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- When I did the grocery gift card offer, we signed up for a coffee program. We had to receive one shipment of coffee after the original offer. I got some flavors I knew my mom would like and set that aside for her present. I had to get the coffee, so I made the most of what I got.
- Swagbucks - I have earned a good number of Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks and will be cashing some in for gifts.
- Making the most of gift card offers. Those prescription transfer offers? I have been using those gift cards to purchase items for Christmas. When Toys r Us put out some offers last week I made the most of them. I used a $10 off $75 purchase, combined with a $10 GC when you spend $100, combined with the Hasbro game deal to earn another $10 GC and I spent right around $100, earned another $20 in gift cards and will get back $8 in rebates. I got my nephew's birthday present as well as almost all the shopping done for my kids. I will go back closer to Christmas to use the $20 gift card to finish up.
- We are limiting gifts. 2 presents per child under the tree. I have not set a dollar amount budget per kid. I am just getting what will work for that child and spending as little as possible in the process.
- Most years I put together a scrapbook calendar for both of our parents. In the end, they cost $40-$50 each. We are not doing them this year.
- I am giving some of my home canned items to family this year.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Christmas on a tight budget and a ?
I think this is the tightest budget we have had in a long time for Christmas. Over the year, we were able to save $300 towards Christmas. I did purchase a few random things here and there out of our regular gift budget, so that helped. But when you think about it, $300 for 6 people, all extended family, shipping and cards, isn't a whole lot of money. So, how are we making this work?
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16 comments:
How about a kids camera?
How about art supplies? Or play-doh stuff? Or make her her own little scrapbook(my kids love looking at those) or photo album? Good luck!
Art kit, Easy bake oven (with supervision of course), jewelry making kit, dress up costumes? I'm not sure. I don't have girls... but that's the stuff I liked at her age!
I was going to recommend something artistic, books, making her own jewelery or maybe you can make her a special certificate that gets her something like mommy time or movie time or like a get out of jail free card.
We have a tight budget, too. Now we got our end of year tax bill (of course, we knew it was coming. But it was supposed to be lower, since our house decreased in value. It is the same as last year).
Anyway, my oldest never played with toys. I would say something for outside- roller blades, scooter, games, etc, some sort of craft kit, or books (to read or a journal).
I'm right there with you on the low budget, I'm trying to be creative with gift ideas and am going to be doing alot of homemade gifts this year. I would like to know what you're getting the kids teachers this year - I know this is their first year back to public schools and since your husband is a teacher you might have some great ideas. I'm thinking of doing a big plate of cookies for the group of teachers to share but am not sure a homemade gift is practical. For your 5 year old daughter I suggest giving her movie tickets, drawing pad and pencils or something artistic, can't go wrong with those things. Leene
I think all these comments are good suggestions. I'd lean toward books, art supplies and craft kits, especially since you all live where there is usually lots of snow and the outside things (like roller blades, etc ...) wouln't be much use for a while.
Our Christmas is going to be much slimmer this year, too. We are thinking about limiting the number of gifts for our children and buying more family presents. I'm going to give more food type gifts and homemade food things. We are also playing around with the idea of making some gifts in my husband's workshop. My sons recently got interested in carving and we just ordered some wood that will be easier for them to work with. I think this will be great because DH will have to be out there helping them and they will be doing it themselves!
Great suggestions...On year we made an art box for one of our daughters...we took an empty plastic tote and filled it with every imaginable art supply...she loved it and had a blast creating...you can also refill next year! HTH! Kim
How about the Sound of Music CD with the pop-up book and sing-along guide to go along? If she likes to sing she will love the 50th anniversary CD and pop-up book with sing-along guide. My 5 year-old granddaughter loves it. I'll be giving away the CD on a new giveaway on my blog later today!
I would suggest the gift of Time. How about a girls day out. Lunch and a movie? Take her to get her nails done for the first time. She will remember a special day longer than a toy under the tree
How about Barbie books? I know there are many Barbie "Little Golden Books" available.
When my son was that age, we had standard gifts when he was invited to a party for a girl in his class: My Little Pony or a Disney princess crown or Disney princess pretend cell phone.
I think you can't go wrong with books or art supplies.
Well, concerning the budget, I usually shop over the year when I see a great deal. That's mostly in fall when in some shops items are 70 per cent off because the new lines are coming in, and everything else has to go. This way I do not have all of the expenses at once. I use a lot of gift cards as well.
I have a 5 year old boy. when my mom asked if he wanted toys he said no, because he has too many and doesnt like putting them all away when he is done playing, so he asked for new bedsheets... lol... Maybe you could get her a sort of self made coupon for a day at the zoo? Zoos in my area have free admission on a few days/year, or special "Family Fun Days" with 50 per cent off... This way you could wait for such a good deal, and she still doesnt feel left out?
Thanks everyone for the great ideas! She is very crafty. My mom got her a bunch of art stuff for Christmas (I am not sure what all is in there), so I was hesitant to get more, but it might come down to that. Barbie books is also a great idea, maybe to go along with a small (i.e. cheap) Barbie would be fine. Then I wouldn't feel as if I were wasting that much money LOL.
Some of the outdoor stuff is hard because it will be winter here for 4 months after Christmas. Plus she has a bike and scooter already. She did mention that she wanted a Nintendo DS, but that isn't going to happen.
Jennifer, have you seen the deals for the free photo calendars at seehere.com? I think I saw it on moneysavingmom.com and also at common sense with money. I think it was even free shipping but not sure. I'm hoping to do one for my in-laws and to get my sister to do one for our parents.
How about a board game? My kids are really getting into games this year. Other than that I too would suggest putting together some art supplies.
My teenagers both want the 8 gb Ipod touch this year. They were pleading for the 32 gb at almost $300 each..THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN>>>LOL..Kids seems to get progressively more expensive as they get older. I miss the days when individually wrapped Hot Wheels and art supplies did the trick!
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