Oh the holidays – how we love them so. The fun, the family, the get together’s – there’s so much magic this time of year.
But with the holidays tends to come some unnecessary debt. From the mountain of gifts you’re purchasing, outfit changes for all occasions, potluck prep – the dollars spent tend to add up.
And there’s nothing worse to go into the new year with than waaay less money you intended to, and credit card bills racked up.
Though it’s so much fun to attend and participate in all the festive activities, there are some easy ways to stick to a budget and save some money this holiday season.
These little tips and tricks should help to relieve some of the financial stress that comes with this time of year, but still enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.
Tips & Tricks For Sticking To A Budget This Holiday Season
Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Having a secret santa gift exchange can save you tons of money. When you’re not buying each person a gift (only one per group!) that’s instant savings right there.
Recently with my fiance’s family, we’ve decided to do a secret santa gift exchange instead of buying gifts for each family member.
We used DrawNames which made the process so simple!
This site allows you to enter everyone’s names and it generates a pick for each person! It makes sure you don’t get yourself, as well as you can add specifications like spouses can’t get each other. You can add info such as the cash limit allowed to be spent, and each person can add some interests or wish list items to help their secret santa out!
You could do a secret santa exchange between each of your families, your friend groups, or your work friends. Instead of spending money on each of these individual people, you’re only spending money on one person out of each group!
You’re bound to save some money, relieve some stress from having to think up gifts for everyone, and put more thought into the gifts you do buy (which everyone loves!)
Outfit Repeater
It is okay to wear an outfit more than once. There I said it.
In all seriousness, with all the work functions, family gatherings and friend gift exchanges, you always feel obliged to wear your holiday best. Which can be so fun!
But let’s be real – you don’t need a new fancy holiday dress for each and every one of these parties. Odds are, each party comprises of different people in your life – wear the same thing to all of them!
You’ll get much more use out of your sparkly getup, plus save money on buying tons of outfits. And if you can score a holiday outfit earlier in the year, or on a Black Friday sale that’s even a bonus!
DIY
From gifts to decor to food, let DIY be your friend!
DIY can save you tons of money and adds that adorable personal touch. Gifts can be customized to the recipient, decor can fit perfectly into your home, and nothing beats a homemade treat.
For some fun DIY gifts, check out this DIY Gifts post!
For holiday home decor, this post has some great DIY ideas as well as some inexpensive options!
And holiday cookies are a great addition to any party you show up for (or to offer at your place!)
Limit The Expensive Festivities
It’s so much fun to take in all the activities this season has to offer, but there are so many inexpensive (or free!) activities you can do instead!
Here are a few holiday and winter activities that will allow you to save your money for other important stuff (like gas to Grandma’s, charity donations, etc.)
- Take a tour of Christmas lights
- Go skating
- Sledding
- Baking
- Christmas crafts
- Bingeing Christmas movies
- Have A Game Night
Treat Yo’ Friends Instead of Yo’Self
It can be pretttty tempting to indulge over the holidays. From the fancy Starbuck’s drinks multiple times a week, or adding an item or two into your cart for yourself when out Christmas shopping. But isn’t the season all about giving!?
Lots of money can be wasted on small gifts for yourself over the holidays, but it can really add up. All that money could have been put toward giving to others (or saving of course!)
You’re going to be spoiled so much over the holidays – you’ll be okay if you don’t get your daily Starbucks pick me up.
Try to focus on giving and serving others – that will make you feel so much better than any self-bought gifts can.
What tips and tricks do you use to save some money over the holidays!? It’s such a magical time to spend with all your loved ones, but that financial stress can definitely creep up.
Staying on top of your finances and following these simple tips can be sure to keep the magic in the air (& a little money in your bank account!)