The other day, I came across this post over at Frugal Homeschool Family, and I couldn't believe how similar our shopping styles are when it comes to gifts for our kids. I Would encourage everyone to hop over there and read it because the author, SUZETTE LADOUCEUR, is spot on. She has inspired me to post a few of my own Christmas gift giving tips and tricks. I'll try not to repeat the great ideas Suzette has already given, but instead, I'll add a few extra.
1. Set a budget. Okay, Okay, I'm putting this one first on the list because it's something that I need to keep in the forefront of my own mine. I love Christmas; and while I always try to help my kids remember the true reason for the season, I'm crazy about the presents as well. So I sometimes have a tough time reigning in the spending. It's important, though, because none of us wants to go into debt just to get through the holidays. The great news is we don't have to.
2. Start early! And by early, I mean like January. lol I know that sounds crazy to some, but starting early allows you to hit the most clearance sales. It also means that you'll be done shopping far in advance of Christmas morning, and you won't be spending extra money because you're running out and buying last-minute gifts. So what should you buy early? Well, if you know your children, you know that there are certain types of activities they enjoy. For example, my daughter loves arts and crafts, I can't go wrong buying her anything creative.
3. Be flexible. I don't ask my children for a Christmas list. Sometimes, my daughter makes one anyway, but she knows that Santa is full of surprises, and she may not get everything she's asked for. My children do have grandparents who like to shop from lists as well; so that means they'll get a few things they really want. However, I don't look for specific items for my children; instead, I choose to look for certain types of things I know they'll like.
4. Plan on one or two big gifts. I don't mean big in size or in expense necessarily, but I mean gifts that your child really wants. This is sort of in contrast to number 3 on the list, but I do always try to get that one certain thing my children want most assuming it doesn't eat up the entire Christmas budget.
5. Think homemade. Don't be afraid to make rather than buy some gifts. The internet is full of DIY projects that would be perfect presents. In the past, my daughter has received homemade play-doh, paper doll kits printed from the internet, crayons melted into fun shapes, etc. Not only are most of these gifts inexpensive, but you might also have great fun making them.
6. Visit a Christmas auction. Many times, around the holidays, you can find a local Christmas auction to attend. Visit Auctionzip to see if their are any going on in your area. This is my absolute favorite place to buy presents because you can get things at great prices, and you never know what you'll find until you arrive. I do have a couple of auction rules. First, don't buy food items unless you've had an opportunity to check the expiration date. Second, if you buy an item that takes batteries, understand that you may need to purchase new ones before the item will work. Finally, arrive at the auction early, doors usually open at least 1 hour before start time, so that you'll have a chance to check out the available items up close before the bidding begins.
Finally, I hope everyone will read Suzette's post over on Frugal Homeschool Family as well because she covers several tips such as shopping consignment stores and watching for sales and clearances with which I completely concur. With these tips to help with your gift giving, I hope you and your children have a wonderful Christmas this year.
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