My adopt- a- family budget challenge

[Kitzka]

As a member of the budget board I always strive to save money when I can. Even when it comes to giving to others I try to do it economically. This year when we adopted a family i was taken aback when it was a family of 6 (eek!)

Initally I thought there is no way I am going to be able to get gifts for 6 people on a budget? Esp when the kids were asking for/needed winter coats.

Then I decided to see this as a challenge. Could I get a family of 6 gifts for a very reasonable amount of money?

I set a budget challenge of $200. So with that I was going to somehow buy coats for the 5 kids, toys, towels for the mom and possibly a gift card for groceries.

Here is where I stand at this point:
Coats for all 5 kids $75 ($14.99 on sale at Macys)
board games for each kid $31 (I had 2 games from a previous sale that were only ($2 each)
3 brat dolls for the older 3 girls $21
Local grocery store gc $50

So far I am at $177. I don't think I am going to get them all gifts for $200 but think I can do it for $225.

I still need to get a doll for the 3 year old, some towels for the mom and a football or basketball for the little boy.

I am estimating $12 for towels (on sale at target for $4), $15 for the doll and $10 for the football.

I am estimating that it will be about $215 which leaves me about $10 for wrapping supplies.

So how do you think I did?

Lara

 

[dward1961]

WOW I think you did a great job, you should be proud!!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I think you're doing great . And to help your budget a little bit, I just got my ds a basketball at Walmart for $5 in the sporting goods dept. They also have a set with a basketball and junior football and small pump for $7. That might be worth checking out.

 

[amez]

wow that's amazing. Walmart is having towels on sale on Black Friday if you or someone you know is going shopping that day. I think off the top of my head they are like 1.40 or something like that

 

[brewcrew]

AWESOME! I know that it will all be appreciated!

 

[Kitzka]

Thanks for the tips! I may get the target towels as a just in case and see if my mom will pick up some of the walmart ones. I can get 4 or 5 at $1.40!

And awesome about the walmart basketball.

Lara

 

[CC12005]

I think you did fabulous & that family will be so happy that they have both wants & needs wrapped with love. Very generous of you & I'm sure that family will remember your generosity for years to come.

 

[carebee21]

I think you did a wonderful job and that family is going to be so appreciative. If you haven't picked up the jackets yet, just a heads up that Walmart is going to have $8 jackets on black friday. I picked one up for my son the past two years so he had a jacket to ride his bike and scooter in (he always falls and leaves scratches and scuffs) and they were suprisingly pretty decent quality.

 

[EeyoreEma]

That is awesome!! That is going to be a very happy family!

 

[msmama]

I think you did great!

Also, on the jacket thing - last year Gymboree had them on sale for $8.99 on Black Friday. I'm crossing my fingers this year as I wait to buy my angel gift.

Also for a baby doll - I think Targets Black Friday ad said they were going to have Disney Princess "My First Baby Doll" for $4.99!

 

[PaulaSue]

If you can up the budget a little I would get towels for the whole family. I am sure a new set for all would be a nice blessing. Maybe some nice bath stuff for mom to go with her towel. (free/cheap with CVS, ECBs)

Sorry not helping the budget but you are doing a GREAT Thing! Please take my suggestion with a grain of salt. It was just a thought.

 

[mrsltg]

You should be very proud of yourself!

 

[Kitzka]

If you can up the budget a little I would get towels for the whole family. I am sure a new set for all would be a nice blessing. Maybe some nice bath stuff for mom to go with her towel. (free/cheap with CVS, ECBs)

Sorry not helping the budget but you are doing a GREAT Thing! Please take my suggestion with a grain of salt. It was just a thought.

Thanks (and thanks everyone else)! This is a great suggestion. I am going to see if I can cut back on what i spend on my own parents and get something more personal for the mom like personal toiletries as you mentioned.

I didn't even think about raiding my stash of CVS items. It never occured to me that the cleaning supplies or hygiene items would be welcome but i think i can put together a nice basket of things so she has something other than towels to open christmas morning.

Thanks again everyone and if there are suggestions i welcome them!

Lara

 

[Shelly888]

You did awesome! What a wonderful CHristmas you will all have. Blessings to you, cheers!

 

[PaulaSue]

Glad you like it. I felt weird suggesting when are already are doing so much.

 

[DominicaAnne]

Wow! What a blessing you are to that family! Your generosity is inspiring

I think those gifts sound perfect, and I think the mom will really appreciate the basket of personal items, and how great that you already have them "in stock" in your cupboard.

 

[reginaastralis]

I think you did a wonderful job and that family is going to be so appreciative. If you haven't picked up the jackets yet, just a heads up that Walmart is going to have $8 jackets on black friday. I picked one up for my son the past two years so he had a jacket to ride his bike and scooter in (he always falls and leaves scratches and scuffs) and they were suprisingly pretty decent quality.

I second these jackets. I bought my dd one a size up last year because it's never cold enough to warrant one year of winter jacket use *though last year was, lol* I was surprised that it still looks as good as it does. You won't be able to tell it was bought the year before.

 

[Graciesmom77]

I think its great and even though I don't know you, I am proud of you! What a great thing to do for a family. This is what Christmas is all about.

You did a great job on shopping and got some great deals.

Thanks for doing something so meaningful and great!

 

[DominicaAnne]

Graciesmom77 - Not to hijack the thread, but are you the Graciesmom from my April 2011 birth board? If so, hi!

 

[Rania]

You did great!! How can I go about adopting a family?