Have a great Christmas with a limited budget

Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year, especially when the economy isn’t too strong. While, during a time like this, you will find many great bargains, you still may find that you can’t afford to spend as much as you’d like on gifts.

First and foremost you really have to consider that Christmas isn’t really about giving gifts, it’s more of a time to spend quality time with the family. If you’re family cannot accept that you have to spend less, they really don’t deserve gifts!

There are many ways you can cut down on the expenses for Christmas; you can bargain hunt for some great gifts especially just after thanksgiving, or follow some of my common sense ideas below.

Sometimes trying to buy everyone a present becomes very expensive, especially if you’re friends and family have a lot of children. One way to get around this and often to please everyone is to get a family gift. These types of gifts can vary:

• Gift baskets (Fruit, Chocolate, Wine, Soap etc.)
• Gift pack of movie tickets
• Family games (Cranium, Trivial Pursuits etc.)
• Movies

If you are really strapped for cash, then make all of your Christmas presents. It’s a lot cheaper, and quite often the effort you’ve put into making a present in more appreciated than the present you make. Some ideas for home made gifts:

• Chocolates – you can get several different molds and create a variety pack of chocolates.
• Cookies – not the store bought ones – find a decent recipe and make a huge batch of them.
• Jewlery – it’s very easy to make home made jewelry – it doesn’t have to be expensive either – you can get most of the ‘ingredients’ at a local craft store.
• Picture Collages – this is especially nice for close family – get some of the best pictures you’ve taken – copy them and present them a nice collage in a pretty picture frame – inexpensive, but very nostalgic.
• Clothes – if you’re good at knitting, why not make some scarves and gloves – these are very welcome Christmas gifts.

Sites like Zazzle.com also allow you to make your own personalized gifts – using your own pictures, or words you can create some really nice gifts, that look far more expensive than they actually are.

While you may feel funny giving someone a used gift, quite often you can find the ideal present on eBay – it may be used, but it also may be immaculate. I’d always shop from a reputable seller just in case the item is damaged. Some good ideas for ‘repackaged’ gifts:

• Video Games
• DVDs
• CDs

Additionally, if you have little talent when it comes to making your own gifts, you can always search eBay for some quality home made gifts. Some ideas:

• Jewelry
• Hand made clothes (Gloves, scarves, sweaters etc.)

Don’t be afraid to talk to your friends and family and tell them you’re not buying gifts this year. You may find that they actually wanted to do the same, but were afraid to say anything about it.

Instead, take time to send a nice Christmas Card with perhaps an updated picture of the family – Christmas isn’t about giving gifts – it’s about family, and thinking of others. As they say ‘It’s the thought that counts’ – just showing your interest and passing on your best wishes will be more than adequate.

Instead of buying a gift for everyone, get everyone buy one gift for an agreed amount value (say $100) – you all then randomly choose a gift. Make sure you pick a nice gift as you may end up randomly getting your own gift back.

You’ll be amazed at some of the decent gifts you can get under $100. Here are some examples:

If you can’t cut down the number of people you are giving gifts to, or don’t want to compromise by buying family gifts, the next best thing is to reduce the amount you spend on each person.