This is Part 2 of our money saving tips for Christmas. You can view the first 5 tips by Clicking Here
6. Give what YOU can afford. Do not give what your mother believes she deserves, a gift equal to what your sister-in-law gave you last year, enough presents to make a ski-slope-sized pile under the tree, or whatever unrealistic measure might be luring you toward overspending. Would your loved ones want you to suffer financially in order to give them a bigger gift? Surely not. Give reasonably, with a generous smile.
7. Have a card-signing party. In lieu of gifts to friends, a painfree Christmas money saving tip is to prepare holiday cards together. Ask each attendee to bring cookies or an appetizer. You provide drinks, tables to write on, and plenty of pens. The fun will provide more memories than a gift and incur no financial stress.
8. Slip and slide in the snow. Have a kids’ afternoon that will wear little bodies out (a gift to parents, too!) and provide fun memories. A Christmas money saving tip is to make a snowman, a snow fort, have a snowball fight or go sledding. Live in a warm-weather climate? Try a trip to the beach or a nearby hike. Afterwards, invite everyone in for hot cocoa. If you feel like spending a few dollars, spring for a few gingerbread house kits. Kids can take their creations home to last all season.
9. Give by giving. Ask your family to think of activities you can do all through the holiday season, rather than just purchasing a gift. The gift of time and caring can mean much more than a present — for giver and recipient. A compassionate Christmas money saving tip is to shovel snow for an elderly neighbor, or get a group together to surprise neighbors with an old-fashioned caroling party.
10. Get creative with at-home coupons. Another Christmas money saving tip is to get into the at-home “gift card” tradition with homemade coupons. Kids can give parents coupons for prized commodities like “No whining” or “No begging.” Parents can offer up unexpected treats kids love, like “Make cookies together,” “Get out of one punishment free” or “Choose candy for movie night.” Personalize a coupon pack with the recipient’s favorite color or stickers featuring a favorite animal to help you save money at Christmas.
Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping !
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Tom M. 12.01.08 at 10:33 am
Nice article. I really enjoyed the read. The tips are all very helpful.