by Kathy Vandermark

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Holidays are the time for spending, and with times as they are, it can put strain on a budget that has already been stretched to its limits. Getting out of spending any money is unavoidable unless you are planning to pass the holidays by. There are ways, however, to make your dollars stretch farther.

Baked goods from the kitchen make great gifts. Purchase generic-brand ingredients. No one will be any the wiser and if you need many ingredients, will save you some money.

Search for dollar-bargain outlets. These places are a lifesaver when you have many stockings to fill. Most stores have much for any age or gender, and you will spend about a third of what you would, at other stores.

The bargain stores are where to go for your wrapping needs, which can be expensive. Their papers and bags are as nicely designed as what you would get from a retail store. Most of these stores also carry tape, ribbons, and bows.

If you need to buy gifts for an entire family, consider a combined gift for all, such as a board game, hobby kit, or a basket of trivial fun stuff. A basket could contain card games, movies, microwave popcorn, or puzzles and puzzle books. The list of what a family would enjoy is endless.

Homemade gifts, done with love and care, are always enjoyable. Most people love gifts such as homemade candles, ornaments, and home dcor. One homemade gift that would stay with the recipient for years to come, would be a nice scrapbook. Fill it full of pictures of holidays gone by or a collection of the family. Add memoirs, poems, quotes, and memorabilia. This may be one of those gifts that you have a hard time of letting go of, which means it is worthy. It is work well done. If you have many greeting cards to send, homemade, with creativity may be the way to go.

For smaller children, consider the fact that they don't know the worth of money yet. Many would rather have the box than the gift. Don't feel obligated to spend a lot of money on them. They can have several to many presents in a decent price range, and be ecstatic with what they receive.

When purchasing gifts, shop around for better prices. You will be glad that you used common sense, when the money begins to disappear. For back-up, don't forget about the jug of change in the closet. This would be the time to use it. A smart move would be to start a holiday fund each year, throwing change into a jug labeled, "Holiday Funds".

Time for the family feast? Don't commit to supplying the entire meal. Spend time coordinating the meal so that everyone is contributing. For a family gathering, it is for all, and all should be glad to play a part of the fabulous meal. With a little bargaining, creativity, and planning, you just may make it an enjoyable season.

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