Giveaway Results: Another $100 Visa Gift Card from Scott Common Sense

With the agreement of the whole family, we’ve scaled back giving this year across the board. Each person will get and give only one gift. Less $ and less clutter!

I hope to make a lot of our holiday gifts for friends. This will save money and also make our house smell yummy!

I try to do all my purchases online so I’m not tempted with impulse buys.

My best tip is to give and decorate with handmade items!

ps. I have a couple of ideas on my blog: Handmade fabric garland/advent calendar and a really clever way to make a gift box from the loose halves of shirt boxes.

My best tip for staying on budget has been to price around online before heading to the store. Then I already know where to head for specific items. And I TRY (emphasize try!) to not be swayed by sales in the stores to tempt me into buying things that aren’t on my list. This year I’ve found more online at Amazon than ever before. Buying early and using the free shipping offer, it’s saved me trips to the stores!

My main tip is planning, pure and simple. Do some online browsing and create a document with links to the possible gifts for everyone on your list. Once you’ve done enough browsing, evaluate the list, calculate the cost, and delete or add items as needed…once you’re ready to buy, do lots and lots of comparison shopping!! And shop early so that you can get free or the lowest cost shipping.

We start looking for good deals at the end of summer for Christmas presents. We also have known for years the amount we spend on each person, and that only varies by $5 depending on how awesome the gift is! We also look at the day after Xmas deals to start stocking up for the following year!

My tip for staying on budget during the holidays, is to take some time before you go shopping to research ideas for what to get each person–that way you are able to focus your shopping and not go overboard buying lots of “ideas.” Also, keep a list of what you’ve seen, where and for how much. That way you can go back if need be.

shop online when free shipping is available. buy quality handmade goods from etsy.

My best tip would have to be to set a spending limits on presents so you don’t go overboard!

Making a list and checking it twice I make a list of what we’re getting and check all the store ads to be sure I’m getting the best deal and I stick to the list so we stay on budget.

I use the internet to research all my holiday purchases before I make them, even if I buy locally. This helps me know how much I’ll need to spend and stick to my budget.

We shopped EARLY (Sept/Oct) for our boys(ages 22 months & 3 1/2 years), stuck to a budget ($200 each), and bought them the things that they have wished for all year. We’ve been able to avoid all of the impulse buying that really adds up since we know all their gifts are already hiding in the basement! For everyone else, making a list *at home* for the items we are shopping for keeps us focused and within the budget, too.

Shopping at Walmart and using coupons are the best ways to stay on budget this holiday season. Another idea is to do a Secret Santa, instead of having to buy a gift for every single relative.

My best tip is to make a list and stick to it! Really, it’s my best budgeting tip for anything: The List! Thanks!!

I make a list and stick to it…I also look for freebies…just got the code for a free photo calendar and that will be a gift for someone! I also like to bake…people love not having to do the work, just enjoy the eating and a batch of cookies can go a long way

I try to buy a few things on sale early in the year. I’ve found this works really well for picking up inexpensive stocking stuffers and other gifts for my daughter.

My tip is to make your own gifts as often as possible. People really enjoy the homemade touch, and you can make your gift-giving easier by making similar gifts for most people on your list. You can change it up yearly or just stick with a “signature” gift.

My best tip has been going through my home looking at things I do not want and looking how I can bling them up and make something new as a gift for other. For example clothes I made fabric bags to hold gifts and cigar boxes I can make into pretty storage as a gift. Clarice

write out a Christmas list with the prices and stick to it

We have been on a budget for about 2 years now and it is the best thing we have ever done! With a 13 month old, and a new baby coming in February, we’ve learned a lot about saving (cloth diapering!) and staying on budget. “Something” always comes up, and we’re glad we’re able to pay cash for things when we need to!

To stay on our budget this season, we’ve set a limit for each of our nieces and nephews for gifts. All of the adults have agreed to only spend on the kids, so we’re saving lots of money there!

The $100 gift card will help us finish up getting all the kids their gifts and should also help us to finish stuffing our son’s stocking

Homemade gifts!

My best tip for staying on budget this holiday season was to start shopping early! I started shopping sales in Christmas for gifts I knew would be perfect for family members – and they were on big time sales! For example – at the end of the summer, Marshall’s had a major clearance on kitchen accessories – I scored a big bamboo cutting board, regular price $19.99 for only $4.00 because they were clearing out the department- Its perfect for my sister! That’s my biggest advice – start shopping early, keep track of what/who you buy for, and save money come December.

I write down all my expenses in one place. When I see things adding up up up, it’s easier to budget on individual items. Looking at my grand total for all gifts so far is a big-picture reality check that I need sometimes.

Decide on the budget, not the gift! For instance, say you are going to spend $25 on someone instead of saying you are going to buy a sweater…this really helps!

My best tip is simply keeping a list and then looking for bargains. We’ve scaled back this year, but I was able to score some gift cards from survey sites etc., that have helped a bunch this year!

I make a list of the gifts I’m buying for each family member, then I shop around for the best deal (including online). Stick to the list and don’t impulse buy. But be flexible – if you see something else that the person would also love and it’s a better deal than something on the list, swap it out.

Give yourself a budget. Last year hubby and I only bought stocking stuffers with a $50 total limit on each other. It was fun to get creative and be frugal.

Start shopping early to get the deals!

Make a list and stick to it!

I spend a fair amount of time checking out the money saver blogs who are so wonderful to do a lot of the price comparison research for us! And I try to always use a service like ebates or shop at home which pays me back a % of what I spend. There’s no fee to use the service, so it’s a great tool to save money!

I make a list of who I will be buying gifts for and the approximate dollar amount I have set aside for that person. Then I try to match an appropriate gift to that person. If time permits, I try to make a homemade gift basket for each person and buy each person at least one gift. Of course, we spend a little more money on the younger children in the family. I also write up the menu early – shop all the sales and use coupons when I can.

My best tip – is look for the free stuff – deals all around have simplified my shopping – think outside the box – free postcards – those are perfect for note cards for teachers or coworkers – samples – collect them all year – for clearing out the clutter – and making a little extra $ – we try to do a garage sale each december – the girls know they have to clear out space to make room for the new stuff – or Santa won’t bring any new ones – they also pick a few good ones and we donate them to somewhere – a children’s home or salvation army – they look forward to helping others now and really pick the best ones – sometimes toys i would never dream they would give up!

We scaled back our Christmas list and are making a lot of gifts this year.

Do your shopping throughout the year. I am always keeping an eye out for items on sale and putting them away for birthdays or Christmas. Helps so much! I also shop on line the same way.

This year I am doing a better job of keeping a list of gifts. When I find something on sale (like VS 3/$30 sweaters) I buy so I can have 3 gifts for the price of 1. I’m also price checking and searching alot online to make usre I get the best deals I can find. I even went out on Black Friday, which I never do, granted I went out at 7:30 not3 am, but I still found some great gifts.

Everyone is getting one gift this year because my husband was laid off in June. One son is going to get a $50 keyboard that I scored on Black Friday because we had to give up our piano when we moved to a smaller place. Everyone else will get something they need. I think we’re all going to be less stressed trying to come up with the “perfect” gift.

I do my shopping throughout the year and look for items that are on sale. My children painted the mugs that you suggested in an earlier post for their teachers and grandparents and we are putting a few tea bags and chocolate coins in them. Thanks for the great idea.

I have money in envelopes for everyone, I never use credit. Once the money is gone for that person, Im done shopping for them, no matter how many things I didn’t get.

I use a combination of online shopping (to avoid impulse buys), buying gifts throughout the year when I see good sales and trying out some homemade gifts… Great homemade gifts ideas have been featured here at MomAdvice!!!

I try to do as many homemade gifts as possible. I like to sew, and that means that I have most of the supplies already on hand. I will decoupage a box (with the kids help) and then put a homemade item inside. Sometimes it is a blanket, a sweatshirt, but as my nieces and nephews get older, I find myself making makeup brush holders and custom iPod carriers. Hey, keeps me in budget.

I shop ahead of time. I also make a list and stick to it instead of allowing the hype and ads to suck me in:0
Thanks for entering me.

My best tip for staying on budget is DON’T GO SHOPPING! The more I stay out of stores, the easier it is to stay on budget. End of story

Stay organized! Make a list of what you need to get and stick to it–don’t give in to impulse items.

I am shopping all the sales I can – cyber monday, black friday, and trying to make extra money by doing surveys and swagbucks!

My best tip is to give handmade gifts, and also to spend time with people rather than spend money on gifts. Time is the best gift – and it’s free!

My tip is to shop sales all year. When I see something on sale that will work for someone on my list, I get it and mark it off in my planner. I’m usually done shopping by Oct, for the most part.

I too like the idea of handmade gifts for limiting the budget for Christmas gifts… aside from that, the best thing to do is to get the whole family to “buy in” on the budget limitations… I mean they participate in the discussion, help set the limits, and agree to sticking to it.

I’m sure many families do this, too… We “draw names” for gifts. That way, you don’t have to get gifts for everyone, and no ones feelings are hurt because they didn’t get a gift from so-and-so.

One way to cut some holiday expenses is to keep decorations to a minimum, and to re-use gift wrap, ribbons and bows. I also got free holiday cards & presents through on-line deals. We haven’t paid a dime for cards, tree decorations, or gift wrap this year.

I am a knitter nad I have bought yarn throughout the year and knitted throughout the year. Most of the items needed for the projects were bought on sale or with coupons.

I’m having my six-year-old daughter hand make most of the gifts for our relatives, plus doing things like photo calendars for out of town relatives. She loves it!

Shopping early,only on sale and if we really really need it.

I budgeted and will continue to budget throughout the year to keep the holidays on target. With 4 kids that are almost all in teenhood or entering it shortly I pretty much have had to. As they get older the things they want are getting expensive and it is next to impossible to just pull $500 or so odd dollars out of thin air. I have found that it is just easier to take $25 a payday and put that towards Christmas.

Christine
dazed1821@aol.com

We make agreements with friends & some relatives not to exchange gifts among adults and to put limits on kid gifts.

My best tip is to shop throughout the year, and not save all the shopping for December. This way when I see a great clearance find, I can pick it up and cross a gift off my list.

Make a list and check it twice! No add-on presents.

My best tips for staying on budget this holiday season are stick with your shopping list and pay attention for online deals. I shop all year round and clearance rack to save, and do a lot of homemade gifts as well.

My husband calls me the queen of clearance. I start shopping for Christmas and Birthdays the day after Christmas. Luckily with my girls young, there hasn’t been the issue of wanting the newest toys until this year(My oldest now tells me what she wants)!!! So not only do I try to pick up a few things here and there throughout the year, I also make a point of getting up and out on Black Friday. Yes, the crowds are crazy, but it is worth it to save my husband’s hard earned paycheck. I also try to do crafts with my girls. These are great gifts for grandparents and even aunts & uncles. I also clip coupons, this year there have been some great toy coupons! The last thing I do for gifts to save money at Christmas time…I hit the blogging sites HARD! I check every morning for freebies and discounts, I have found so many great things this year for free or at a discounted price!!

I wish I was better on budget. My biggest thing this year is making thoughtful purposes – things I know my kids would enjoy vs just to have gifts under the tree. I have a spreadsheet that I use to track ideas as well as what I’ve bought so I don’t overbuy any one child.

lists, lists, lists. stick to them and don’t stray. I am not an organized person but I do hang on to this.

In our family instead of trading gifts with everyone, we draw names each year. This way we are only buying for one person. It really cuts on costs and gives you time to get a much more thoughtful gift.

I purchased all of my gifts at once from Amazon the other night (free shipping and no taxes). I managed to buy everything but one item on my list and a few stocking stuffers.

And now I plan on staying out of the stores and resisting impulse buys!

The second thing is that we actually called different sets of relatives this year and asked if they want to exchange gifts for the kids. One set does not want to exchange gifts, but wants to do a craft project. Another set wants to set a $20 limit per kid.

My best tip is don’t go shopping at expensive decorating stores, go to Goodwill or your local thrift store and you can find great things to use to decorate your house!

I’m making as many homemade things for Christmas as I can! Crayon Rolls for the kids with a coloring book from the dollar store! I also pick up stuff on sale when I see it throughout the year!

Shop early and never pay full price. I finished up all of my Christmas shopping today. Some things I bought at stores and some online, but I always put a coupon with a sale and saved a ton this year.

I haven’t spent much for the holiday season. I signed up for the first time with photo sites and now using those photos to make home made christmas ornaments and home made photo books. It makes great time to spend together with my daughter and she gets to do a little decorating and arts and crafts. I know the family will love the pictures.

We give 3 gifts (1 large, 2 small) for each member of our immediate family – that’s how many gifts the Magi brought! The rest of our gifts are “experience gifts” – good for a hike, a sleepover, etc. The kids love it!

I would have to say that they way i stay on budget is coupons, clearance and sales. I try to find and use as many as possible and don’t spend more just because I got something on sale.

Set a budget. I like to try and have cash to buy all my items so I can’t go over. Have a list of everything to buy and don’t stray from the list.

My best tip is to ask people for ideas about what they would like for Christmas and really LISTEN to their responses. With children, it’s helpful to give some guidelines first, ex. like price range.

This way you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you are giving someone what they really want. Who wants to spend $ on gifts that only provide lukewarm thank yous??

Decide on your budget (with your spouse, of course!), put the money in an envelope, and THAT’S IT! No dipping into savings again!! Definitely makes you look for deals, and think twice about some purchases.

Set a budget for the amount you will spend for each person. I am thinking about doing gift cards for all the adults that I buy for. After Christmas sales are so great and they can get so much more for the same amount of money after Christmas.

pscole3467 at gmail dot com

My husband is laid off now and we really cannot afford to buy anything this year. Since I am a scrapbooker and we did get our kids pics taken I am making gifts using my supplies as well as the kids pics. We are also all baking gifts and making ornaments.
Thanks~!

This year we’ve drawn names for the adults and it will save a bundle! It may be a little quieter on Cristmas morning but it’s worth not having to face the budget the day after for everyone.

I honestly shop all year long so that I can get the very best deals and make my dollars stretch!

My best tip is not to buy things simply for the sake of having a gift for someone, but to give gifts with true purpose and meaning. I’ve found such joy in making gifts. It may take longer, but they are the most special. Beyond the handmade gift being special and meaningful, these gifts prove to be quite gentle on the bank account!

Make a budget. List all the gifts you need to get and the top amount you want to spend. I plan on using my swagbucks points and $$ I get back from discover card to pay for some!

I try and shop online so I am not tempted by all the sales at the store and one side of the family does secret santa with a limit of $100 and and then the other side does a $50 dollar limit for each person.

For staying on budget, we’ve decided to first draw names for extended family and in our immediate family focus more on the stockings and then one big present per person. It’s fun because there we wrap all of the little gifts in the stocking, so there are plenty of goodies to unwrap, and the kids have to think harder about that one gift they’re interested in.

I buy gifts throughout the year (most of the time at end of season clearances) so that makes our holiday spending much more light!
sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

I always make my list ahead early in October and shop online to find the best price, even if I go to the local store to purchase the gift. By figuring out what to get so far ahead of time, I can always keep those items in mind when looking at Sunday’s ads, online sales, Black Friday, etc. That way I always know whatever I buy I end up getting it at the best possible price!

Plan gifts, as much as possible, before Christmas and shop year round

We save money by keeping things simple–only 2 gifts per child and one family gift for cousins & such.

My best advice is to holiday shop right after Christmas for decorations and gifts for the next year and then put them in storage so you don’t have to worry about them. I keep a list of what I’ve gotten people and buy gifts throughout the year. That way I get great sales and don’t have to wait till last minute when I pay an arm and a leg for everything.

I second the stay organized idea! The better my plan is, the less I panic and overspend at the last minute!

Happy Holidays! I listen to family and friends throughout the year about items that they really like, but don’t plan on buying! Then, I write their name down with the possible present and watch for sales. If there is something interesting at the black Friday sales, I will make a point of getting to them! Many thanks for such a fabulous prize giveaway drawing…..
Cindi

I go to a cash only system to make sure I don’t spend more than I can afford. But the best part is that I use a cash back credit card to get my cash meaning that I make money on cash! Works great for me.

We are making as many gifts as we can this year. My husband and I are making our gifts for each other and he is doing paintings or drawings for many of the other family gifts. I am also planning to make a lot of our decorations…there’s nothing like popcorn and cranberry garland.

With five children, we have to be very budget conscience with everything from food to gifts. Since most of our children are teenagers, explaining to them we are scaling back on the gifts, making our own gifts and being selective on who we are giving to is a must. Spending time with our family has become more important than the actual item.

My best budget tip? Not to have any money! It forces me to be REALLY creative with WHAT I ALREADY HAVE! Homemade mixes and crafts, art… I call these my gifts from the heart! And if I need something to add to it, it’s just a minor purchase.

P.S. If there is something that I see throughout the year and it’s on CLEARANCE, I might tuck it away until Christmas nears!!!!!

The best tip to save money during the holiday season is to make a gift yourself. I am making loads of banana nut cakes in a small tin. With the perfect wrapping and a bow, it makes a wonderful gift. For the small kids, I usually watch for the in between sales going on with the help of email. I get alerts to these sales and take advantage of them. Usually they come with a coupon!! Starting in January, I will put aside several dollars a week in a christmas account for my spending next year!!

Between me and my husband we try to make as many presents as we can then shop around for the best deals on something the other people can really use.

I price compare EVERYTHING and use every coupon and free item available.

This year we decided to only give presents to the kids. Both sides of the families are giving only presents to the kids but I will surprise all the parents, grandparents, and great grandparents with some of the photo freebies I got thanks to Freebies 4 Mom!! Those freebies helped out so much since this is our daughters first Christmas but there is no way we could afford to buy all those items at full price! We also decided that we won’t put anything on a credit card, if it can’t come out of the bank right then then we don’t need it!! No more credit card debt is my husband and my presents to each other!

I started shopping early. I also have been using coupons and clearance deals to my advantage. Another great place for saving money on big ticket items has been Craigslist.

budgeting, planning & staying on track

We saved up all the gift cards we got for getting prescriptions filled at Target and used them towards our big Christmas Purchase. We limit the children to three presents plus stocking stuffers. I started purchasing for this years gift giving last January when Target had their after Christmas toys 90% off. Got $100 gifts for $10.

We are big into the homemade gifts for family and teachers in our home. We are going to do the kid painted mugs Amy posted about earlier for Grandparents and Teachers this year. For the non-homemade gifts, I research the best prices online, then make a list and I stick to it!! Put on the ‘blinders’, go in, get what I need and leave.

This year I have searched coupons and been very successful. I have watched the ads closely so I can take full advantage of my coupon. I often found two coupons for the same product so that helps a lot.

My best tip is to never go shopping without a list and coupons, and don’t buy anything you don’t have on that list and/or haven’t researched to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

clip coupons and watch slae flyers to get the best deals on Holiday baking supplies. Most go on sale around Thanksgiving sometime and if you combine the coupons and the sales you can really put a dent in that Holiday Baking Budget. Then bake gifts for as many as possible. Save old bananas in the freezer, or some stores sell them after they turn. I buy a whole bag of bananas for 99 cents, then add that to my cheap baking supplies for inexpensive but delicious banana bread. Makes a great gift. Include the typed up recipe on a card as a tag.

To stay on budget every year for Christmas, I look for the freebies, those great photo books that have been around lately make great grandparent and parent gifts, without costing me a dime. Christmas photo cards, all free, except postage. We also make handmade gifts, a gourmet coffee basket for the coffee lover, made from simple recipes (YAY me!), bread and jam baskets for some, quilts for others. I also shop the online deals year round, save $10 on a $20 purchase has been popular this year, use a site like ebates to earn cash back, and search for online coupon codes to combine with the sales. I start shopping the day after Christmas sales for stuff that won’t go out of style before next Christmas. Someone’s favorite cologne thats normally $35 is often found on the clearance isle for around $5, put away for fathers day, birthday, or next Christmas, it’s an awesome gift and he has no idea I saved a bundle on it! Oh, and don’t forget those great toy coupons lately, that can save a bundle right there!

New this year, though, is gift limiting. My husband and I will each buy the kids one gift and together we will get them one outfit, and another gift in each childs name for our local Share you Christmas. Since the shoppings not entirely done I can’t say how much that has saved, but it seems as if it will be a good amount over the overblown, buy everything they want Christmases of the past, and hopefully they will learn that it’s the spirit of the season to look forward to instead of the gifts.

I try to keep the spending down by shopping early and watching prices. If you decide early what you want to purchase, you can watch prices for months and purchase when sales come for the specific item.

Our frugal idea is to not exchange gifts…our birthdays our “our” special day and Christmas is Jesus’ birthday…a great time to focus on others and share what Christ has given us!

Never pay full price! Before I go out to a store, I check their website for printable coupons.

In our home, we are focusing on gifts that are homemade or gifts of service. We have to think outside the box ~ good for the brain. We shop carefully for the elements of the homemade items ~ good for the budget. We truly look to serve other family members ~ good for the heart. This is our second year to do this and there’s no regret in January when bills come in…we celebrate then, too!

We believe in quality instead of quantity. I choose gifts very carefully and only buy if on sale or I have a coupon. I will be making a few gifts this year as well. I made jewelry pieces for my mom, mom-in-law, sister, and sister-in-law. I will also be baking some goodies and making jars of what I bake. Also, checking for freebies have helped! I got a free photo calendar, among other things, to gift to the grandparents:-).

I’m not buying gifts for everyone this year. I’m spending a lot of time in the kitchen making candy, breads, and cookies that I’ll package up and give as gifts. This saves me hundreds of dollars.

I find that planning and pricing things out helps me stay on budget. Also keeping our gift list simple!

My best advice…. remember that GIVING is what the season is about.. give what you can to those you love and do it thoughtfully.

We decided not to draw names with one side of the family because everyone lives in different states and we usually ended up just exchanging gift cards anyway.

Have a list and a budget and stick to it.

We’re doing lots of photo gifts to save money this year. I found a new-in-its-package Hallmark photo album for 4×6″ prints, for 50 cents at a yard sale this summer. I saved that for my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I got a set of 3 elegant cloth-covered 4×6″ photo albums in the KMart clearance for $7 marked down from $20, in a cloth covered gift box, and I’m splitting them up to make 3 different gifts for my dad and my husband’s grandparents. I filled them with my 100 FREE photos from seehere.com (coupon code “prints”) and just had to pay around $5 shipping. Now that’s 4 personalized, inexpensive gifts!

Thanks for the chance to win $100 Visa gift card from Scott!

I make christmas ornaments, and do baking for family members. Instead of trying to find the perfect gift. And they love, to the point now mother, and sister also do ornaments for gifts now too. And it’s something the lil ones can help with. Although this year, I have ship mine back home to everyone, since this past year we have moved over 800 miles away. So now I am search of the best shipping deal… Happy Holidays to everyone!

My husband and I will be having our first child soon. He’s due 12/25! My Christmas baby! I’m not working currently, so I’ve been clipping coupons and searching the blogs. I’ve also been on the lookout for good deals online and looking through clearances at stores as well. This $100 gift card would really help us out with Christmas shopping. With the baby on the way & me not working, it’s been very tight and we can’t really afford to get anyone anything. My husband and I have agreed that our little one is our gift to each other this year…which is the most precious gift one can have! =)

I have been doing alot of “rebate” shopping which is saving our single income family a lot of $$ & allowing me to be a stay at home mom/wife & still make things work all year long & through the holidays

This single mama is always looking for ways to help the budget – Thanks for the giveaway!

Do your shopping throughout the year and use coupons for items that are on sale.

My best advice is just to enjoy the holidays. Who says you even have to spend any money? Enjoy the local free events in your community and remember it is NOT a time to go broke.

I know it sounds a bit crazy – but shop with cash. This means you have to plan. But, when it’s gone, it’s gone.

my ds bakes something for family.

Happy Holidays!

I put what I am going to spend on a gifts for a person in an envelope, and when it’s gone. I am done.

The best idea ever is homemade or put a small limit on everyone Really makes you have to think about the person and come up with somthing good. own personal coupons work well I will help with your yard work or I will babysit on a Friday night… That is what I like to give and recieve.

Merry Christmas

My #1 tip is to make a list and stick to it. When shopping, I first go through the local ads and compare prices. I also look on ebay and other web sources for the best deals. Then I check to see if there is any type of coupon code for the item. Coupon codes have saved me lots of money!

When doing holiday shopping, if I see a great deal but have already purchased at item for the kids I put it away for birthday’s or Easter. This works especially great on toys and clothes! I’m also a big fan of tag sales.

Wait for things to go on sale (and start early), use coupons, and shop through cash back sites. And of course entering giveaways might just help you out too.

This year I learned to knit. So I am trying to make alot of the gifts this year to help with the budget.

This year I took advantage of some sales and shopped early! I always shop sales!

I am coordinating my shopping list with as many sales as I can…online and off. This year seems to be working out good for me. Unfortunately, I am also cutting down on the amount of people I buy for.

I am a crazy Black Friday shopper and only spend what I can without carrying a balance on a credit card.

Sales only!

We draw names for extended family gifts, and I buy gifts when on clearance year round. I also buy gift wrap after Christmas (clearance)

Check every morning, websites for freebies or discounts. Have gotten great stuff for next to nothing.

This year, I am really cutting back. I am making a lot of my Christmas gifts at home as well as going to home shows where people make stuff out of their homes. A lot of them are stay-at-home moms who are trying to earn money to spend on their Christmas. Plus, they usually do NOT charge tax…so, there is a savings right there. We all win in the end.
Thank you.

I buy with cash (a set amount I go to the store with) and leave my cards at home. Also, I have offered cooking or babysitting coupons as gifts as well.

Making a list and sticking to it.

In order to save money, I usually try to buy everything closer to Christmas. The sales are usually better then. I never buy anything unless it is on sale. Also, this year my family is doing a secret santa. It is much cheaper so we don’t have to buy presents for everyone (except the kids–they get presents from everyone)

I LOVE the clearance aisle..I bought alot of dress up clothes when they were 90 percent off for presents for my kids and neices and nephews…I’m also a photographer..so I am doing alot of presents with photos this year..downloaded alot of freebie’s for any free photo gifts so that has helped alot!!! Thanks so much for all you guys do for us!!!

we have the children in the family do a grab bag. there are so many kids and this really helps to spend less money and they receive less gifts that are not nessecary. some of the adults do an ornament exchange instead of pricey gifts.

We are shopping cash only this holiday season! No credit card bills for us come January

I make a plan and stick to it. I do online research and try and use coupons as much as possible.

My best way to stay on budget is to give homemade. We used to spend a lot of time and money shopping for gifts and not knowing if the recipients really loved them. Now we give homemade jam and a homemade bread that has become a favorite. Everyone loves it!

I make the jam in the Fall, but buy seasonal fruit in the summer and freeze. I stock up on all ingredients for that and the bread when I can get them on sale.

It is a great way to keep gift giving costs down!

My tip for staying on budget this holiday season: starting in January, put all your change in a bowl or other container. Save it for the whole year. Cash it in around Thanksgiving at one of the CoinStar machines – you get free coin counting if you opt for an Amazon gift certificate (or other merchants). Use the Amazon gc for your holiday shopping! It’s your money, but you never even really knew you had it!

This year I strategized. I didn’t shop on a whim for that gotta have it item. I browsed the ads and tried to use my coupons where applicable. And took advantage of the online coupon codes for free photobooks, gifts, etc. Saving money this year!

The best way for us to stay on budget is by using coupons and matching them with the weekly sales ads.

We exchange names instead of buying gifts for each person. We also set a dollar amount, so it’s the same for everyone.
alsdgravenhof@hotmail.com

I get points from my Amazon credit card all year and also from my bank debit card. I cash in all of these points at Christmas time and use them to get Amazon gift cards to buy gifts. I have over $300 to spend this year.

homemade goodies for gifts everyone loves them

It’s very tight this year. My son is autisic and he’s treatments and doctors visits are adding up quick. We are considering a move to a smaller house. So the only ones getting gifts this year are our kids. Perhaps that is how it should be. We are spending more time with the kids doing free activites. That’s how you save at Holiday time and have a great season.

Stay organized with a list and don’t forget to take time for yourself and enjoy!

All year I have been buying gifts after the holidays…I started after last Christmas. I wait until they go 75% off then I buy up. I have been able to get crayons, paper, coloring books etc. all at a fraction of what they would cost now.

I’ve been relying on savings blogs heavily this holiday season…I’ve scooped so many great deals, coupons, etc. this year that, in spite of spending a lot less money this year, I feel like I cut back on gift-giving at all!

We search for the “perfect gift” year-round. Since we don’t have to do the last minute rush, we can wait for the best deals!

I did all my shopping online looking for free shipping and/or free bonus items to be used as additional gifts. Most of my family/friends are getting $5 magazine subscriptions from amazon.

2 years ago we started trading names on both sides of the family in order to cut down on spending. This year in addition to that I’ve handmade 4 of our gifts and used coupons for photo gifts for another 3. Even tho both my husband and I have huge families…Christmas this year is ‘almost’ free.

Homemade gifts are not only cheap, but they can be personalized much more than store bought gifts!

I have also decided to do my shopping online. No sales tax, no shipping in most cases,no lines,no gas/emissions..no stress.

I try to shop all year long and buying the best bargains possible.

We are making lots of our Christmas gifts, as well as making inexpensive photo gifts online for grandparents.

My best tip would be to keep track of what you have bought. This tip applies mostly to my kids. If I don’t keep good track of what I have purchased and how much I’ve spent, I find I have an inequality. So I buy one more gift for the child who’s lagging, and before I know it, they have way too much because I keep seesawing on buying presents!
This year, I am keeping a good list, with prices and I am spending much less. I told the kids we were scaling back (we generally do too much), and we are. I’m thrilled.

To stay on budget this Christmas I am finding as many FREE or close to free items as possible… and all of the great couponing blogs really help, too!

Like previous posters have said–plan, plan, plan! I shop around to find the best deals for the gifts I have to buy. For others I am makin goody baskets with home made salsa, hot chocolate mixes, baked goodies, etc.

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I take out cash for whoever I need to buy for and can not spend anything on my cards. That way I know how much I have left for each person and what I have bought.

My family does a gift exchange. We draw names and set a clear limit. This has really helped keep our expense down. It has help make exchanging gifts more special for the kids, too. They enjoy picking out a gift for one cousin.

We have really been working on Christmas being a time to do crafts together and cook-much less emphasis on stuff and more on activities.

What is helping me out the most this year is coupons! I print toy coupons from coupons.com, and look for toy sales and use the coupons to sweeten the deal! Target also has store coupons that you can stack with manufacture coupons for toys and movies and games! So far I am doing so well with my Christmas budget, I wish I knew about this last year! There are movie coupons that can be printed out too, you just have to look around for them.

No impulse buying period! This year I have a list and everything will be cross compared for the best possible price. AND the list is very small this year.

The way I have stayed on budget,and actually way under-budget, is being on line and finding all the free stuff or shipping cost only items that I can utilize. Recently there have been alot of photo gifts that were almost if not free. I took advantage and made photo books for grandparents and Godparents for the holidays. Also, I shop only only when there is a sale and free shipping. When doing actual shopping in stores, I price match and add coupons always. I don’t buy anything without knowing its the lowest price and/or I have a coupon to go with it. I have been very lucky that it hasn’t been difficult to do with all the awesome coupon sites out there. I have saved over the last 4 months, over $600. Let the good times (and free stuff) keep rolling!

Were only buying for the little kids this year.
Thanks for entering me.

Our bank offers a savings account for Christmas that automatically pulls $20 from each paycheck. It’s like a small gift for ourselves to not have to worry where the money will come from.
Also 2 tips I live by are:1.coupons are money in disguise and 2.sales aren’t always better deals!

My tip would have to be looking for items on the Internet and finding the best price – much of which I’ve found free, just pay for the shipping (photo gifts). On the otherhand, I’ve also shopped a bit via Amazon.com this year and gotten free shipping on everything. Both have worked out great. We’re also doing lots of make-it-yourself projects, which has been fun and much easier on the budget. Thanks!

I am doing shopping online, started early so it’s not all hitting me at once, and remembering that it’s not so much about how much money you spend, but spending time with family and friends and doing things they enjoy. For example, seeing a movie (matinee of course) with a friend, or baking cookies with my granddaughters.

We are setting a limit for each person and sticking with it. Most gifts for grandparents and those far away will involve photo books, which you can sometimes find for free online. We’ll make a lot of gifts, particularly for children’s teachers & husband’s coworkers, but we’ll scale back – not 40 coworker gifts like we have before!
Thanks!

this year I’m making gifts or, by mutual agreement, not giving gifts at all

Shop from your list! (But be open to new ideas if something is really cheap.) OR, stick to thrift stores. You can find just about anything there.

I never pay full price for anything. I watch for sales and coupons to help with my spending. Making a list of everyone you need to buy for helps too. When you see something that is a good deal, you can see if there is someone on your list that it wold be great for.

We are doing a Pollyanna so we each only shop for one person (except we all buy for the little kids) with a set spending limit. This saves us tons of $

I started shopping earlier this year in hopes to not have one big hit to the cashflow!

We are drawing names so we don’t have to buy for everyone. I also started early and have been bargain shopping.

I pick up stuff on clearance all year long and stash it in a closet. It drives my husband crazy, but he likes it more in Dec. when all the christmas shopping is already done. Also I wrap little things seperatly. I makes it look like more under the tree and unwrapping is one of the best parts of chirstmas morning.

I shop around online for best prices/check local store ads. I listen during year to see what family/friends talk about interests, and watch the clearance off-season racks. I also write my family ‘love-letters’, telling them the things I see in them – their gifts and talents and in what ways I see them as a blessing to those around. Live with NO REGRETS. Life is too short!

I am always looking for great deals throughout the year to stock my gift closet with. I have had stuff in it since after Christmas sales last year that are for this Christmas. I have also taken advantage of many free photo gifts that have been offered this year!

We started a Christmas savings account at the beginning of the year to which we deposited a set amount each pay period. Then by November with the help of pre black Friday sales, and coupons I can maximize the spending. I also check gifts on line to keep an eye out for the best prices.

Watch for sales and use coupons whenever possible!

How my family and I stay on budget is by assigning a dollar amount for each gift we buy. we get together with the in-laws and my family and set a limit on all gifts. That way we don’t over spend and everyone spends the same

We have decided as a family this year to have our family members write down something they would like helping doing or something they need/want to do but aren’t able. This will be our Christmas present to each other. We have only three people in our immediate family and around eight close family members. Not only are we helping them but spending some quality time with that family member means so much. So very little money will be spent instead our time and energy will be given.

To help my family save money I buy most of my Children’s clothes and consignment stores and I absolutely love Dollar Tree for different household items.
During Christmas time we don’t go over board with gift giving.

We’ve saved our change all year (always round up to the nearest dollar when buying things, and keeping the change), then we’ll put all the change in coinstar machine for cash or giftcards to places like amazon.com!

My tip for saving money this year is to make more gifts…I also use tons of coupons and have stores match prices. I got a 35.00 gift for only 4.99 on black friday. I get all the papers and all the ads and go through them and wal-mart usually matches prices but other stores do if you ask them. Dont be afarid to ask

I like to start when the kids get into school for the fall season. August, I start getting items here and there, that way by December I am tying up lose ends and not sooooooooo streched for doing all my shopping in one lump sum.

I make different chocolates and hand out as gifts to friends at church. It’s just something little but shows you care.

I make Candies & Cookies and the like to give, people always really enjoy that. It is fairly cheap when you make batches. Also, my family generally buys one big thing for each other.. and then just a few little things for the stocking…. I know most people buy several little things and one “special gift” but most of the “little things” are stuff you don’t need or use!

I spend about a day looking everywhere online for the very best price on a toy or item I want to buy my family for christmas. I’ve been able to find great deals from shopping around!

I make sure I know what they really want- so as not to waste money. Then I follow many money saving blogs so hey let me know where the deals are!

Instead of buying for everyone, we are drawing names this year

I am making some of my gifts and comparison shopping online at various stores. Many of the stores have free shipping to your home. Some ship items for $1.00 each. It is a great way to avoid impulse buying, saves time, and is cheaper than driving to pick up items, which also saves money.

We set a budget on how much to spend on each person and have saved the money for those purchases throughout the year. Everything is paid in cash.

The grandchildren in our family usually draw names each Christmas. With my two children, that meant we had to spend about $50. We all agreed that instead of drawing names, we would just agree to buy a $1 item for each child involved. Then they would have a basket full of gifts. My kids liked picking out items for everyone, and I only spent $20.

I have been shopping with coupons and sales and I’m trying to make most of our presents.

My best tip is to make gift list and stick to it. No impulse buying.

I’ve done several things this year to make our holidays budget-friendly. If your credit cards offer a point system that you can redeem for gift cards, save up your points throughout the year and redeem for gift cards for family and friends. I charge things to get points and pay the balance in full each month. This year I was able to redeem for 3 $25 gift cards to restaurants and was able to get my niece a CD that she was asking for. Instead of buying a gift for each person, we give couples a $25 restaurant gift card for an evening out together.

Also, I search online for freebies, wrap them up, and place in baskets for free gift baskets! The women in my life LOVE getting hair, beauty, and skin samples. Sometimes you can even find full-size trials so the person you’re giving to doesn’t have to know that they were free.

I clip coupons – a great idea is finding coupons and coupling with sales to buy pistachios and nuts as gifts.

I shop online through ebates and Shopathome, get great discounts, free shipping, and money back on purchases through these sites.

My grandparents don’t like asking for help and especially don’t want for us to spend money on them so I came up with a great idea – I make personalized coupon books for them which includes things like free homemade meals, free car washing, and free leaf raking. It makes them feel better when asking for “help”. It’s a great idea for seniors in your life and you can personalize for your partner with things like free back massage, etc.

Target offers toy coupons online and you can couple with manufacturer coupons for great deals.

Making a budget is the first step. Then commit to keep that budget whether it be for gifts, food, or any other item. Keeping your eye out for sales and discounts all year long is a sure fire way to get your gifts bought at a reasonable price and avoid the bustle of the Christmas season. I also am a big fan of homemade gifts. They mean so much more because they come from the heart and are usually so much less expensive! Better Home and Gardens always offer ideas for these little gifts all year long.

Merry Christmas!
Here are a couple of my favorite money saving holiday shopping tips.
1) Shop throughout the year looking at sales on items you know your family will really like.

2) Search the sale papers, and price match at walmart and hhgregg.

3)Make Christmas Cookie batter and freeze it. Then give it wrapped with a bow and baking directions.
Have fun saving!

Starting early is key! I start in September and October. Although I don’t follow the “latest & greatest” trends my kids did want the zhu zhu pets this Christmas. I bought them in October with no problem. Now I see people waiting in long lines at midnight for them and triple paying what I paid. Also, if you start early you can shop the sales and take advantage of some great prices early on. I also do a lot of internet price comparisons to see who has what for less. I actually saved $30 on a toy my son really wanted this year by doing that.

I’ve saved some of my higher end freebies to put in gift baskets and I’ve used a lot coupons for other items I’ve purchased for the baskets. I also started saving earlier this year. It has helped with my budget.

We set spending limits for each person. I am a bargain shopper, so I start looking for deals right after Christmas. We live far away from our family, so we mainly send gift cards back home to save on shipping charges.

I try to cut cost in other areas during holiday season such as groceries and usually spread the cost between November and December.

I keep a spreadsheet to help save money! It lists each person for whom I have to shop and the dollar amount I plan to spend. I update it each year, and it’s a great resource for me to remember what I bought and how much I’ve spent for the past several years.

I am a stay at home mom with 3 girls and my husband was out of work for 10 1/2 months during this past year. This was definitely the hardest year we ever had, but it was also so good too. I have always known the difference between wants and needs, but this situation brought it to a whole new level. Look around you and see what you have and how blessed you are. Things could be so much worse than they are. It is not about how many things you have. It is not about money. It is about family and being together. You don’t have to compete with friends, family, and neighbors to make yourselves look good. Figure out what is important to you and stick to it. Say no to things you don’t need. You will be amazed at what you already have.

My tip is to consider using eBay.They have new items too. Just be sure to check the sellers reputation and shipping costs.

My tip for staying on budget this Christmas is to compare prices and keep an eye out on what is on sale.

I make a list and stick to it – no impulse buying of gifts. Then I search online for the best prices.

Motto to live by……never pay full price!

I am using several of the free photo items I got through Freebies4Mom as gifts this year. Also will only be buying for the kids that are still in gradeschool.

My sisters and my sister-in-law and I have decided to not exchange gifts for the adults. We often just end up swapping gift cards anyway. We’re giving each other the gift of less stress, lower bills, and a heart for celebrating the birth of Christ!

My wife does the shopping. She is much more prepared and thrifty than I am. She got this cool Santa potato head for our youngest for $.99!

Best tip: Make a list and stick to it.

We are trying to follow a plan, and of course doing alot of homemade gifts…cds, gifts from the kitchen…the kids love helping too!

I try to look at blogs for really good deals early on in the year. It really saves us money and time during the helidays just to be with each other. Thanks for the giveaway.

Shop with coupons all year – free pans and cake mixes make great gifts!! And they cost you nothing.

Keep an eye out for good gifts throughout the year, buying them when they’re on sale.

Instead of buying lots of presents, we buy little presents and create a game that everyone can participate. Everyone has a great time, create good memories, and the gifts are just for fun.

My husband and I watch for clearance sales all year. We take advantage of every free gift card we get from Kohl’s, JC Penney, etc. We also shop garage sales. You would be surprised to see all the nice things we find that are still in packages or with tags. I also stock up on freebies from Walgreens, Rita Aid, and freebies from the internet. We still have to do some :regular shopping” but always watch for sales. Sometimes we use Amazon and ebay and luck up on get great prices.

I’m a new mom and learning things all the time. This year we are doing things simple. I’m taking advice from other moms. I am making my nieces and nephews homemade gifts I know they will love!

I watch for rebate items at Ace Hardware (they always have great ones on holidays). I shop wih coupons and do price matching.

My best tip for this holiday shopping is to have a budget. Then make a list of the people your going give a present to, then see what they would like and look online for deals. this works for me every time. You just have to stick to your budget.

am buying online this year, searching out discounts and free shipping. cannot be tempted to overbuy this way. homemade goodies for friends (food and crochet items). am really having a great time myself. forgot how enjoyable it could be without all the crowds and hassle.

I started buying in August this year and I buy things on sale year old. I always use coupons or shop online and look for codes and deals. I am a very frugal person and I just try to give everyone the best christmas ever.

I am huge on clearance sections in stores. I always head there first. I look for deals online at sites like dealcatcher.com Its all about buying things at the right time. For example if you want a coat… buy it at the beginning of the summer when they go on clearance and use it the coming year… etc

My husband and I have been taking advantage of the freebies we have run across in the blog world and are using those as gifts. We have been married a little over a year and thought it would be neat to make a recipe book with recipes and family photos from each side of our families and giving them to our siblings and parents as a gift!

Robin Fulton
Robin_d31@hotmail.com
http://www.robinandstephenfulton@blogspot.com

I have shortened my list of recipients by drawing names (at work) and only purchasing gifts for the children of our family.

I have three boys under five and we have a large list on our Christmas shopping list. The way I stay on budget is to buy gifts all year round. Keep my eyes open for unusual gifts and sales and whittle down the list so that it’s spread out over a longer time frame than simply Nov/Dec. I also sell Stampin’ Up products and make card sets and other gifts all year round.

To stay on budget I price shop online and then head to stores. I also watch for and clip coupons. Checking out all of the great blogs are also extremely helpful.

I find that if I map things out and stick to my list I don’t wander the aisles and buy things I don’t need. Also, if I am grocery shopping I make sure to eat before I go. It helps reduce the impulse buy!

Determine what gifts you want to give and price range and include alternatives. Make a list and stick with it. Shop online to compare store and online prices. Also check with freecycle or freepeats to find gently used gifts, especially items for baby or toddlers. They do not know the difference. Another way is to make gifts like baked goods. I made gel air fresheners last year using baby food jars.

member(dot)thao(at)gmail.com

This would be very cool to win.

We put a cap on the spending this year and we are sticking to it

I spend less when I do most of my shopping online or from catalogs. There is just something about being in the stores that tamps down my willpower to not spend extra. See no evil, do no evil! lol

My best tip for staying on budget this holiday season is living within your means. If you can’t afford it — don’t buy it. Find something less expensive that you can pay cash for. Credit and layaway might be free to use, but costs $$. Better yet, homemade goods make the best presents *Thanks* for the giveaway!

Decided to make a very detailed list of people to shop for/things to buy and keep to a strict budget for each recipient. If I go over on someone’s gift, I need to take off of someone else’s present. Can be easy to go over our limits especially with tax nd shipping, do needed a budget this year.

We had a tighter budget this year, so I just had to start planning early and shop online for deals. I also am planning on making breads, cookies, and cocoa mixes for gifts for all our friends.

Make a list, set a budget and start shopping early!

My 2 yr old and i are making a few gifts..that he is specially painting

Scale back, and shop the day after Christmas sales for the following year, and any birthday gifts during the year.
Thank you.

I have a set amount that I spend on each person and use my medical flex money kind of like a X-mas account to help budget. I request a Christmas list by thanksgiving from each family member so I can research black friday specials. This year there were better deals online w/ Free shipping so didn’t fit the crowds. I do one day of shopping and get it all finished and then wrap. That way there is not changing my mind and I don’t add as I can set back and relax before Christmas.

My best tip is to make a list and stick to it!

I carry a small book in my purse at all times with my list of who to buy for. I notate my budget per person and then list ideas through the year of what I would like to buy. Once I buy for them, I write what I bought, where I bought it and for how much. Receipts are also saved in here for returns and I am always on the lookout for a better deal.

My best tip for keeping on track is to set a cash only budget and keep that budget. It is very easy to say that you will keep things under control but without a strict cash budget, you can never be restricted.

My best tip is to shop alone. You stay focused & on track! No disruptions Also, I’m going to be giving homemade gifts from the kitchen this year which will save on the budget as well!

Things have been tight now for a while, so I always make a list and stick to it. Know how much you have to spend, then as you shop, add up your total before you get to the checkout. Price compare online, check every store add and you will save time and money by just going straight for that item you need. Don’t spend time wandering the aisles.

I do alot of price matching and if there is a coupon for the item I’m trying to buy I use it to sweeten the deal. I also use my register rewards, manufacture coupons, store coupons at Walgreens to get free items and make baskets to give to the adults. They love them!

We are giving used gifts this year to save money… ex. my little girl wants a skateboard, so were buying one from a friend to help her out this holiday and also save money for us! Win for everyone!

I shop online alot and wait for great deals, like Amazon.com’s deal of the day.

My best tip would be to price compare online before venturing out. You may find the best deals online or perhaps at a store you never thought would provide you with a price that low.

The best tip for staying on budget is to actually start with a budget! That is something we often forget to do before we start buying gifts.

We make homeade gifts. My daughters help and love doing it, we make crafts, picture frames, etc… We also make baked goods and put them in decorative containers.

I stick to my lists, I love shopping but lately I have to stick to my list or things I don’t need end up in the cart, so I follow my list.

I’ve also been using ebay and or craigslist to get things super cheap or even free.

Committing to using only cash has helped us in the past to stay on track. And a list! Just like grocery shopping, lol…

In recent years our family has grown significantly. We decided to only give one gift per person and by the end of the day everyone has opened at 20 or more presents. It keeps cost and clutter down.

Like a lot of families this year, we’ve scaled back our giving tremendously. I’m looking forward to the added simplicity this will lend to Christmas!

Finding deals online has healped ALOT..thanks to all these great freebie sites!

SO GENEROUS!

My very best tip is simple. Stay out of the stores whenever possible. If you shop for groceries at a SuperCenter, stick to the grocery section. I find that no matter how committed I am to my gift budget, I am always tempted when I see how much STUFF I am not buying! I shop mostly online so I can go directly to what I am buying and see exactly what I am spending as I shop.

I have 2 tips…

#1 Use Cash (or visa gift cards;)) This way you are less tempted to overspend

#2 SHop LATE – I know a lot of people say shop early, BUT if you shop within 14 days of Christmas, you can go after Christmas and get PRICE ADJUSTMENTS. Most retail stores do price adjustmenets within 14 days of purchase!

~Brooke

Budget, budget, budget and agree on a limit with siblings for nieces and nephews.

I buy our Christmas gifts throughout the year when I find great deals, and finish my shopping on Black Friday! That way I don’t spend the whole holiday season rushing around and in debt! It lets me spend more time with my family which is what makes holidays memorable!

I make lots of lists to follow, shopping online so I can ponder and come back to it. . . much easier with 3 toddlers also.

My best tip is to keep track of what you buy. If you don’t, you end up buying more stuff than you planned.

None of my kid’s presents have cost over $10, and I am only spending $50 on both of them.

I am making most of my Christmas gifts this year. For other gifts, I will be watching the sale ads online and shopping where I can get the best deal. (It saves a lot of time wandering around the mall looking for that special something.) I already know what to buy and save on impulse spending!

My best tip for this Christmas season is to reuse coffee cans/tins (or other various empty food type containers) as gift containers. Gift containers can be so expensive and this is a great way to cut down cost and put your personal touch on the gift. Simply clean out the container, wrap it with some wrapping paper, ribbon, etc. and viola!

I make a list of what I’m buying everybody and I stick just to that list.

We’ve simply scaled back who we buy for….and when we do buy, only buy on sale and often with a coupon. Making more homemade gifts as well.

I open a Xmas club every year so we have extra money saved for Xmas gifts

This year I’m making rag dolls for the little girls in my life and wool felt play food for the little boys. Homemade gifts are so much more personal and inexpensive than buying the latest toy sensation!

I’ve made quite a few holiday gifts from promotions on sites for photos books and such and that have saved me so much money and still made the most personal gift!

My tips:

check out the dollar stores and don’t be afraid to use them especially for decorations and little kid gifts.

if you are shopping at a certain place, go online to find coupons and deals before going.

find promotions, shop online, make homemade gifts and make a list when going shopping. it’ll limit you to only what you need.

My son and I have started composting at his home. I save all of my compostables and donate them to his “Winter” garden (we live in the South) so that our “Spring” garden will be rich and bountiful! He saves his newspapers and aluminum cans for my recycling endeavors!…..reduce, reuse, recycle! I coupon heavily too and have gotten him into the habit too! Woo!Hoo!

for the past 3 years we have been doing mostly handmade gifts. staying out of the stores (and off of online stores) helps me from over buying, and giving in to all of the “deals”.

I shop sales, use coupons, take advantage of free shipping when shopping online. I subscribe to numerous blogs that give me a “headz up” when doorbuster sales are coming up! No more penny-wise, pound-foolish for me!

We are paying cash for the gifts we purchase this year, with the majority of gifts being homemade. Clearance sections and dollar bins at various stores are helping to fill stockings!!

my best tip is that I thrift interesting and originally expensive items for the people who I know value thrifting! I can get them more for less and it’s “green” as well!

I start shopping sales in the summer and keep a list of what I have bought and who it’s for, so I don’t forget what I have already bought. I also take advantage of coupons and do a lot of online comparison shopping.

I shop all year long. I am usually done by Thanksgiving so that I can enjoy the holidays and not be so stressed out. I got some amazing deals for very little money. Another great thing I have started doing is trading gifts from the gift closet with friends that have extra things in their gift closet. It has been so fun!

I check blogs daily for deals, use coupons (Sunday paper is a must and printable coupons).

We save money all year so when Christmas comes its not such a drain on the finances.

To save money this Christmas I had our kids make gifts for the family. I bought a bunch of ceramic ornaments and some acrylic paints- washable of course!- and let the kids have fun painting ornaments for family and friends. After they dry the the kids wrote their names on the back and the year. A cheap gift, fun, and a wonderful keepsake!

My friends and I start a savings club during the months of Sept – Nov and save 10.00 each week at work instead of eating out. We go together and purchase the amazon prime as well so between these two things and the typical savings we all do well.

this year we’ve decided to cut back by doing a lot of things homemade.. such as for christmas gifts this year I am baking (with love) some homemade fudge for all my family members! spending about 20$ for everyone rather than 20$ per person

Make things instead of buying things. It means more and it costs less.

Do not deviate from a list, you will stay on budget that way and have a little bit extra for that last minute gift.

We save money by makeing as many homeade gifts for our family as we can.

We started the tradition last year for each of us to make something for the other to cut down on the cost of Christmas and to personalize gifts a little bit more. Last year we knitted, painted and even tie dyed and it was so much fun. The gifts that you give with a part of your love in them mean so much more.