The holidays are a time to be generous, but there is such a thing as being too generous. Since 2008, the amount of money American consumers have spent on holiday gifts has increased year after year. In 2019, industry experts estimated the average American to spend over $900 on holiday gifts. Don’t let the cost of the holidays stress you out! Here are some tips to keep the costs down.
MAKE A LIST.
Make a list and check it twice! Making a list during the holidays isn’t just for kids. A good rule of thumb is to make a list of the people you plan to buy gifts for, the total dollar amount you want to spend, and then decide on the gifts for each person. This keeps you from buying more than what you need.
CUT EXPENSES.
Need a little extra money for gifts? Cut back on eating out, opt for free entertainment and look for other places you can reduce expenses to help free up money for the holidays. Make sure you cancel any unused subscriptions!
SHOP EARLY.
The holidays can be a very stressful time, and procrastination can lead to even more stress. Starting your holiday shopping early gives you time to hunt for better prices and will reduce the chance of an item being sold out. Budgeting your money and your time will help you stay on track during all the festivities.
DIY GIFTS.
Nothing’s better than a gift that comes straight from the heart. While it is easy to find personalized gifts on websites like Etsy, nothing tops making it yourself. Don’t let your lack of crafting skills stop you from making something special! DYI gifts also help on cutting costs as several of the ideas call for items you already have in your home. A simple Google search or a few minutes on Pinterest will lead you to a lot of great ideas! Also, don’t forget to pair it with a homemade card!
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