The holidays should be a time of relaxation, family, friends, and piping hot cider. Unfortunately, these jolly times often have the shadows of debt looming behind, politely waiting until January to cause shock and horror. Just like working, it’s best to shop smart and not hard. It’s easy to fall into the lures of credit cards and overdrafts, but it can be even easier to keep your wallet fat with cash. Here are some money saving tips, because shopping should be fun, not stressful!
Source: Pixabay
Secret Gift Exchanges
If you don’t have enough money for all of your friends and/or family members, make it a fun mystery game by pulling names. Each member gets to secretly give a gift to another, reducing the amount of gifts immensely. This creates an air of excitement because no one knows who gave them a present until the very end! Variations on these exchanges can even include the infamous White Elephant exchange, or the similar Yankee Swap, where the gifts can be “stolen” and replaced with others (read here for rules). Yankee Swap was popularized with The Office, where Jim desperately tried giving Pam her teapot.
Source: Giphy
Shop Early
Ask any parent when they tend to purchase gifts and they’d probably say months before. It may seem difficult to know what to get in the summer months, but this gives you more time to get the best gift. Too expensive? Wait, and it might go on sale! Out of stock? That’s okay, it’s only August! Shopping early reduces stress during holidays, and comes with the added benefit of avoiding busy malls. The hardest part? Hiding them well enough!
Yard Sales and Flea Markets
Just because something is old doesn’t mean it can’t be new! Both yard sales and flea markets have great deals, and with enough skill, haggling is an option. The huge variety of items in one place makes it easy to get everyone on your list ticked off. Remember to keep an eye out for wear and tear (unless you’re willing to fix it up) and shopping will be done quicker than a toboggan on snow!
Source: Clem Onojeghuo
Get Crafty
Sometimes it’s tough to think of special ideas for gifts for our loved ones. We want our gifts to be very meaningful and special. For those who love doing crafts, homemade DIY gift ideas are a great way to save money. In case you are still having trouble thinking of gifts, here are 5 DIY gift ideas for the holidays.
10 Minute Photo Ornaments
Source: simpleasthatblog.com
You can put pictures of personal moments you shared with your loved ones. It’s a great way to remind them of the memories you shared together and an amazing addition to your family Christmas tree!
Follow the instructions on Simpleasthatblog.com to create your special ornament.
Water Marble Cups
Source: greatdiys.com
Coffee mugs with a beautiful design added to them? Sign us up! You can also make marble designs on plates and cups. It’s a great idea for coffee and tea lovers!
Great DIY’s instructions will help you create the perfect marble design coffee mugs.
Easy DIY Chunky Throw Blankets
Source: The Budget Decorator
You can learn how to knit your own blankets in 45 minutes on Youtube!
‘Simply Maggie’ can show you how to knit great blankets to keep your loved ones warm this winter!
Here’s a tutorial video of ‘Simply Maggie’ knitting an arm blanket. She also has tons of other videos such as how to knit a Button Cuff and a Basket Weave Stitch Blanket!
Sweater Mittens
Source: featheringmynest.ca
Sweater Mittens are another creative idea to keep your loved ones warm during the winter. It could be a great addition to someone’s winter clothes collection.
Featheringmynest.ca provides step-by-step instructions on how to create these lovely warm mittens!
DIY Personalized Candle
With this gift, you can write a sweet message to someone you love. A message added to the candle can bring a special meaning to it.
Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a DIY Personalized Candle.
Stress should have no place in winter break and the holidays. Shopping can be a draining chore, but it could be exciting and full of wonder. In a world obsessed with cash, celebrate what matters: family and friends. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, and not the price tag!