How to Save Money on Christmas Gifts

4 Ways You Can Save on Your Holiday Gifts

The holidays are a time for giving, but they can also be a time of financial stress. If you're looking to save money on your Christmas gifts this year, here are some helpful tips.

Stay Within Your Budget

One of the most common causes of financial stress at Christmas time is buying gifts that are way out of your price range. This year, be realistic about what you can and cannot afford. There’s no shame in sticking to a budget! If you can't afford to buy your loved ones the latest gadgets, buy them something similar instead. You'll be giving them a gift they actually want, and you won't drain your savings in the process.

Incorporate the Whole Family 

The holidays are a time for our loved ones we care for them and spend time with each other. If you're planning on getting all your Christmas gifts from one or two people (such as your parents), try to include other family members in the process. For example, if you're buying your mother a gift, get your father and siblings to chip in so you can afford something a little more expensive. This will help to reduce the financial stress on everybody while giving you a chance to bond with your family members at the same time.

Make Some Homemade Gifts

Homemade gifts are always a hit with the family, especially during the holidays. If you're looking for some affordable and easy homemade gifts, try your hand at these:

• If you’re a skilled baker or know your way around the kitchen, bake a batch of cookies or cakes and put them in a festive tin.

• Craft a beautiful ornament for their tree. You can get plain Christmas balls from online marketplaces or craft stores and decorate them yourself. For a fun twist, make one with each family member’s name.

• Create a photo album of all the good times you've had with them over the year. You can fill up a scrapbook using it or even make a digital album or reel to send to them.

• Christmas is the time of appreciation. Write a letter telling them how much you love them.

• Pack a basket with all their favorite snacks and drinks.

Give the Gift of Service

If Acts of Service is their love language, you can translate this into gifts by making homemade “coupons” for various services you can do for the receiver. Not only is this gift idea practically free, but it’s also very useful. Some ideas are:

• Babysitting their kids

• Be their personal assistant for an errand 

• Teaching them a skill they’ve always wanted to learn like playing the guitar or drawing

• Washing their car

• Doing the dishes for an entire month

• Organizing their home

When it comes to giving gifts, it’s always the thought that counts. It doesn’t make sense to fixate on getting “the perfect gift” if it means going into debt in the process. Remember the reason for the season! Even a little gift prepared with a lot of heart will go a long way.