Christmas on a super budget!

[clh2]

As others have said - eliminate gifts to EVERYONE that you can get away with this year. It sounds like you've had a rough year, and yes, people will understand if you need to change your Christmas gift giving.

I would also mention to the families that you had to re-think your Christmas, just so they aren't caught by surprise.

And - try to start some new traditions with your family. Maybe go out near Christmas to take in the Christmas lights. Maybe you could all prepare a fabulous Christmas breakfast, or a great Christmas dinner., and serve it "special", maybe by candlelight. But make it a "team effort" with your kids, maybe let each child pick their favorite thing to add to the meal. You might end up with hot dogs and mac'n cheese, but so what! Maybe do a nice late-night candlelight service on Christmas Eve.

A couple of our traditions are - we eat Chinese (sometimes take-out, sometimes at the restaurant) on Christmas Eve. Depends on what time we go to church on Christmas Eve. We open up our presents after church. Santa still comes "to those that believe" even, though DD is 16. We do that on Christmas morning. And - DD and I usually stay in our Jammies until about 5 pm on Christmas day. Plus - Christmas Day is a HUGE movie day in our house. And - we have a fire in the fireplace ALL day, so the family room is toasty.

Don't feel that everything has to be related to gifts. Some of the best Christmases are based on the quality time spent as a family, as well as the memories. Can your family volunteer at a local organization that needs help?

You've not mentioned how old your kiddos are. That might help with some recommendations from other dis'ers.

Good Luck to you!

 

[Colinsmom]

Also Amazon is a great place to buy toys. Just make sure you get your total to $25 for items that say Free Super Shipper savings(or something like that) and they ship for free.

Better than that, join Amazon Mom for FREE and get a FREE Amazone Prime membership for the next 3 months, which gives you free 2-day shipping on any size order (for items that qualify for Prime). That lets you take advantage of the deep discounts on toys that come about between T'giving and Christmas without spending money you don't have to get to $25 for free super saver shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/welcome

 

[merekc]

Couple of more ideas

Depending on the ages of your kids, the dollar stores really do have some great finds. I often see popular character puzzles, coloring books, whoopie cushions, inexpensive items that they still love. They make great filler.

I am getting a few gift cards this year for the kids because they always want to go buy things. If there are places that you know you will be spending money at occassionally, you might get them $5 gift cards to those places. You can always wrap them up in large boxes, weigh them down etc. For example, if going out for ice cream is a treat, get them a gift card for that. If you go to McDonald's once a week, give them a gift card and let them choose the night you go.

I have a reader so I hit the thriftstore all of the time for books. There are great condition books that can be picked up for $.50. I spend more than that in library late fees.

Target endcaps. I hit all the clearance endcaps when I go to Target. Recently there have been tons of video games for around $5-10. Some of them are great games that are only discounted because of new year versions coming out. They also have a great dollar spot.

I see a lot of people who make family gift baskets for extended family. They buy bargin bin movies and pair with popcorn and treats for a movie night gift. The same can be done for your kids. Make things look like more than they are. A lot of times it is the little things that your kids go crazy about.

Last Christmas there were crazy deals on new DVDs coming out. Keep your eyes open for new movies with coupons and the best sale price. My best deal last year was a Blu-Ray movie with coupon that came to $8 and then had a coupon for a free bag of Doritos on it.

I had to buy boy scout popcorn from a close friend, so I stuck back the two bags of overpriced caramel popcorn and they are going in stockings. Keep your eyes open for opportunities like this.

I truly believe there are going to be incredible deals this Christmas while stores try to entice people in to boost their sales.

 

[torinsmom]

Artscow.com has lots of cool photo gifts at cheap prices. If you start an account there, you will get all kinds of coupons for free items. The shipping is not free, but you can get multiple free items in one order. They will also send you coupons for items a couple times a week. The coupon items usually have free shipping. I just ordered photo ornaments that were $2.99 each with free shipping. Check them out!

ETA: Shipping takes 1-2 weeks, as they are in China.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Since the end of July i have been doing SwagBucks and earned $35 in amazon giftcards (and we went away for 2 weeks so I didn't use the comp then). I think I average about $5 every 2 weeks in amazon giftcards, by the end of November I hope to have $50 and I could get my cousins and DD some stuff.

I got a free princess scooter from Disney Movie rewards for DD.

I got some american girl items from a local consignment shop.
Nellie (retired, the doll is over $150) I got her for $60 in excellent condition.
Kit's Desk (on AG website for $70) I got for $30, again great condition)
2 AGs outfits, $10 each, they go on the website for $24-$32 each and both are in great condition.
I am a HUGE fan of consignment shops!

 

[QVCshopper]

If you have a Picture People near you, take the kids and for $9 you can get 6 sheets of any size through 10/31. That could cover most of your adults; maybe add a Dollar Store frame.
http://www.picturepeople.com/promotion/email/Fall_2010/09_landing.html

For the kids, Target and KMart deeply discount toys. Or, AC Moore & Michaels often have 50% off coupons. Just check their sites. Maybe you can pick up some after Halloween stuff at a big markdown; that's the stuff that usually goes into my kid's stocking.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

I agree with the posters about focusing gifts on your own children this year. No matter their age concentrate on finding that one gift they really want, versus considering quantity. Especially the older children will appreciate that. If one of the children is into clothes, do not buy them, instead give cash and a promise for lunch out and a day long shopping trip. You get so much more after Christmas. If it is an electronic item they want either get them exactly what they want, or give them money/gift card and they can save up to get what they want.

Exchanging gifts with relatives. Very important as someone else posted to announce immediately that you cannot do the usual gift exchanges. Give them the option to opt out, and also offer to do a less expensive exchange. Make them choose.

Many folks give to the little ones (cousins, nephews, nieces) and choose to exclude the teens. I do the opposite. To me it is the teens who greatly appreciate the gifts. Give a small token gift to a little one, make a puppet, one of those snuggly polar fleece blankets....

For the teens set a budget and get them a gift card to their favorite store. Even if it's $10.00 then they can put it towards something more expensive that they want. Or get them McDonald's money, or to wherever their group hangs out. If it is a teen who thinks $10.00 is "cheap," then so sad too bad for him/her.

Stockings will take some shopping around, but don't forget you can use their favorite junk food that you never buy, or an expensive shampoo that they like....whatever you do not currently buy. At Jo-Ann Fabrics and Michael's they have these 2 inch little wind up toys. One guy does this little dance. Really cute.

For holiday foods instead of the usual huge assortment, as each child for their top two favorites and just make those. Same with dinner. You may be shocked to find out that big expensive dinner means nothing to them and they would rather order out pizza.

Adult gifts. Head to your kitchen. Whip up a batch of fudge or whatever you like to make. Wrap it up in a cute fabric scrap and tie with a ribbon. Done. No fabric? I'm sure the folks on here can come up with some inexpensive wrapping ideas. People like food gifts and they are cheap to make. If someone doesn't like fudge, or wants healthier recipes you can find things online like "lowfat healthy cranberry bread."

Remind yourself often that there is no reason for you to ruin your budget so that you can buy gifts. It is crazy what we put ourselves through, especially for people who do not need expensive gifts!

Skip cards this year. That's one expense you do not need to do. People will understand and if they don't? Again too bad.

Every time you feel the urge to shop concentrate on something else. Have the kid's friends over, make sugar cookies and have them decorate them. Kids of all ages really enjoy this. Curl up together and watch some Christmas videos. Check out your local library you will be amazed at the assortment, especially the classics. Make it an "appetizer night," and just eat junk throughout the movie. (Can you tell having "junk food" is a huge crowd pleaser at my house?!)

You can do this!!!

 

[l_mccafferty]

I made some peppermint, strawberry and orange creams. They don't cost a lot to make and you can dip them in chocolate.
Wrap them up nice and then gift them to any adults you need to buy for.
As for the kids, try ebay and etsy for a few less expensive gifts

 

[TLuvsD]

I make peppermint bark....use your Micheal's 40% off coupons to buy wilton melts, add peppermint oil and crushed candy canes. Pour out onto parchment paper and cool. Break up and bag. Huge hit and very inexpensive. Be careful about food gifts, especially chocolates, the $$$ can add up fast.

 

[hffmnheidi]

I have to second the be careful about food gifts due to varieties of food allergies/healthy living.

 

[crazelion]

Is it quickwards.com?? I am not finding anything under that.

quickrewards.net

 

[gillenkl]

Do you have a Michael's near you? I don't know your kids ages - you can use the 40% coupons to buy crayola products, art kits (the ones not on sale) - today I picked up a doll outfit (says it fits any 18 inch doll) and crayola color explosion for stocking stuffers - I think my total was $6 for both. Plus I got 2 more coupons for 50% off at the register.

 

[DawnM]

How old are your kids?

One year we had a tight budget and I went yard sale-ing from late Oct-early Dec.

I bought everything used and my kids said it was the best Christmas EVER!

They are older now and have specific games and such, I have told them there IS a price limit and they will not get everything on their list, so we will see how it goes!

Dawn

 

[DebMcDonald]

AC Moore and Michael's tend to have coupons one a weeks for 40 or 50% off an item. You can use one coupon per day. I do alot of my shopping there.

 

[budbeerlady]

Couponing to Disney has a Christmas section I keep checking. http://www.couponingtodisney.com/category/christmas-deals/

I stick to the budget, I know my Mom is happy with a nice used book so in the past I have searched the racks to find some nice cooks books. Depends on the year.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I've also received several Kohl's stick-ons on the local paper recently, $10 off any purchase of $10 or more..

more info please. what is a stick on?

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Remind yourself often that there is no reason for you to ruin your budget so that you can buy gifts.

REPEAT!
REPEAT!
REPEAT!

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Go visit micheal's crafts. They have a huge section (at least at mine) thats clearance, or under $5! I found the coolest doll house kit, victorian style, for $3 and the funiture was only $5! the dollhouse is only about a foot and a half tall but its really pretty sturdy. Last time I was there they also had race car kits, and some other cute kits for $2! I know I bought a popcorn bucket, some milk duds, and tossed in a dvd i got free for a perfect gift or a teen freind. Also go on yahoo and type in freebies. Depending on the age of your kids and there instrests, i have recived free coloring books, free blocks, free dvds (mostly horse training) and a few million magizines (without a bill EVER!) If you want a list of my favorite freeibie sites, let me know

 

[StitchBuddy]

We have done Christmas for less than $50 for our daughter on lean years. If I could not afford the big gift, then I would suggest that grandparents, aunts and uncles ppol their money together and buy it, my daughter was just as happy with that as she was with individual gift from each of them.

 

[Juliah]

You might not have the time/inclination, but I've handmade gifts for tight Christmases. Last year, I made everyone "heaties" -- those neck-warmer thingies filled with buckwheat seed hulls. I've also made themed fleece blankets. I'm no crafter by any stretch, so they were very basic and low-effort, but they turned out well.

Where do you get the buckwheat seed hulls?

Thanks in advance!