How to Save Money this Holiday Season
How to Save Money this Holiday Season
By Cate Rees-Hessel
It seems that everyone wants and needs to save money this holiday season – perhaps we are quite worried the upcoming Trump tariffs and his recent admission that it will be very difficult to bring down grocery prices. If only we had Kamala coming, instead, but since we don’t, here are some unique and practical ideas for your last minute holiday shopping. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah on a budget…
- Recycle and re-gift.
- A well thought out thrift gift is perfectly fine, as long as it’s in good condition.
- Nothing wrong with a white elephant Christmas grab bag.
- Homemade gifts are often appreciated – after all you created it with your own two hands.
- It’s the thought that counts, not the amount spent. A nice card for a dollar store gift as long as it’s tasteful is fine if that’s all your budget will allow.
- e-cards save postage and are environmentally friendly.
- Give homemade gift certificates for babysitting, cleaning, lawn mowing, and the like.
- Potluck dinners can be a fun way to enjoy each other’s company
- There are many free holiday movies on streaming, and paid streaming services offer great deals during the holidays.
- Host a spa party to get everyone holiday ready. Saves money on professional nail, hair, and makeup services.
- Live trees are often cheaper later in the season – the closer to Christmas, the cheaper the tree.
- Go caroling.
- Host a party right after Christmas – holiday food and décor will be half off or more…
- Pass that fruitcake back and forth – okay, maybe not.
- Go to a food pantry or clothing swap.
- Many libraries offer craft and cooking classes for free – most include the supplies.
- Last year’s holiday outfits with a change of accessories will look fresh and fashionable.
- Festive foods don’t need to be expensive – look online or at your local library for recipes.
- Classic TV favorites or nostalgic episodes of old shows with a bowl of popcorn and hot chocolate are always fun
- An ornament swap is a great way to change decorations for a new look.
- Cookie exchanges are a yummy way to enjoy fellowship and a variety of Christmas cookies.
- Build a snowman.
- Family game night with finger foods or pizza is a great form of entertainment.
- Read the Christmas story “The Night before Christmas” aloud in your pajamas.
- Dreidel parties with chocolate coins are very festive.
- If you can’t afford eight nights of gifts, consider gifting the first and last night, and maybe have a trinket grab bag the other six nights.
- How about a gift the entire family can enjoy: board games, tins of popcorn, box of chocolate? If your budget allows, a television, computer, Soda Stream, or air fryer, for example. Anything your household will enjoy…
- Pet gifts can be cans of food or treats or doggy, kitty sweaters – furbabies can receive practical gifts, also.
- Stocking stuffers can be stock uppers like toothpaste and brush, socks, deodorant, razors, and the like.
- Local light displays are usually, free and some neighbors actually set up lights that move to music that you can listen to on your car radio.
- Midnight mass, church services, and school concerts are beautiful and free ways to celebrate the holiday season.
- House parties for New Year’s Eve are cheaper and safer – champagne and alcohol are not a requirement to have fun. Above all, never drink and drive…
- Homemade noise makers, pots and pans, musical instruments, etc., can all be fun with no cost.
- Silly party hats can come out of your closet, no cost and environmentally friendly. No cardboard hats to throw away after midnight.
- Television football games and parades with a light brunch and/or snacks are a great way to enjoy the company of loved ones.
- A sock puppet show with a painted cardboard box stage is a great holiday craft project for children.
- A living room song and dance show is also fun and creative.
- Look for Groupon-type offers, BOGO’s, and coupons.
- Borrow and barter.
- Out of season clearance gifts are fine. The pool toys and swimwear season will be here sooner than you think. During the bitter cold winter, the promise of warm weather might just be a welcome gift.
