1 of 43

Write now Article Tools

We have 5 people living in our household, with my extended family we often have up to 15 additional people for Christmas. This includes the children that have grown and left home and bring their own families back for the holidays. So you can imagine that when I say Christmas on a Budget I really have to budget.

I have discovered that its very very important to shop for Christmas year round. That means that if I find it on sale in January and know it will fit next Christmas, its a good idea to go ahead and buy it at 50% off rather than wait an entire year and hope for the best and my finances. By incorporating this into my shopping agenda I have already saved (over 50%) by purchasing it early. Not to mention that I can cross that off my list and be that much farther ahead (already ahead in January!).

My next destination is usually Wal mart where they tend to have some real blow out prices year round on various items. Watch these sales closely. Shop for things in sets (I.e. bath sets, soap sets, make up sets etc.). Then find some baskets (either around the house or at yard/garage sales or your local dollar store) and create your own gift baskets. Knowing that grandma likes a specific lotion and finding it on a closeout sales you can really stock up and take care of her birthday and Christmas all in one shopping trip.

Check out your local dollar store. Yes, I know, you worry about quality. Here are some things that are just fine to buy at your local dollar store. I often shop for gift bags (available year round) at the dollar store. Some even come available as "2 for $1.00". Yup folks, that's 2 gift bags for $1.00. What a deal! Add some tissue paper or shredded paper and you have instant gift wrapping!

Don't stop with gift bags, greeting cards, Christmas cards and more are also readily available. For the new bride you can often stock up on a unique gift. Make her up a gift basket of her favorite scents, cleaning supplies (include a bucket and sponges), candles, picture frames and more. You can be selective and choose items that appear to be higher quality or go whimsical and try out a different look all together. For as little as $5.00 you can have a gift all done up that looks very classy. If you combine this with items from a bath set you purchased at
Wal mart or somewhere it will look even more expensive. Who says it has to be expensive to shop?

How you wrap your gifts makes a big difference. My sister always wraps her gifts to look very classy. With raffia, cellophane

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Christmas shopping on a budget?
We want to hear your view. Write now!