How do you budget for Christmas??

[Dixie]

With me having a rather bouncy job history Ive decided to go back to the chicken plant as much as I hate to knowing I will be sick with a cold 24/7, but at least I will have cash. Hopefully it will be a stepping stone to something better, not worse as I did when I left thinking the NH would be better. Next time I look for a new career I will research research research.

Now with that said I should be starting next week as I went through employee referral as my mom works there. So that is an extra $300 for her.

This will be the first Christmas in 2 years that I may actually be able to give gifts. With that said how do you budget for Christmas? I have 4 people to give to this year plus two Labs to spoil. Everyone else is getting a card.

what are some good gifts to give if your on a tight budget?

 

[thewhitewitchone]

I budget for Christmas by not having one. This will be the second year in a row that I haven't been able to buy gifts for anyone. It's so depressing.
Homemade gifts are always nice. How crafty are you? Most people love gift cards too. Not very personal, but handy! Or how about creating a "theme" gift basket?

Pam

 

[Debi]

just keep in mind who you're buying for, and shop for something they would truly love. it doesn't ever have to be expensive. like for me, my kids buy me books (I toss a list around to help. LOL) or this year I'm into making hooked rugs, so a gift card to the fabric store is great. you know...that little something personal that means alot. maybe a gift certificate for a nice lunch out (less pricey than a dinner certificate, still something fun) I think scented candles, fragrances, etc. are so nice for ladies.

 

[Debi]

I LOVE homemade gifts!!! they really are the best...so personal. nobody should feel bad about not affording gifts. one year my son bought me really pretty dish towels. I treasure them. see...it IS the thought that counts.

 

[MyIrishWolfie]

I dont budget and thats where my problems with Christmas start

I love to shop, and I tend to go overboard especially with gifts. So this year what I'm doing is having the kids pictures done professionally, and I will put those in nice frames, and that will be the main gift to extended family members.

 

[Jules]

GRRR....I'm sorry, but let me borrow your thread for a little rant. Some people have absolutely NO idea how much money is really worth. I talked to my SIL the other day and we were talking about the nieces, three girls who are 2,5, and 6. My BIL send out an email with gift suggestions... and with other things he suggested a freakin' doll for over 70$!! Apparently, she talks, and remembers stuff, and what do I know. My SIL was trying to tell me that 70- 100$ would not be much for kid's toys. :yikes: I don't know...but we have gifts to buy for his and my family...if I would spend over $100 on everyone, it would cost us about 2K.

I started to shop early for Christmas...and that's what I would suggest to you...start in late summer and buy one or two gifts a month...maybe for next year
Also, try to look for local little gift or "antique" stores, they have cute cheaper things that don't cost too much.

 

[Debi]

we stopped buying for extended family years ago. Dave has a huge family! it has never really been missed, and everyone is happier now that nobody has all that stress. let THEM buy expensive toys for their kids, that's rude to send out lists. a small gift from an aunt is a nice gesture, but should never be expected. that's kinda where Christmas went a bit crazy. I now only buy for my kids and Dave's mom. I also now really enjoy the holidays!!

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

I'm terrible about budgeting for Christmas. I say every year that I'm going to save each month, but then I don't!! I usually just wing it!

 

[~Jessie~]

I don't budget either, which is really really bad! I wish that I could, but I am horrible when it comes to money.
My advice, if you want to budget, is to stash away money early.

 

[MyIrishWolfie]

GRRR....I'm sorry, but let me borrow your thread for a little rant. Some people have absolutely NO idea how much money is really worth. I talked to my SIL the other day and we were talking about the nieces, three girls who are 2,5, and 6. My BIL send out an email with gift suggestions... and with other things he suggested a freakin' doll for over 70$!! Apparently, she talks, and remembers stuff, and what do I know. My SIL was trying to tell me that 70- 100$ would not be much for kid's toys. :yikes: I don't know...but we have gifts to buy for his and my family...if I would spend over $100 on everyone, it would cost us about 2K.

I wouldn't buy it either. That's not right for them to expect you to buy her a $70 doll. Get her a $10 Barbie instead

My sister and her husband did sort of the same thing with my kids last Christmas. I bought her 2 kids a couple gifts each and she goes overboard and sends 4 huge boxes full of gifts for my kids. I'm wondering.. is there some sort of sign that I'm failing to see??? Am I supposed to buy your kids as many presents as you bought mine??? I think not

 

[bogolove]

What about Happy Feet? That is what we are selling in our kiosk in Nashville, but you can get them at www.buyhappyfeet.com

They are a good gift, the are cheap, they are comfortable and cozy and you can get them in almost anything your people would like!

 

[MyIrishWolfie]

What about Happy Feet?

Everytime I see "Happy Feet" I think of the new penguin movie coming out tomorrow called Happy Feet

 

[bogolove]

Everytime I see "Happy Feet" I think of the new penguin movie coming out tomorrow called Happy Feet

That is good news for me and our kiosk......

Oh, and we are getting in Penguin Happy Feet by the way......

 

[Gustav]

I started buying in the sales earlier in the year... sounds awfully stingy doesn't it! LOL! But between Christian and I we have... 4 Nephews, and 3 nieces... Plus Christians parents, my parents and one of my brothers who doesn't have kids as of yet. It always costs a fortune, I love the shopping and giving of gifts, but money is always tight as it is without the huge expenditure! I limit us to say $30 a child for example, and that's it, it's so hard to get anything anyway as they have EVERYTHING! And I have no idea what this seasons must have is??!! I stick to my budget!! I think that's the best way to make it through the season intact!

 

[bubbatd]

I feel soooooooooo stingy with gifts compared to other members of extended families !!! They can give so much and I can't . Makes me sad as I could buy,buy,buy !

 

[Jules]

No reason to be sad Grammy! Let me tell you...my Oma (= Grandma) couldn't do much either....but I always treasured her little things so much more than anything else, because I knew it meant a lot.

 

[juliefurry]

I DON'T budget for christmas. I am the person going shopping 2 weeks before christmas grabbing anything that I can off the shelfs. I did get 3 movies for Emily and a movie for Mark and a pair of pj pants though. I won't be able to go christmas shopping until 2 weeks before christmas. It'll suck but hopefully I can get halfway decent stuff.