its a Gift card someone. Unfortunatly other relatives dont do that and we end up with recycleed gifts or yard sale find.

Can I also add before we hit my moms I have to go to my dads adn on christmas even we go to hubbys family. Thats not to bad because we only exchange with the kids.

Problem is my mom is 3 blocks away and I know I would hear if if we stayed home while everyone is there.

We our expecting our 4th child 9/1. Its way to much. I still have toys that they got for christmas that they havent opened. Its way to much and I dont have the room.

I need a polite way to say NO this year.

 

[EthansMom]

I need a polite way to say NO this year.

Here's what we did that worked fairly well for a few years. We started in the summer time and let all of the adults know that we would prefer to not trade gifts between the adults for Christmas. We told everyone that they were more than welcome to give our children gifts, but there was nothing we adults needed or wanted. Then, in lieu of gifts for the adults, we took the family in the the photography studio in late Oct/early Nov. and had nice family photos taken. I gave all of the Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, and Aunts and Uncles family photos -- something they would enjoy. It was much easier on me to order a whole bunch of photos then it was to buy individual gifts.

Last year, however, we moved closed to my in-laws and none of them stuck to the "don't buy adults gifts" rule. I felt like something of a shmuck when the in-laws got us gifts and I only gave them photos. This year, I've been buying small gifts as I see something appropriate. But I think for Christmas of 2007 that I may do charitable donations for the adults.

I also used to have a "1 toy per holiday" rule where I asked the Grandparents to each child only 1 toy per Christmas/Birthday. They could also give clothes/books/puzzles/games/crafts, but only 1 toy. That worked well until we moved closer to the in-laws and now that's out the window too.

At least, my family members who live on the opposite coast just send the kids a check. This year, I used the gift money the kids had gotten in the past to pay for 1/3 of a nice playset. I'd rather have the kids have a few nice things than a lot of @&*$@.

I will be letting the in-laws know that we are running out of room for toys and if they buy too much, some of it will end up back at Grandma and Grampa's house to play with when the kids visit.

 

[EthansMom]

One idea is to really take advantage of the back to school sales, when you can get crayons, paper, markers, etc... dirt cheap. I had a parent bring in a rubbermaid container full of lined paper, boxes of crayons, markers and colored pencils, pens, pencils, erasers, etc... there was a note saying that the box was so that we could start the New Year off with fresh supplies. That was great, because the supplies were needed, and it kept me from having to supply them myself.

Another memorable gift was a rubbermaid tote full of snacks. The parent was a couponer, and said that she bought items when she got a great deal. She filled the tote with a variety of individually wrapped snacks, and it provided classroom snacks for about a month. It was so popular, that other children would bring in boxes of snack treats to "replenish the box" when it started getting low, and the classroom had snacks for the rest of the year.

I love these two gift ideas for the classroom!

 

[ElizaB39]

with amounts for gifts. We spend 50 on each parent (200) and 35 on two of DH's sibs. I buy gifts for my sibs that don't have kids because they are all single and don't get that many gifts from others and they always buy for my two, this ends up being my 3 sisters. It varies on how much I spend, but probably averages 20 each. I buy for 7 nieces and nephews, usually aroudn 15 each. It can be a gift card, on sale clothing item, collectible etc. I suggested to my bro last year to stop giving nieces and nephews gifts, and he said No, I still enjoy buying things for your kids so lets continues. It is okay with me, I usually give my MN nephew PA sports teams jerseys, this always gets a good laugh/groan.

For teachers I give $10 usually, but our school district has a policy of one purchased gift per year per teacher. DD's teacher sent a letter home and said please no gifts, just participate in the charitable events throughout the year (initiate at the school). At the end of the year I usually give movie tickets for the teachers, they deserve a night out!

DH and I don't have a budget for each other but usually surprise each other with something special, less than 200. We probably spend around 150-200 for each of our two kids. That includes every little thing, stockings and etc.

Good thread, good info.

 

[EthansMom]

I found a link that describes Photo Restoration with pictures and examples of prices:

http://www.merceronline.com/Photorepro.htm

HTH!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I also used to have a "1 toy per holiday" rule where I asked the Grandparents to each child only 1 toy per Christmas/Birthday. They could also give clothes/books/puzzles/games/crafts, but only 1 toy. That worked well until we moved closer to the in-laws and now that's out the window too.

At least, my family members who live on the opposite coast just send the kids a check. This year, I used the gift money the kids had gotten in the past to pay for 1/3 of a nice playset. I'd rather have the kids have a few nice things than a lot of @&*$@.

I will be letting the in-laws know that we are running out of room for toys and if they buy too much, some of it will end up back at Grandma and Grampa's house to play with when the kids visit.

Another thing I have asked for from my in-laws is that if they want to buy the kids something, buy them art/school supplies. At back to school time I usually limit my kids as to how much character supplies (the more expensive ones) they can have since I have so much to buy so my mil gets them pencils and rulers with their names on them (which really cuts down on pencils getting lost/stolen). My sister once got my ds a small plastic tote full of stickers, glitter glue, colored pencils, crayons, and markers. She said she felt cheap, it cost her around $15 total and he absolutely loved it, he's had the box for two years and she replenishes it every year.

When someone asks what my kids or DH and I want for Christmas I always try to have an answer for them instead of saying "oh, nothing" or "I don't know" because if they asked they already plan on getting them something so I may as well make sure it's something they want. Of course, I keep the costs as low as I can on the items I mention.

 

[8 Ears]

This year both our boys will be in middle school! Wow! They have "their" computer to play games on and do homework. It IS NOT connected to the net. They have to use the family one for that. So Santa is planning on getting them a printer with plenty of paper and ink refills. Then all they have asked for is DVD's. Really! So will give them cash and or gift cards so they can get what they REALLY want. Of course they will get a stocking, but have not figured out what will go in that yet. I am an only child and DH's family... well we do not buy for many people. Not sure what I will spend on them, maybe $100.-$200. each; cash! No CC's!!

 

[Julia M]

I guess I am an exception here....I spent just over 2K for Xmas last year ($2037). In my defense, I keep track of everything I spend on my Palm, all year long, so I know the exact amount. In past years, it would be easy to forget items, especially when you pick something up on clearance. But it adds up. I also tend to think that when people estimate how much they spend for Xmas, they underestimate, especially people who buy things throughout the year.

I have three kids, and buy for 5 nephews, one niece and 3 great nephews. I only buy for the ones under 12 (which leaves out 13 of them) The exception is one adult niece who is mildly developmentally disabled.

My dh has 7 siblings and I have two.......we don't buy for everyone, but I do splurge on my brother (who's single) and two of dh's siblings who are single and make very little money. I also splurge on my parents, who have provided day care for my kids (when I worked) and now that they are in school, pick them up after school and take them to activities, supervise homework, etc. I only give gifts to three or four friends, but one is a single mom with three kids, so I like to get her gift cards, so she can choose something the kids really need. I give gifts for all my kids teachers, as well as gifts for the teachers aides that work with me at school.

I pay for it in three ways......I put away $50 per month. I also pick up items on clearance throughout the year. Then in the month of December, I don't put money in savings, which gives me extra cash. I give gift cards for lots of gifts, so try and buy one or two each month. I also try and buy extra Target gift cards, so I can use them myself if I need to buy stuff.

As my kids have gotten older, I can't buy gifts in advance like I used to. But, even with a 13, 10 and 8 year old, I can still find items on clearance, or on a great sale. But I don't buy until at least October or November, with a few exceptions (I found a $40 jewelry box for $2, and $80 sapphire earrings and necklace for $4, at Kohls.........it's for dd........couldn't pass it up!)

I am trying to cut back a little this Xmas, so we'll see how that goes.

Julia

 

[NMW]

I agree with the poster who said that people who buy through out the yaer spend more than they realize. I tried this one year and the night I sat down to wrap, I couldn't believe how much I had bought for my kids. I easily wrapped $1800-$2000 worth of gifts just for my 3 kids and one of them was a baby at the time! I was shocked. DH was on the sofa laughing at me telling me what a great idea it was to start shoping in September-not. I had waited to buy our family gifts, so they were okay. It was just the kids that I went way overboard on.

Now I stick to November to start and I do much, much better! The only way I buy anything before that is if it's an item that may be hard to get in Nov. Like this year my boys want the new Xbox 360 and I know I'll have to get that early.

We will be in Disney Dec 1-9 also. I hope to have it mostly bought by then. I can wrap later!!

 

[puddleduck]

The past 4 years we have made an effort to downsize, for several reasons. One is for spiritual and the other is, we found that the more toys the kids have the less they play with them, and we just can't afford to buy for everyone. We do a grandparent gift for each grandparent and buy a small toy for each neice/nephew. We have a fairly large family that we could not afford to buy for everyone. We would have to buy for 20 people, not including me, dh and my 3 kids. As it is I have, 1 neice and 6 nephews. We buy each one a book (I am a teacher, and think they are nice gifts.). For our parents, we do grandparent like gifts. Last year, I put my kid's handprints on a good quality stamping paper, then took a black/white picture of their feet lined up together. I had a mat made to have each handprint at the top w/ their name and age under each print and a space centered in the bottom for a 5x7 black/white picture of their feet and then framed it. It cost about $50/each. we made one my parents and one for inlaws. For my 3 kids we limit it to about $300-400 total. They get one big gift to share (last year it was a power wheels jeep for $200) and then each get a few toys and some books. I think I spent just under $400 last year for all 3. Our total gift expenditure for niece/nephews and parents and our kids was probably around $550. This year our vacation will be during Christmas break to WDW. We told the boys that was the big present that Santa was bringing for them to share. I am not counting that in my Christmas budget, because we normally spend around that amount for a summer vacation, a we just chose to not do a summer one, to do it around Christmas.

I am also a teacher and some gifts I enjoyed were:
1. a donation to a charity made in my name
2. a gift certificate to a book store
3. last year one mother made casseroles and froze them, it was great because I didn't have to cook for one night
4. Lotions ect.
5. school supplies

 

[StephMK]

My best friend has the sweetest little girl. When asked what she wanted for Christmas last year she said "Mommy, I really don't need anything" Of course, her older sister (also a sweetie) piped up "good, then I can have more stuff"

That is EXACTLY something my 11 yo would say in response! LOL Sadly, I accidentally got her hooked on shopping as a toddler when I was much less financially disciplined.

Love the recipe for the Christmas Mix - sounds incredible & I'm saving it to a Word doc for ideas!

One we do that I forgot to complete this year since we moved 4 days after Christmas is a personalized calendar. The grandparents love & request them each year. If I remember, I try to take special pics of the kids each month - holidays, etc. Fun to see the age progression from the previous year when you get to that calendar month & useful.

As a gift, I received a gift certificate to a nice bread store nearby - $5 for a yummy loaf of bread. Not something I would have thought of but I loved it so may use that idea this year!

 

[bunny213]

Thank you for the site to check the photos....I'll check it out!
thinking about what was said about spending more if you purchase through the year is probably right.....I can already see that if I don't keep a list and check off names....I'll wind up doing myself no favors! My problem is I have to really really be happy with what I've purchased for the other person...it seems like I'll purchase something and then see something else that I know they'd love to have.....that's my downfall.
I have a Mattel outlet place here by me...and today they had $80 remote control motorcycle bikers on special for 14.99......my two grandsons are so into that stuff...so I got two...now I'm worried that by Christmas they'll want something entirely different!!!! I'm awful about "second thoughts" about stuff....is anyone else that way? On the other end though, when I find something that I'm really really pleased with and excited about for someone - I can hardly wait to give it to them.
The hardest part for me is the deciding what to buy.........the best part for me is the wrapping....I LOVE TO WRAP AND DECORATE!! I spend so much time and effort in wrapping.....and it's the best part for me - it's the part I enjoy the very most. I've even offered to wrap other peoples gifts for them.......is that nuts or what?
Thanks to all of you for sharing.....I'm so glad to hear what you all are doing and have done.... Barb in Texas

 

[HookdonWDW]

I usually set aside a certain amount for "sale shopping" throughout the year. I use some of my "Buy aheads" for Christmas, and some for birthdays and birthday parties. Anything that's not earmarked by a few weeks before Christmas goes to an Angel Tree program/homeless shelter/Abused family shelter. I started the last part 3 years ago, and I love it, and the kids enjoy giving to others. It also reminds them about the joy in giving instead of receiving...

We do the 3 presents/child thing, and always have (goes w/ Gifts of the Magi), plus we fill the stockings. I have a blast finding cool stocking stuffers throughout the year. I found some pens with a spiderman game on them for .99 at Kaybee today.

By the time it's all said and done, between presents and food and gifts, we spend around $1700. That's for family, extended family on both sides, friends, teachers, Christmas cards, mailman, paperboy, etc...

 

[bengalbelle]

My problem is I have to really really be happy with what I've purchased for the other person...it seems like I'll purchase something and then see something else that I know they'd love to have.....that's my downfall...now I'm worried that by Christmas they'll want something entirely different!!!! I'm awful about "second thoughts" about stuff....is anyone else that way?

That is me exactly! I'm always second guessing what I've bought early.

On the other end though, when I find something that I'm really really pleased with and excited about for someone - I can hardly wait to give it to them.[.QUOTE]
Me too!

I LOVE TO WRAP AND DECORATE!! I spend so much time and effort in wrapping.....and it's the best part for me - it's the part I enjoy the very most. I've even offered to wrap other peoples gifts for them...

Hmmm, I wonder how difficult it would be to ship all my gifts to Texas...

I loved your idea for the photo book. I'm going to suggest this to my mother to give to her grandchildren.

 

[ILUVPOOH1]

Ok no one hate me please but, I'm almost done all my Christmas shopping!! I know, it's insane.
I budget $300 per child although now that my stepkids are over 18 that will go down. My 11 year old is the main expense. In fact he's the only one I still have things to buy for...b/c his "list" will come out in Oct or Nov. Ususally the total for the holiday for us is ~$2000. Keep in mind that I host 3 large meals. This includes these meals. I try to start shopping in Jan. and I pick up things as they go on sale through the year. That way it's not all at once. I actually set aside the $$ ahead of time...usually from last years tax refund. It all goes in an envie and as I buy something I put the receipt in the envie to keep track of my spending. This only works if you're good at planning ahead. I keep track of ideas all year long in a log book I've made. If I see something that a family member may like, I jot it down. that way I always have a list.

 

[virginiamama]

.

They have all the toys they could possibly need and I know which specific things they want. I would love for someone to just get them some McDonald's gift certificates or a GC for a movie instead of another toy, but they're afraid they would rather open toys.

QUOTE]

That's a good idea. This Christmas when anyone asks what my DSs want I'll tell them about those! We only buy our boys a couple of specific toys - things I know they want or things that I want for them - and one gift each and the stocking stuffers from Santa. The grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc. buy them so much stuff that we don't need to get much for them. We save any big ticket items for birthdays to make it easier on the budget.

 

[virginiamama]

Would everyone post their creative & great homemade gift ideas? I'd love to find ways to trim our holiday budget too if anyone has some great tips.

I ordered photo tote bags from orientaltrading.com a couple of years ago, for under $5 each. They're pretty much standard tote bag size with I think 9 windows for pictures to go in on the outside. I gave them to grandmothers, great grandmothers and SIL. They loved them and still used them, and you can change out the pictures as the kids grow. I checked orientaltrading.com and they now have the bags personalized for $9.95 each. You could always put some homemade goodies or bath products inside and that's a complete gift. I also gave "sand art brownies" in a jar a couple of years ago and everyone loved them too.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I've said this before, but last year a large part of my family decided not to exchange gifts due to an April trip to WDW. It really made Christmas much better for everyone! Call me cynical, but I really feel like sometimes we're just getting gifts for the sake of getting gifts...c'mon, most adults nowadys go out and buy the things they really need...so it's not like I'm going to get my inlaws or parents something they've really secretly wanted for months. They aren't wealthy, but if they need something, they can get it. Sometimes I can find special items that are things they ahdn't thought of, but I've also found myself resorting to buying gift certificates, and I think this is wrong. When you find yourself exchanging gift certificates...it just seems stupid to me. It's like I'm giving you $20 and you are giving me $20 back, only we can only spend it at one store. So then I think maybe I'm not putting enough thought into Christmas gifts...but when I hear that others are buying up sweaters (no offense) just because they are a good sale price, then I think I'm not alone in this. My family is pretty large, and we only see each other a few times a year, so it is next to impossible to secretly know what they all want or need (though some family members are easier than others). I'm also bothered by the 'wish list' idea. The idealism in me thinks that we should be able to figure out what the person needs (even though we can't), and wish lists just seem a little tacky, but that's just me. And when I get gifts that I don't really want or need, it makes me sad to have to pretend otherwise, especially when I know that family members had to sacrifice to buy them.
So saving for a trip together really worked out well for everyone! We knew we'd love the trip, and we had lots to discuss. I would say the kids should get small Christmas gifts under the tree, but actually, the older kids got into the whole having a nice vacation in lieu of Xmas gifts idea too. It was so great to focus our pre-Christmas thoughts on the fun of being together for Christmas. Instead of being overwhelmed with lots of gifts, the kids were able to appreciate the few gifts they did get. (one of the saddest things I ever saw was the daughter of a friend of mine opening her gifts...her parents are separated so her visit was short, and the family rushed her gift opening. Everyone was more eager to see her open THEIR gift, than they were in seeing her enjoy the gifts she had. She opened each gift, start to realize what the gift was, just start to smile about it, then they would rip it out of her hands and thrust a new gift in front of her. She got more and more sad as the process continued. She was nearly in tears. It was awful. It would have been much better if she had gotten just one gift.)

But the biggest bonus of all, was that we got a second Christmas in April! And the whole time between the two, we had something to look forward to. Everyone kept telling me all winter what a great pick-me-up it was to have something to look forward to in April. My gift to everyone was doing all the booking and planning. By staying on top of all the discount offerings - Thanks in large part to the DIS - I was able to save lots of money! It worked out such that we were able to stay an extra day for free!

 

[kellypooh]

My immediate family which is me, DH and DS(now 20), started exchanging just stockings 3 years ago. I bought 6 stockings on clearance. We each fill a stocking for the 2 others -- DS fills one stocking for me and one for his father, DH fills one for DS and one for me, and I fill one for DH and one for DS. We have found this to be fun and challenging. Everything we buy has to fit into the stocking...having that limitation has really helped curb our spending and helped us be really creative -- we have to THINK about what we are buying more than we used to.

Of course, this tradition of ours hasn't spread to the in-laws but we're working on it. For them, I try to do handmade/homemade...one year, I made afghans for each of them (MIL, FIL and SIL). A couple of years, I filled a large basket with homemade jellies, quickbreads, and candies -- food is always a good gift because they don't have to dust it.

One website I read about on another thread is http://mypublisher.com
I have had several photo books made using their software and have been very pleased with the results.