My adopt- a- family budget challenge

[Mouse House Mama]

My sister and I adopted a family one year and we also included a digital camera, extra batteries, and a memory card. We got it on a great sale and we felt that as a Mom we would be sad if we never had pictures of our kids when they were young. I know it isn't exactly budget but for anyone doing an angel gift it might be something to consider. I think you did a great job with your budget. That family is going to be very happy. I am so glad you got them warm coats. The thought of anyone having to be cold (especially a child) upsets me so much.

 

[Kitzka]

Yes. I was very upset by the lack of warm coats for the kids. DH and I were ready to do without gifts for each other in order to buy good coats for the kids. I am happy I found a deal on them though.

We are going to drop off the coats early so the kids can use early as its starting to get cold now. The toys and Christmas gifts will be dropped off closer to Christmas.


Lara

 

[Graciesmom77]

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

I'm not, but I would love to hear more about it!

 

[marcemc]

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

You have been a big blessing for this family. We enjoy giving back in a way in which we can maximize our money.

We wait until black friday adds come out to make a list, that way we can get the most stuff @ the best prices. If I run into a major deal during the year I also buy it and keep it for later.

A month ago, I bought Toy Story 3 toys that were at clearance (75% off) at Fry's, basically, I cleaned up the section at the store......... and we have about 30 cool gifts to give to kids this year for about $50.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I know this only adds to the cost -- but what about gloves to go with the coats? I think Target and Walmart have the $1 gloves. I know that sounds cheap but I actually have a pair of the $1 gloves that I keep in my bag and I wear them all the time. They are warm and come in a bunch of colors.

(on a side note, have you had so much fun shopping for them? I am sponsoring a 16 year old girl this year who is a foster child and I have never met her -- but I have been shopping for her Christmas gifts and it has been so much fun. I just wish I knew more about her.....)