Many people look forward to the big discounts on Black Friday, but some of us are not too keen on spending a lot on holiday gifts. While I love the joy of giving, we’re currently paying off leftover bills and my husband’s student loans from grad school, so I want to avoid overspending.
If you’re in a similar situation, don’t worry or feel cheap. Instead, feel proud of your creativity and thoughtfulness in managing your budget while still giving great gifts. Here are some ideas that might help:
1. Use Swagbucks: If you’re not using Swagbucks yet, consider starting. I try to rack up as many points as I can throughout the year and then cash them out to PayPal in early November. This year, I redeemed 10,000 Swagbucks for a $100 PayPal payout, adding to my gift budget.
2. Redeem credit card rewards: Many credit card companies offer points that you can turn into cash or other benefits. For example, my card offers $50 restaurant gift cards or $50 Visa cards for 5,000 points. By saving up points all year, I got a $50 gift card to my mom’s favorite restaurant.
3. Make homemade gifts: If you’re good at crafts, handmade gifts can be a great option. Whether it’s homemade cooking supplies or clothing, these gifts show you care. My kids loved the homemade scarves from their grandmother.
4. Check Craigslist: If you’re shopping for kids, Craigslist can be a great place to find bargains. You can often find ‘new in box’ toys cheaper than on Amazon or eBay, and young kids usually don’t care if a toy is second-hand.
5. Use deal sites: I regularly check sites like Groupon and Living Social for big discounts on cool gifts. This summer, I found a science kit for half off on Mamasource, which is perfect for my science-loving son.
6. Draw names: For large families, doing a gift draw can help save money. Each person picks a name and buys a gift for just that person, with a set spending limit to keep things fair.
The holiday season doesn’t have to mean financial stress. By using these tips and being creative, you can give wonderful gifts without breaking the bank. Do you have any other clever ways to save on holiday gifts?