Was your "budget" gift-giving a success?

[descovy]

In light of many of us cutting back on costs, with kids who expect *PRESENTS* how well did it go over?

We have 3 girls age 9,7,5 and spent $50-$70 each... including stocking stuffers. Things were bought *thoughtfully* through the fall. It did help that I worked at Target and found good stuff on the clearance endcaps.

Wrapping presents the other week, I was a little dismayed that all 3 girls' gifts and stocking stuffers fit in a medium sterilite tub... with room to spare. Would the kids be crazy disappointed this year? Of course like every other kid they had like 20 things on their list, including wii's and the like

No, no, no. They were crazy happy. Such a good happy Christmas. I don't think they can tell that we spent much less this year. And even double, triple the budget doesn't always catch their attention as well. I, for one will remember next year, as I watch folks talk about their $1000 gift budgets and feel the pressure to do the same...

No zhu zhu's or wii's but we got...

DD9... alarm clock (can plug her shuffle into it) $20
Learn to knit guide ($5, at half price books)
4pk crazy Knee Socks (cuz, I knew she would love 'em) $10 at Costco
2 American Girl "smart girl guide" books $15
TOTAL $50

DD7... speakers for her shuffle ($5 at ULTA)
DIY Knot a fleece blanket ($16)
ATM savings bank ($10 plus a $1 bill to try it out!)
2 American Girl "smart girl guide" books $15
TOTAL $37

DD5... her very own shuffle (finally!) $35 refurb
DIY sew a teddy bear $7
3 Junie B Jones books $1.67/ea or $5
Jewlery Box $16
TOTAL $63

Stockings were equal, just different colors, but in each was...
Scarves from Justice ($10)
2 Assorted Claires accessories ($1/ea on clearance!)
$5 Target gift coin
aluminum water bottle (on clearance $2)
Necklace from Girl Scout Store (Daisy/Brownie/Junior) $6-$10

TOTAL $25-30


Not a ton of presents from family either. My brother sent each one a toy, Mom sent $5 cash and earrings, Dad & stepmom got each an outfit from Target with their self-imposed $30 budget.

And yet my kids think they made out like bandits!

 

[stacy347]

Hello fellow TM !

I also did a budget Christmas this year and I had so much fun doing it!
I used coupons galore and I still can't believe some of the deals I got. My mom spent a shopping day at the mall with me and after seeing all of my discounts (and reaping some of the benefits since I shared the coupons , she said she'll never go Christmas shopping without me again, LOL).

Some of the highlights:

Hallmark ~ they had Madagascar character flash drives on the 75% off table so they were $5 each marked down from $20 each. I had 3 of the $5 off $5 coupons and the cashier let me get the last 3 flash drives so I only paid 30 cents each for tax! They are really cool because they are each loaded with 3 computer games as well as being a flash drive ~ the girls loved them.

JCPenney ~ used a $10 off $10 to get DD15 the leopard print Snuggie she wanted and only paid $4.99 plus tax.

Kohl's ~ used a $5 off $5 on the Seinfeld Scene It for DH (it was already on sale for half off so I ended up getting it for $7.99 plus tax). Also used a $5 off $5 on a bath set for DD15 which ended up being free!

Amazon ~ I get GCs for doing surveys so I got DD16 the CSI DVD game for free and I got DD11 the Dog Island game for Wii for about $2.

Borders ~ printed up 4 of the 30% off coupons and we used 2 when we first got to the mall for Twilight/New Moon games for DD12 and then on the way out of the mall we used the other 2 on books for the older DDs.

I also used coupons at BBW for stocking stuffers (got a few freebies there) and Sephora.com so the older DDs were able to get some of the girly stuff they like and I only spent about $10 there (one of my free Sephora samples was a Kat Von D fragrance sample and I swear that little vial was DD15's favorite thing that she opened, LOL)!

I also got the G-Force and new Tinkerbell movies (Blu-Ray combo packs) ~ waited till Target had them on sale for $19.99, used the $10 Disney coupons, $5 Target coupon and my 10% off ~ both movies for a few dollars.

They were all happy opening gifts and I am happy that I got killer deals ~ a win-win all the way around!

 

[timzagain]

We too were forced to cut back drastically on our usual Christmas spending. Our children are 11, 17, 17 (the girls) and 19 (the lone "boy" in the bunch)

Thanks to some savvy shopping - we were able to get really nice gifts at a huge discount - a charm bracelet watch for one DD, a digital camera for another, a new steering wheel and other car related accessories for the young man's car. Then there were the assorted smaller gifts and stocking stuffers.

The only gift we paid full price for was youngest DD's Nintendo DSi - I was contemplating getting her a less expensive gift (e.g. a cell phone purchased with the reward points from our plan) but DH convinced me to buy the DSi. I'm glad we went for the DSi - she loves it way more than she would have enjoyed the phone.

The older girls seemed equally pleased with their gifts. If they were disappointed (and I don't think they were), they did a really good job of hiding it!

The stepson, now that's another story - for years, I've taken issue with his air of entitlement. He has this crazy idea that we are to finance his penchant for overpriced stuff, in spite of the fact that he's working full time.

So I was less than impressed with his attitude, especially since his father just helped him with the car, and the insurance etc.

If he was disappointed this year, he'll be even more so next year. I'm not feeling very inclined to bust my butt to find gifts for ungrateful people, regardless of who they are! Since we apparently cannot please him no matter what we do, I do not feel the need to expend too much energy or thought. I'd rather direct my energies (and money) where they will be appreciated

DH and I have discussed it, and we would like to continue to keep our Christmas budget at or below what we spent in 2009. I'm made the first draft of my 2010 list already, scribbled down some ideas and I'm already starting to look for them.

 

[KibbyCat]

My husband is a Target TL, so we made out like bandits with his discount.

I bought some things back in July during the 75% toy clearance and hid them away. My husband had to work Black Friday, so he was able to score some cheap DVDs after his shift (saved us tons by doing the shopping himself - if I'd gone out that day, there's no telling how much I'd have spent! ) Then, last week, we bought some board games and stocking stuffers using our extra Target Visa 10% reward.

For my oldest daughter, I got a used American Girl doll on ebay. Spent less than it cost for a new one, and I lucked out - it turned out to be a rare "white body" doll that is more valuable and better made than the newer ones.
We also got her a Wii game and the Tinkerbell and G-Force movies at $3.50 each after discounts and coupons.

For my younger daughter, I scored a "Life of Faith Doll' on clearance at the local Christian bookstore. It is similar to American Girl, and she had seen one and commented on how much she liked it. I tried to get the American Girl she really wanted, but couldn't find one in my budget, so when I found the faith doll for $25 on the 75% off rack, I was relieved. I found a few other things she had asked for at Big Lots for cheap, so I know she was happy with her gifts.

For my oldest son, we got the one big thing he wanted, a new Wii game, plus a few cheaper games and Wii accessories.

For my youngest son, we got a Buzz Lightyear toy that says movie phrases. It was on a price cut, so we thought it was worth it.

We got each child a Zhu-zhu pet plus a hamster slide for them to share. And each one got various inexpensive trinkets for their stockings

I'm not sure how much we spent total, but it was a lot less this year than in years past. And my husband said that this was actually the best Christmas we've had in a long time. So I guess it's true that you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot!

 

[Tippythepooh]

Kudos to you parents!!!!!!!!!
There are to many families that have let the holidays get out of control. I set a $75 budget for each of my nephews. Since My Mom died 10 yrs. ago I am Auntie/Grandma so the gifts My brother and I give are the only family gifts they get. We tried to stress more of family time. Cooking together on Christmas Day and getting together again the next day for an all day B.F.B. (big family breakfast) with the economy and everyone working 2 jobs now we don't have the extra time like years gone by. We had guests (friends of their Dad's who really didn't have anywhere to gofor the holidays) We had a fine time. Our wii really got a work out as well as some great family movies w/ snacks. The presents weren't the main focus. They were happy with the air hog 2 pack , ds game and mp3 player they each got. There were also the traditional socks, and cheap boy's cologne. I look forward to seeing how much I can collect for next year on the same budget. Let's keep each other informed

 

[xbatman]

We ended up being more budget than I had intended. I look at the big pile of bargains I had for DD6 (that I knew she'd love) and ended up keeping the DS and games I bought her for birthday presents in July.

She was thrilled with the other gifts, and now I already have the DS, games and BF Target Barbie scooter for her birthday. Come July, I'll be glad to only have to fund a party!

 

[Dizneydaz]

I don't do a budget exactly but I was very happy with the bargains I got this year.

Here's a few:
Tink DVD/Blue Ray combo at Target $4.99

Preordered DVDs on Target.com (couldn't use Walmart.com here in Ca.) I had to pay tax but by going throught aaa.com/target I saved another $1. Total cost per DVD (shipped free) was $9.77. Got Harry Potter, Night at the Smithsonian, and G Force for DD10 (could have saved a little more if I had gotten G Force at Target with coupons like Tink).Got Angels and Demons for Dsis on Target.com. Got the new Star Trek for other DSis but ended up using it in a gift exchange after I went over my limit with her other gift.

Bought 3 DVDs at Target for $4 each (Black Knight, Mummy 3, and Sex in the City-that one only rang up as $2.99!) for other family giflt exchange.

Bought a few more of the $4 DVDs on BF at Target. Some for the family and others for family. These were movies I wanted to see when they were out at the movies but didn't. At $4 each it saved me almost $20 each if DD10 and I had gone to see them (tix plus popcorn). Great Deal!

Wii games-Bought 3 games at TRU. Paid full price but got $50 TRU Gift card back. Still a better deal than even the sale price being offered right now on 2 of the games I bought.

Stood in line at CVS one morning and got some Zhu Zhus for DD. Also went to one other CVS the same a.m. and picked up a total of 4 at regular price of $9.99. Also picked up 3 more at TRU one morning. Had too many for DD so sold 2 to my neighbor for her DD6 and DS8 (at cost). Gave one to me sister's granddaughter. Bought no accessories.

Used my coupons at B&BW 4 different times. Spent $10 each time and got $12-$13 product for free! (for me ). Also spent $3 on a soap and got free $8 lip balm for DD10. Picked up 2 True Blue Spa products in a bag (hand cream and body cream, retail $19) for only $10. Kept one and split the other one for DD to give as gifts to Uncle and Grandpa. Used coupon to get $12 Shower Cream (for me)

Went into my closet for a few gifts for cousin's kids. Items bought at a discount over the year. (LPS and Matchbox)

Also, not exactly for gifts but will save me money over the next month or so. Bought $25 GC at Rubios and got $5 coupon. Bought $20 (or was it $25) GC at Chick Fila and got free calendar loaded with coupons. Plan on getting at least one more $25 card at Rubios and a few more restaurants before 12/31. (Macarani Grill and Claim Jumper to name 2)

Best deal-got DD's grandparents to get her a Wii. Saved me $199.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I am a bargain shopper but it doesn't always mean that I set a budget

The best gift I had was a Vera Bradley bag I got at the outlet for $8 and put into a family gift exchange with a $25 limit. I put in some BBW soap and was very proud of my gift. I had spent about $12 and it was an awesome gift! Well - my DH's 90 yo Granmda ended up with the gift and when someone asked her what she got - her reply was - some smelly soaps I quickly added and a Vera Bradley purse so the rest of the family would not think I skimped on the gift. It was a bummer that the one person who truly would not appreciate the Vera Bradley bag got it!

 

[timzagain]

Great job on the bargain hunting, everyone!

If there's one lesson I learned this year is that Christmas does NOT require overspending to be enjoyable and memorable.

I also realized that I could cut back even further without giving tacky gifts. It just requires some thought, not to mention some creativity when it comes to packaging/ presentation of the gifts.

Shopping year round is also great for keeping the cost down - once you make a list and stick to it! I took advantage of good deals throughout the year. The problem is that I picked up so many bargains that I ended up with a surplus. Nice to have, but not really necessary if you're trying to cut costs. Some of the items I've stashed for upcoming birthdays etc, others I passed onto my mother/ sister so that they could give them as gifts!

A few months ago, I was chatting with a friend of mine about Christmas spending. She was lamenting that over the years, some of her friends had gone completely overboard in their spending on her children, and she felt pressured to try to keep up, even though her budget didn't allow. I predicted then that this Christmas would have been the start of a return to reasonable expectations in gift giving! Many of my friends and family did scale back, but there were a few (including one recently laid-off friend) that still spent extravagantly.

 

[DVCBELLE]

Don't forget - those friends could have been great bargain shoppers as well! I gave a Vera Bradley BackSack to my cousin's DD and she must have thought I spent a lot when in reality it cost me $10.

I gave Tinkerbell Blu-rays that cost me $7.

I gave my son's teacher a Vera Bradley Bag ($8), BBW anti-bacterial hand soap ($2), and a $25 gift card I got using mypoints so it cost me nothing. Her gift was worth over $70 and I paid a whopping $10!!

I give school notecards and a school magnet calender I get from Vistaprint for only the cost of shipping - usually less than $10 and can spread it out among all the specials teachers and secretaries at school.

I never worry about what I give or get for gifts - it is always the thought that counts for me! I give to my cousin's kids and they do not give to my kids but DH and I know we are in a better position to give than they are and are happy to give them gifts.

 

[acename]

We had a budget year this year too. We have a baby due in february so all extra money is going for hospital and baby expenses.

For my 2 year old I spent less than $100 on everything. She got a princess dress up trunk(biggest gift $25), a baby doll ($12), Tinkerbell blu ray, Strawberry Shortcake DVD(free from trading in old movies at Book and Music Exchange), a Princess ride-on toy (consignment shop $10 looks brand new) and new blocks to go with her mega bloks ($5 at goodwill for a massive box of them) Her stocking was some princess items from the dollar spot at target and a few special candy items.

Everyone else got either homemade items or inexpensive items too.