Okay, I know it’s already 12 days into December, but this mamma only blogs at night when the wee ones are in bed.
It seems like every year there is another person I need to shop for. Last year I bought a lot of my presents on Cyber Monday. This year I just didn’t get around to it. Last year my little one was only 2 months old… she is quite a bit busier this year, so I don’t get as much done and my brain feels a little more frazzled.
If you missed the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals there is still hope for you! Here are some things I do to save money during Christmas. You might save a little of your sanity as well.
Shop NOW for next Christmas
This may seem silly, but I’m serious. This is one of the ways I have saved myself come December when everything gets a little crazy and I don’t have as much time to shop as I thought I was going to have.
Think about what people have on their lists and take note of what they get. Think about the things that could wait another year and squirrel that information away. You can buy something for either their birthday or next Christmas. Watch for it to go on sale.
I shop year-round. I have 2 totes in my basement devoted to gifts. Ok, now that I think about it, make that 3 totes! One for baby gifts. I look for clearance clothes when the seasons change and I almost always buy bigger sizes, because although little clothes are cute, they grow out of them fast. One tote for family gifts and one that is just other gifts. The other gifts range from cute decor items to kids toys. I find almost all of these things in the clearance section and they make great gifts in a pinch.
Make Your Gifts
If you are any bit crafty, save yourself some money and make some of your gifts. Hey, even if you aren’t crafty, if you have little kids you can easily put their hand prints on anything and Grandpa and Grandma are bound to swoon at the cuteness! I’m always a sucker for adorable hand print keepsakes.
A couple years ago I made my mom and sisters reusable sandwich bags. I used this awesome tutorial here. That same year I also made my mom an apron. If sewing isn’t something you like doing, there are lots of ideas on Pinterest!
I made these shirts for my twin nephews this year. I used my silhouette to cut out the vinyl and then ironed it on. Making your own gifts is way cheaper than buying them, but it does take time.
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Give Experiences
A great way to save yourself some time and energy is to give experiences. Instead of going out and getting the latest and greatest toy give something that is going to make a memory. Buy movie tickets, zoo passes, skating rink tickets, theme park passes, ice skating lessons, swim lessons, rock climbing lessons. The possibilities are endless. Think about the activities your child, nieces, nephews, grand kids, etc. might like.
For my son’s 4th birthday this year my sister (who lives about 4 hours away) mailed him a card saying that the next time we were in town, she wanted to take him somewhere special for his birthday present.
We ended up going to this place called Remlinger Farms. If you happen to live in Washington and have little kids you should totally check it out!
While we were there my son and my sister went on rides, road the train, petted the animals, and so much more, it was the sweetest thing ever. I know we made some memories that day and those memories will last longer than any toy.
Here are some ideas if you decide to give an experience:
Give Gently Used
It may seem weird not buying something new, but you might be surprised at how many people would actually be okay with gently used gifts. Over the years, I have received many gently used clothing items and toys for my kids. I am always so grateful for people’s generosity. Maybe I’m weird, but I’m okay with used gifts, as long as they are in good condition. Now, don’t go giving someone a used toy that looks like it sat outside all winter, that’s just rude. Pass along the nice things 🙂
Just this past week, I went to a Clothing Fundraiser Sale and everything was a QUARTER! My sister-in-law and I were able to get some very nice gently used clothes and shoes for some kids at our church. If you are considering this option, it would be a good idea to have a conversation with the parents to make sure this is something they are okay with.
Second hand shops are the perfect place to find good deals. I have found many things to re-purpose and give as gifts. I always look for picture frames and signs that I can make over. I’ve also found fiestaware, pampered chef and many other great kitchen finds.
Well, that about wraps it up. Those are some of the ways I have saved money when it comes to Christmas shopping. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and don’t forget to start shopping for next year RIGHT now!
How do you save money on Christmas gifts?
We are big fans of experiences!! Even so, your list is super helpful. Thank yoU!!
You’re welcome Sarah! Glad you like the list. I’ve found that experiences are so much more meaningful.
These are great tips to save money on Christmas gifts. I really like the ideas of giving experiences as gifts. I would love to get a gift like that and I am sure others would too. I am also excited to make some of my gifts for others!
I love getting experiences too. One of my love languages is gifts and maybe that’s why I have so much fun making gifts! But it is also such a great way to save money. Have fun making gifts this year!
Experiences is what we’re asking for this year…it’s just the best of everything: something fun, something where we can all make memories, and something to anticipate.
Yes! It is the best of everything. Memories last a lot longer than any toy.
What a wonderful list of great ideas. Something everybody should consider. I love ideas of gifting memories than toys which will end up in the basket after a day or two. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, I agree! I remember my family vacations more than I remember any toys I was given over the years. I think it also shows that we value each other, because giving of our time is more precious.
The last several years we’ve given experiences as gifts, and it has been so great! Less clutter, less stuff to dispose of, and less entitlement. More fun and more memories! This year, we’re giving our kids flights to China and some tickets for while we’re there. Last year we gave them Disneyland. So fun!
Ohh! So fun! China! That’s amazing! I love the idea of a family trip! My kids are pretty little, so we’ll hold off on Disneyland for a while, but that would be so much fun! I’m glad to hear someone else loves this idea of giving experiences as much as I do 🙂
This is a great list of ideas – I’m looking forward to making gifts this year.. they always mean so much more when they’re handmade 🙂
I love making gifts. It’s so special receiving those gifts too, knowing someone spent time making something just for you. Have fun making your gifts!