Christmas on a budget- how do you really do it?

[mominwestlake]

There was another thread asking people what they spend on Christmas. Some of the amounts were so low I was amazed. Some people spend $100 per child on their children- again, I am amazed! How is that possible? Please help me figure out how to spend less. I have 5 children ages 6, 10, 11, 13, and almost 16. My boys would each like 2 Wii games (one from us and one from Santa)- newly released so we are talking $50 each. One of my DDs would like an American Girl doll. DD soon to be 16 would like a Coach wristlet and gift cards to American Eagle and other stores. 3 of the kids would like a webkinz. My boys would also like some legos- lego city and lego batman.

My kids are good kids and don't get things other than bdays and Christmas. We have no other relatives who buy for them so what we buy is what they get. Plus, I don't want to buy a lot of little stuff just for the sake of buying. They don't receive clothes for Christmas. And I want it to look like a lot under the tree! I do shop for deals through out the year but they don't really ask for things until closer to Christmas. Plus I have a hard time getting to a store right when it opens so you can make sure the advertised sale item is in stock.

Anyway, how is it possible to spend $100 to $150 a child as they get older and like more expensive things?

 

[mjantz]

We're spending about $200 per kid this year but that includes a portable DVD player & a ticket for each of them to HSM on Tour.
My first way I save money is eBay. I am OK with giving my own children used gifts as long as they are in very good condition. A few of the used gifts my kids are getting are some Pokemon cards, Mario Kart Wii and a t-shirt with one of his favorite comic book characters on it. That's what I would do for the Wii games & the Coach wristlet. You might have some luck with the American Girl doll on eBay as well. Just FYI that I've been told (someone can correct me) that you can buy the dolls original clothing from American Girl if you call them. So, if you find a naked Kit doll you can call AG & order some clothes for it.
For the legos I've found great deals at Toys R Us, expecially when they have the 'Buy 2, Get 1 Free'. Lego.com also has a great sale section that you might have luck with. For the Webkinz, again, eBay or if they just want a Webkinz (not a specific one) LimitedToo has select Webkinz for less than $6 with any purchase. So, grab a few stocking stuffers & you can get a cheap Webkinz with each one.

I hope this helps.

 

[Kimmumum]

I usually spend about $200 for each of my boys. A few years ago I cut what I bought by about 75% and they didn't even notice. Since then I only buy things I know they will really love. The other 75% was just so the tree was full.....and a waste of money.

If you buy the AG doll then the next birthday and Christmas you will only have to buy clothes and accessories which will be cheaper than the doll.

Only buy a couple of the games that the boys want and make them be for both of them (not 2-3 per kid......2-3 total).

My DS14 likes to hang out with his friends at Culvers, Subway, the smoothie shop etc so he will get small g/c to each of these places.

ETA: I bought a cute Coach wristlet at the outlet mall (in Michigan City, IN) this summer for $15.

My boys are not really into "things" so there really aren't any big ticket items that they normally get. This year they both want the Wii Fit.

 

[MagiKitty]

For me, the key to saving money for Christmas is to shop in increments throughout the year. This is harder for those "hot" toys that kids want, but its doable. I agree with PP about watching Toys R Us. They have several great sales throughout the year. Recently, they had the "buy 2 get 1 free" promotion for video games. At other points during the year, they have several dollar off coupons or percentage off.

Best Buy or Circuit City usually have deals on new games coming out. They frequently offer gift cards with purchase or bonus with purchase. This can stretch dollars.

Sign up at various stores' websites or join their shoppers club. Often you'll get special promotions or coupons to use. If you're going to shop there anyway, it can quickly make a difference.

I watch Slickdeals throughout the day. I just ordered the Lego Star Wars for $20 last week. It was OOS at the time, but it took a few days until they had it and its somewhere in the mail right now.

I go through Ebates or MyPoints when I shop. I usually cash out my MyPoints for Macys gift cards, but they also offer other stores which can be used as gifts. Ebates credits money back several times during the year and it really adds up.

I also agree with PP about the outlets. I know its crazy during the holiday sales, but it can really be worth it. I got several Kiplinger bags for 75% off during Labor Day, and the Coach outlet had an additional 40% off its already clearanced items. SOmetimes my local Marshalls or TJ Maxx have Coach items too.

It does take a lot of work, but its already October and most of my gifting is already done. I just have to wrap them up for the holidays and enjoy, rather than scrambling to find the perfect gift. Good luck and just remember to enjoy the holidays!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I second Ebay!! So far I have gotten a new Reds jersey for $26 ($50 everywhere else) and right now I'm watching used internal frame backpacks for DS who wants it for camping with Scouts. I have no problem giving my kids used items (mixed with new as well) and they don't mind getting them because they know otherwise they probably wouldn't get them at all.

Also check Gamestop for used Wii games (they guarantee them so you can return them if they don't work). Or watch for more buy 2 get 1 free sales.

I don't really budget per child because my older children want things that are more expensive than my younger ones. I do try to get them about the same number of gifts. I'm sure I spend at least $200 per child, though.

 

[beansmom]

we don't have a 'budget' per se...but I have a figure of $100 per person in my head...including my DH...I challenged him to limiting $100...we'll see if he can.
I, of course, intend to completely ignore the rule for him.

 

[mookie]

Amazon had some FANTASTIC deals last year. I just checked their site every day. I bought toys for kids for 5.00 that retailed for 30.00! And FREE SHIPPING! I bought a few extra things to save for this year, too. Either for my kids, or any spontaneous gift that comes up.

 

[EthansMom]

First of all, kids don't have to get EXACTLY what they think they want. I find mine are often pretty happy with a similar but less expensive option.

For instance, my DS7 wants video games (both DS and Wii) for Christmas. I have picked up a few older titles for reasonable prices (Costco and Circuit City are my faves for new items, half.com and GameStop are good for used titles). I'm having heartache paying $50 for MarioKart for the Wii, though, which is at the top of DS7's list. Instead, I'm seriously considering getting him a 2 or 3 month subscription to http://www.gamefly.com which is an online game rental that works like netflix does for movies (you get the games through the mail).

Likewise, you might look at the Gotz (also spelled Goetz) dolls instead of the American Girl dolls. Gotz was the original manufacturer of the American Girl dolls... their dolls are VERY similar in look and quality.

My kids also love Legos. I try to stick with the lesser-expensive sets and the buckets of mixed bricks. You can also buy individual pieces at lego.com. Other good Lego gift ideas include one of the "Lego Crazy Conraptions" books (there are 2 by the same name) and/or a subscription to the Lego Magazine (which also sends out little Lego kits).

Don't be afraid to give shared gifts (like a shared set of Legos for 2 or 3 kids) or a movie for the whole family to share. Honestly, the younger kids hardly notice that you haven't gone overboard with the spending as long as you purchase gifts that are things they really enjoy.

As for your older children... they CAN handle the idea that you won't be spending the kind of money they expect on Christmas gifts. Don't be afraid to set a budget and tell them to let you know what their priorities are.

Personally, I set a budget of about $150 for our kids for Christmas, including stockings and Santa gift, and I do a pretty good job of staying close to that amount. I do start shopping earlyish (usually July/Aug) and I try to buy gifts that are things I know they'd like (like videogames, Legos, crafts for DD) rather than the exact item they're asking for.

Good Luck!

 

[mjantz]

For the American Girl doll, if you want some extra clothes for the doll Michael's puts a 40% off coupon in the paper just about every week & they sell a brand of clothing that fits American Girl dolls. I'm going to get a few sets for DDs AG doll.

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

Personally, I start shopping about July for the rest of the family. We have alot of nieces and nephews so we have to. I know we don't have to buy for them, but I'm all about seeing the looks on their face! I look for clearance items and dollar store stuff, you'd be amaze how you can find cute items in the dollar stores. I found these adorable lipbalms(disney princesses) for my neices. Found Iron Man and Lightning McQueen cups for the nephews that I'll fill with candy for them. All these only a $1 a piece! You can find puzzles(got a Jack Sparrow one for DS), and what kid doesn't love bath bubbles! They have these cute little stockings at Walmart for $1, I've been slowly buying a few each time I go for the our brothers and sisters and will put little trinkets and goodies in them! If you slowly buy you can get alot of small stuff and stocking stuffers before Black Friday, then the couple big things the kids want(our kids), we look at what bargains there are on Black Friday or the Christmas sales and get them then! I also love Ebay and find bargains on there, sometimes you can get good prices on the movies,games and alot of clothes on there. I'm all about saving a buck, besides the more I save the more I have to put up for the next vacation!
I hope my rambling helped a little!

 

[MKCP5]

This is interesting.........to be honest I have never actually tallied up how much I spend for each of them. But my guess would be in the $200 - $250each range. Things are very tight this year. We have the same $$ but are committed to getting rid of debt and living more simply, and like everyone we are concerned about the economy. The kids are 12 and 14 and not overly big on material things, but of course like presents. I really hate to buy video games, even though that is what DS wants. It kills me to pay $60 for Xmas, when it will be $30 by Feb and he will beat the game before he is back at school in Jan anyways!!! aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh.........but it is what he WANTS. And the gift portion of Christmas is about getting something for someone that you wouldn't ordinarily buy. Something fun just for fun. Not socks and underwear!!

So.....I don't have any answers but am pondering the same thing about $$ I would like to stick to $100 but don't know if I have the guts to do it!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

OP, when I read your post, the thing that jumped out at me was that the boys wanted a gift from you and one from Santa. The best gift you can give them is to explain "your" true meaning of Christmas. If you are religious, use that, if not, it would be a great time to explain your feelings about Christmas. The bottom line is that if your children get a gift or two from Santa, they shouldn't be getting gifts from you. Yes, maybe socks and undies can be from Mom/Dad, but no more than that. Overload on gifts becomes a habit. Your kids are used to seeing the tree overloaded. So re-wrap the gifts that they have never been opened, we all have them in our house. Or a gift they love can be re-wrapped and given to another child. This creates sharing and more gifts under the tree without adding any additional clutter. We started this and now it is no longer about how much is under the tree, but what is really wanted.

This is how we started budget Christmas:

We explained our true meaning of Christmas, then my children were told they would get gifts from Santa (when they were younger), and Santa only buys 2 gifts per child, because he buys for everyone.

Now that they are older, they get a budget. This year is $250.00. This is actually higher than usual for us, but we are not doing any allowances this year and the kids know it, so they decided they wanted the visa/mastercard that they could use throughout the year to do as they please. We will not be paying for their entertainment, they will. So actually it is costing me less for the upcoming year and both of them will learn about budgeting.

Good Luck to you, and remember it really comes down to what you really want. If you don't mind spending the $, you should do it. If you really need to get a handle on the budget, you need to put your tough skin on and stick with whatever plan you choose.

 

[mominwestlake]

I wonder if it would work telling them I have X number of dollars to spend on each of them and to make a list of what they would like (no guarantees) based on that amount. It would be a good way for the younger kids to brush up on their math skills. I'll have to think about this one.

Santa has always brought 2 presents for each child to our home and then the rest come from mom and dad. I am not going to change that now since I only have one who totally believes and 1 or 2 who are on the edge of not believing.

 

[EthansMom]

The bottom line is that if your children get a gift or two from Santa, they shouldn't be getting gifts from you.

We actually do one or two gifts and stockings from Santa and a few more gifts from Mom and Dad. The gift from Santa is never anything expensive (usually $25 or less) because Santa has to give gifts to all of the kids.

OP, it may help you to think about what gifts you want to give the kids as opposed to what gifts they are telling you to give them. A "Wish List" doesn't have to be a "Shopping List".

 

[allyphoe]

I wonder if it would work telling them I have X number of dollars to spend on each of them and to make a list of what they would like (no guarantees) based on that amount. It would be a good way for the younger kids to brush up on their math skills.

I'm a big fan of the budget.

A Scholastic book order form came home from school on few weeks ago. DD5 went through the catalog with me, and marked 12 books / packs of books, totaling $87. "Go through the catalog and mark the books you want" is obviously not the best method of picking books.

The next day, I told her to go find some chips or tokens or a handful of small things. She came back with a pack of M&Ms, and I doled out 10 to her. Each M&M represented a dollar. When she was out of M&Ms, she was out of books.

"This book is 13 whole dollars? I don't have that much!" 4 M&Ms spent on a book she hadn't wanted in the prior pass. Turn the page. "But the Hello Kitty book with necklace is $7, and I only have 6 M&Ms left!" Alas, so sad. You could take the first book off the list and get Hello Kitty, and still have $3 left. Or Barbie and the Diamond Castle is only $4. Two M&Ms left. "I can't find any books that only cost $2!" I look at the order form on the back, and identify a book she'd marked before. "Does it come with the feather pen, or is that with the book next to it that costs $5?" No pen with the $2 book. Are you sure you want that first $4 book, because you didn't pick it before? "Hey, this Tinkerbell book is $4! I'll get it, instead."

Three books, $10, no whining or complaints or begging for more. And I put the M&Ms back in the package when we were done, too.

(DD isn't old enough to have terribly expensive tastes. Our rule is that she can put anything she likes on her list for Santa, but that Santa will not bring everything on the list. She normally gets 1-2 things from us, and 1-3 things each from each set of grandparents and the two aunt/uncle/cousin families. So 5-10 gifts total. She gets clothes and books throughout the year, so doesn't get them at Christmas.)

 

[luvmy3]

The bottom line is that if your children get a gift or two from Santa, they shouldn't be getting gifts from you.

This may be how you feel, but that doesn't make it the be all end all way it SHOULD be.

OP I shop all year for Christmas. I am able to find fantastic deals on things I know my kids want or love this way. I pick things up on clearance for 75% or more and just throw them in storage bins in the garage until Christms (or birthdays). I do not go overboard because I know there will be the new hot gotta haves closer to the Holidays. I shop Targets toy sales in January and July and I frequently check Amazon for great deals. I shop eBay too, but I don't seem to find such great deals there anymore. If you aren't already a member of an internet shopping forum I would definitely join one. I belong to one and I can't tell you the money I have saved (and spent ) from the information there. They know whats where online and at b&m's.
My kids are 5,8 and 10 and yes they want alot of stuff that they see but I just tell them that Santa brings what he can. He brings something he knows you like, and he brings things he would like you to have, but in no way does he bring everything.

 

[libinatorsmom]

SALES and CLEARANCE!!! are 1st... watch the websites... For Example My mom and I just did a disney shopping order and got a sleeping beauty dress, 3 shirts, a princess soccer ball, a pair of leggins, and a sleeping beauty tumber all for my DD4 (from my mom) for $55.00 and that was WITH shipping... mom (grandma) is now set for my daughter with things she will love and I got to earn MYpoints too!!!

I always look for deals - I got these adroable cinderealla and sleeping beauty carriage with doll sets for 5.00 the other day at Pamida - regularly $12.95 and my daughter LOVES these.. .they are hidden away...

Just SHOP and you will find the deals...

Now buying my hubby gifts and staying under budget is the hard one... this year hes getting a brand new 4-wheeler

 

[heartsy77]

I have stated on theses boards before last year I did Victorian Xmas list which was great at limiting the number of presents I bought. This year I came up with the idea to buy 1 gift each week after my DH and I get our paychecks. I started in mid Sept and I am already almost done!! On weeks when I have extra cash I may buy more than one present! With 4 kids 3 parents, brother, teachers, and bus drivers etc. it adds up! Breaking down to a weekly chunk is much easier and doesn't make me feel overwhelmed!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

The bottom line is that if your children get a gift or two from Santa, they shouldn't be getting gifts from you.

Good Luck to you, and remember it really comes down to what you really want. If you don't mind spending the $, you should do it. If you really need to get a handle on the budget, you need to put your tough skin on and stick with whatever plan you choose.

Sorry if this pushed buttons but the OP asked how we budget Christmas, and this is the way we budget Christmas. And if you put it all in context, the end of my post specifically states that the OP "should" do what's best for her....

 

[mominwestlake]

If you aren't already a member of an internet shopping forum I would definitely join one. I belong to one and I can't tell you the money I have saved (and spent ) from the information there. They know whats where online and at b&m's.
.

What is an internet shopping forum? This sounds like something I'd like since I do so much via the internet.

I wish I would have done the Victorian Christmas when my first four were all little. That is a great idea!

Also, I think it's harder to have a low dollar amount budget when your kids are above 10. Does anyone else agree with me? Most of the clearance stuff I see when I do get out to the stores would work for younger kids but not older ones who like specific things. I am basically finished shopping for my 6 year old old ds because he is really easy to buy stuff for and I can find bargains on what he likes.

I have been watching amazon and buy.com. I also save all my change now and take it to coinstar for an amazon gift certificate. I use that money or money in my paypal account to shop for Christmas.

I am off to add up what I have spent on my youngest.