What are your tips for a frugal holiday season?

I have a list of about 10 people that I am shopping for and have told every one that I am only spending about $20 per person.  So far, I have bought gifts at discount places like the $1 store and other types of discount/bargin stores.

Instead of buying frivolous gifts this year, we bought food item gifts for people.  Mail order steaks and burgers and grocery store gift cards for the  grandparents.  I figure these are much more useful than a sweater or shirt they probably don't need anyway.  :)

Make a Santa's list and shop on line, to chedk prices, call local stores to see if they have it, and stick to that list.  dollar store, and wal=mart items are poorly made and will fall apart quickly, consider that when buying the 'cool' toy.

Instead of a traditional gift for neighbors and friends, we are planning a white elephant gift exchange.  It is fun and fairly easy to find something stashed in the house or garage that is no longer used or wanted, wrap it up and take as a "gift".

[Draw numbers, (#1 goes first), and participants pick out a gift.  The next participants can either pick someone's opened gift, or choose a new gift from the pile.  If your item has been taken-you may then choose a new gift, or "steal"].

Our office has also done this in the past, and it was so fun seeing people unwrap their "treasures" .

Gift cards for gas and groceries is a great practical gift that everyone can use.  For gas - the extra might be enough to help someone go on that trip they wanted but avoided due to cost.  For groceries - the same theory as gas.  A family member might have been eyeing up the lobsters, but cost too much. 

Here in Buffalo - we have whats called simply certificates.  Purchase as much as you want, in various denominations.  These certificates come with brochures of local establishments that honor them.  The recipient of the gift can choose from the brochure where to use them.  Most are restaurants but everyone has evenings where they are not in the mood to cook.

I've gotten gift cards from banks.  These gifts cards work like credit cards, but with a gift limit dollar amount, so they can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted.  This has worked for my parents who camp alot.  I will specify on the card that the intent is to pay for a weekend at a campground of their choice. 

These practical gifts are well accepted and guaranteed to be used.  No worry of a gift not being liked or not used or regifted to someone else.

We suggest that you KEEP YOUR MONEY IN YOUR POCKET. DON'T FATTEN THE RETAILERS POCKETS. With this economy and seemingly never-ending gift-giving to the banks with our taxs dollars (thanks to Bush & Co.), We fervently feel you are better off SAVING YOUR MONEY FOR WHEN YOU WILL REALLY NEED IT. It would be nice for retailers to give cash back to consumers--no not discounts, 0 interest rates, or pennies for using a credit card. I mean cash. Probably won't happen so--------------SAVE...SAVE...SAVE...

Also, be VERY CAUTIOUS about where you by gift cards. Alot of stores are closing and/or moving out of state, so please be careful.

Sincerely,

Working Consumers

This year, instead of giving gifts to everyone we have decided to just send cards to the adults with our love and best wishes and send either gift cards or a small gift to the young children in the family.  At first we were afraid our decision would be viewed as being cheap; however, everyone we talked to liked the idea so much they are going to do the same.  THe children aren't able to understand the happenings with the economy so why should they go without?!  It works for us.  Good luck everyone.

I think if people will remember that 'Jesus is the Reason for the Season"and put things in proper perspective, then it just becomes a retailers holiday and nothing more. Have low or no expectations and you won't be disappointed. I think it's time to get back to the basics. We are a truely spoiled people in the United States.

We are doing more homemade gifts this year.  Its less expensive and people really seem to like getting things that were made for them as opposed to some purchased trinket they don't really need. 

MR. and MRS.,

Problem with the "SAVE...SAVE...SAVE.." Mantra. If "We", the American Consumer, don't buy, other people don't work and thus don't buy, etc... and it spirals down from there.

I.E. Retailers don't sell stock, so they lay-off staff to cut costs, those staff members then can't afford necessities, let alone Lattes at Starbucks. This further reduces consumer spending. So other service industries see drop in "sales" too, and cut staff.

Since retailers haven't sold inventories, they don't reorder stock. SO, manufacturers have to cut production, and yep, layoff workers. These workers then stop spending also, and on it goes until it is 1931 or 32 again, or worse. Think New Orleans, Watts, LA, and other riots.

There are groups in our society that if they don't get what they want, they will "take" from you to get it.

We have been selling stuff we no longer want, in order to raise money for gifts for the kids since about September. There is nothing like recycling things you no longer want, into money to buy things you do want! The money we raise is the money we will spend on gifts, not one penny more, so it is really easy to budget! We have forbidden ourselves from charging one gift this year, and will continue to pay down our credit cards throughout the month of December!

We have decided that all the adults are going to draw names at Thanksgiving. We set a $10.00 limit and each name has a selection of gifts under $10.00  that the person would like to receive- so it will still be somewhat of a suprise! For example- I need a cheap bottle of vodka or a new keyboard for my computer :) Either will be appreciated lol!

As far as other cost cutting measures go- we are not buying any holiday decorations- we are just using what we already have, which I bet for most people is plenty! Generally we get a real tree every other year, because I like real trees while my husband likes the fake tree, which we purchased when we got married. We will be using the fake tree this year, even though it is the real tree year, in order to save money.

We are not buying as many gifts for the kids, so we are also not buying as much wrapping paper etc, which also cuts costs. We are also buying a mix of new and pre-owned gifts for the older kids, because hey, they are old enough to know that the economy is really really bad, and they are lucky to have resourseful parents who can still get them some of the items they want, while maintaining a roof over their heads and food on their plates!

We are not mailing Holiday cards, we will just deliver them at Thanksgiving dinner- saves on postage! And we also did not buy Holiday cards, we scrounged around through the leftover holiday supplies in the shed and found plenty of single leftovers from Christmas past to use for this year! For people that are out of state, we are sending e-cards :) They are free and can be personalized!

For Thanksgiving, we all pitched in to buy dinner, and to do the cooking, so we will all eat at mom's house, with all the kids helping buy the food, and prepare the meal :) We went with basic favorites, nothing expensive and most of it homemade. All told we spent less than $50 for 10 people for Thanksgiving dinner plus pies and drinks. It helped that mom got a free turkey from work.

Bottomline, if you choose to cut back it can be accomplished without making you feel like you are being a scrooge. Times are bad, but it is all about attitude and making smart choices to see your family through next year, which will probably be as bad or worse than this year has been.

Good Luck to all and happy holidays!

As a weekend woodworker, I will be making gifts this year for those people in my life that I normally spend the most for.  My wife has asked my for a granite topped storage cabinet for the bathroom--that is partially complete.  Maple isn't cheap, but if I can spend $200 to make a piece that looks as good and is more functional than one at Robb&Stucky that costs $1995, I think it's a wise decision.  There was a time in this country when nearly all Christmas gifts were made by hand; in this economy there is no shame in returning to that philosophy.  And, as was pointed out above, it pays to keep sight of the reason we celebrate the day; the latest iPhone isn't it, I'm afraid.

I just read another great comment regarding 'unloading', as in getting rid of those things that fill the garage storage cabinets or the facility down the road.  We've made very good progress this year shedding extraneous 'stuff', and have brought in well over $2000 in the process.  Although we chose to use the money to take a trip to CA for my wife's birthday, using that money for Christmas is also a wise and frugal choice.  Also, there is certainly something therapeudic about releasing all of the 'stuff' and clearing one's space.

I will also be making many gifts- breads, muffins, jams and jellies and such to put in baskets with fresh fruit which stays nice for a little while like apples and oranges.  I'm also an excellent candy maker on the side and will adorn baskets with some chocolates and other goodies.  I am also giving the many children on my christmas lists one of the original holiday gifts (especially if you happen to be Pennsylvania Dutch)- Toy Candy.  I'll add some small things to that from their lists as well.

One item I never mind spending money on are books!  That is a gift that gives for years and years. And if you happen to be a book store member there are many additional sales and discounts they make available to you.

I will also be following the Christmas lists I've been given.  My gift circle and I all exchanged small lists of items we really need.  That way we can be assured no one is wasting their time and money.

My friends and family are also forgoing the Christmas Card tradition this year, except for those who live out of state or abroad.

For the holiday season we are definately scaling back.  No stocking stuffers, no impulse buys.  I had the kids go through the toy mags and circle what they really wanted. Explaining to them that christmas is tight this year pick only what you really want.  Then i went on line to the black friday ads to see what i could get discounted.  At 4 am i will be on my computer ordering what they want and saving a ton of money.

You have to compare ads and prices, there is a big difference from one store to the next and ofcourse you do have to make a list of what to get where and get up early to get your order in.  But, then you are done, they are delivered to your door and all that is left to do is wrap them.  Saves, time, money and gas.

I think it is important to let our children know that economic times are hard and we are fortunate in many ways, and well the presents may be less this year, we plan on doing more fun things like baking cookies, decorating the house together, watching the christmas movies together and enjoying the season for what it is.  Kids do understand these things and enjoy making crafts, baking and getting into the holiday season.  Even my teenagers like making cut out cookies and decorating them.  who can resist all that frosting and sprinkles?

Lately, instead of eating out and buying costly presents for our friends/family, we have a lot more potluck-style celebrations. Everyone comes, has good food, good conversation and then we play Wii =). Everyone goes home happy! I expect Christmas to be much the same.

We as well are cutting back this Christmas. Our children have been asking for Nintendo DS for a couple years now and we had decided that this was they year they will get them but since they are expensive, at least to us, they will get the system and one game apiece. This is all they will get from us. There are three of them so they can share the games.

One thing we have done in the past for one of our children when he wanted something like this is he requested that people get him gift cards to a specific store toward that item. He has several aunts and uncles that usually give $10-25 gifts so those cards added up for him where he never would have gotten the gift from any one person and it would have been difficult for all those people to coordinate "going in" on a gift.

My sisters and I have been doing "themed" gifting for each other the last several years for each others families. One year, Trash to Treasure, things could only be purchased used, at garage sales or at thrift shops. Another year they had to be homemade. I received and old snow shovel that was painted with a winter scene and made into a wall hanging. My other sister tried, somewhat unsuccessfully, to resurrect her crocheting skills from the past. Needless to say the hat didn't fit but we had a ball! We will decide this year's theme at Thanksgiving. Any ideas?

In the past, I stuck to my budget with using cash only.  I found that it makes my budget more "tangible" than using plastic would.  Lately, though, I have been doing more shopping at websites, especially Amazon, because several people on my gifting list live out of town and Amazon offers free shipping.  With that, I just have to be careful to keep a record of what I am spending.

I also found that Etsy, a website that is like a marketplace for handmade items, has unique items that are well-made and usually decently priced for both the item and the shipping.  You can even request an item if you can't find what you're looking for.  I have been increasingly using that as well and just sending a small but unique gift.

My mother, brother and step-father live about 950 miles away. I used to buy gifts, wrap them , box them,  and carry them to the UPS store. Instead, for the last couple of years I have bought a movie gift card and a restaurant gift card for my mother and step father so they can enjoy an evening out at no expense to them, which is more practical since they have everything, for my brother I do the same thing only I go to the automotive store or music store and buy a gift certificate. For my father and step-mother I buy a gift certificate to a local grocery store or I put money into their account for the electric or gas.  My jparents are in their 70's so this is more realistic then buying some unwanted item they don't need anyway. For my children, who are all adults, I usually just get them a gift certificate from a store of their choice. For my grandkids, walmart or sometimes discount stores have great items priced reasonable. My siblings and I decided long ago we would not exchange gifts as their are too many of us and we do not live near so we usually call and send a card. On Christmas day we usually have people in and instead of a big sit-down dinner there is choices of ham, or turkey and makings for sandwiches with all the usual condiments, a pickle and olive tray,  along with chips, fruit and veggies and dip. The only thing I go all out for these days is home made "real" egg nog, the kind that is made with real cream,  and pumpkin pie.  All in all for gifts for 12 people and food I spend less then $800.00. The nice thing is I have no credit card debt when I am finished and everyone gets something. My husband and I buy one large gift for us both to enjoy instead of stuff we don't want or need. After all, Christmas is about love and not about expensive stuff. Hope this helps someone else who is struggling what what to do with older parents who have everything.

First I need to say that all of us NEED anything. That being said it's Christmas present time and most people have alot of people to buy for. The issue that bothers me most is that the kids we buy for seem to only want to cash. That is not what Christmas is about anyway. I am a HUGE christmas lover. So my advice DO NOT USE CREDIT CARDS. Believe me I know that is painful thought. But right now in this economy any of could lose our jobs, home and end of with absolutely nothing. I doubt that would bring any of you thinking what a warm and loving christmas. I doubt that is what you'll be saying. We all think that if we don't buy the gifts the kids ask for they would have a terrible Christmas Holiday. Well I have news for you, how long does it take from the time they get that toy to coming to you yanking on your sweater for attention and whining,"Mommy theres nothing to do." That will happen to at least 90% of the households. I hope something good comes out of all this.I hope Christmas will come back to a more simple time and when it wasn't so commercialized and they do actually wait until after Thanksgiving to put out Christmas products. Before Halloween arrives Thanksgiving is even here. Don't you think it would be so nice to enjoy where we are at that time in our lives. What is the big rush to have the best present? I used to be a huge present person. But it did not make anyone's Christmas any brighter and merrier  that it normally would be. This is the last year we are doing specific presents that they really want (notice I did not say need) but after this year we are making our gift a time for us all to be together on some vacation. Family is what Christmas is about and getting your child the latest toy craze of the year is not going to make any difference a week after they get it. Our children spend to much time on computers, they are not supervised, they grow up faster and we allow more and more adult issues into their lives. If your child is whining and being ungrateful that his has a family and they have a house and lots of family, I suggest bringing him to the nearest soup kitchen where people are serving up food to people who have nothing. That might just bring their focus back to where it should be. It can't change over night and it's our own fault that our children have that attitude that they are entitled to what they want when they want it. We are in a recession and I am hopeful that change will come and make a better American People who want to help each other not try to keep up with the Jones's. Your son or daughter young or old could help plan a vacation with you and they will know that when they go on this trip it will be like christmas all over again. Of course You can't expect that to change overnight. But start with little things like having them save their allowance so they could by gifts for their siblings and parents and that the money they have and there is no more so choose wisely, ever hear of the dollar store or big lots? Maybe if the could volunteer with you in a soup kitchen or a shelter where people have nothing it might make them realize how truly fortunate we all are. Just use cash and you won't have that very sick feeling after all is said and done and knowing that I promise you that you will enjoy the month of January alot more. It's not going to be easy. American's are convinced we deserve what we want when we want it. Thats ridiculous. You either save all year a bit each month and whatever you feel comfortable. Buy your children something thay you think they will enjoy more than a few days. Go to church (even if your not a church person) and let them feel christmas arrive and carols being sung. A houseful of friends and family and appreciating all we have is the greatest gift we could ever have. So lets tighten our belts & stop the commericialization of this holiday. By the Christmas arrives and people have charged their credit card and lose all sense of what this holiday is about, that when it arrives most people I know don't look to cheerful. Just walk through the mall and observe the mood of most people. Just make this a chrismas uncomercialized,affordable and do something for someone who is alone and may like an invitation to join you. Perhaps an elderly neighbor is lonely and she would be so happy to have at least an hour of your time. Or include her in your celebration. What ever you do I know you know that giving of ourselves is the best feeling we will ever feel.

I don't plan on purchasing gift cards this year -- I'm concerned a company could be gone before the gift card is redeemed.  I'd rather purchase something or give cash as a gift.

We stopped buying gifts last year except for the kids.  The older kids? They wanted money anyway.  So that was easy.  I belong to a service club and spend time and money buying things and creating food boxes for people in need.  I also donated to my church toy drive and to Heifer Int'l. 

About eight families go caroling in our neighborhood and enjoy a festive get together afterward, and my family gets together with a few friends just for a casual dinner.  We don't exchange gifts because we don't need more stuff - being together is what we want.

After the obligatory business parties (I have four and my husband has three) that's about all we need. 

As far as decorations are concerned, I've always been a minimalist and when the magazine articles say "cut back" it's not news to me.  We have a tree and traditional decor -- ornaments we've had for decades.  Some stuff our daughter made in preschool, some from my parents, some from our early married days.  It's beautiful and has no "theme," but we're happy with it. 

When I was a kid, my mom made the traditional Italian Christmas Eve feast with a giant fish and pasta dinner.  Although I keep the tradition alive, it's lots smaller, and we usually eat after we get home from church.  If our kids are home, we read from the Christmas gospel while we put the last ornaments and the angel on top of the tree and share a last glass of wine before bed.

On New Years Eve, we have a Norwegian style dinner (my husband is Norwegian) with several kinds of smoked fish, butter cookies and champagne.  Even if it's only the two of us, that's what we do.

So there you have it - nothing much but it makes the holidays feel full and happy.

We're sticking to the basics. I found gifts at discount stores and paid cash. We're buying one, or two gifts for the kids and for everyone, we're just sticking to what we know people need and will use - no frills. Same for holiday meals - just basic meat, veggies and dressing with a few pies - no excessive dishes and such.

In order to save money my Mom used to make Chicken & Dressing for the holidays, instead of Turkey and Dressing. If Turkey isn't cheap enough this year, we'll do the same.

I actually like saving money and being frugal - it's challenging to find the best deal and stick with a small budget. The Holidays don't seem so commercial that way.

Here are a few tips  I use every year to save money on  Christmas gifts.  As a teacher, I get a lot of nice gifts I can't use during the year ( baskets of lotions, gift cards, elegant Chinese embroidered table cloths, silk scarves,  coffee mugs, etc., ), and sometimes people give me birthday gifts I can't use.  I save all of  these gifts,  and at Christmas I re-wrap them and give them to others who can use them. Often I give these gifts  to my hairdresser, the newsboy, and other service people.  I use the gift cards to buy other gifts for close friends and family.  

Also, during the summer I shop at summer clearance and closeout  sales, buy a lot of gifts at pennies on the dollar,  and save them till Christmas  (for example, this summer I found a  $70 deluxe edition of The Lord of the Rings for $12, several beautiful $30 to $50 coffee table art books for $1 or $2, and  Noble Collection Harry Potter items at 80% off--$10 instead of $50).

I  shop at craft fairs  and church bazaars for handmade jewelry, jams, and the like, which are much cheaper than in the stores.  Ross Dress for Less is also very good for cheap deluxe treats like fancy teas, candies, jams, and spices.  You can make your own baskets of goodies from Ross to give rather than buying a fancy basket of goodies from a grocery or department store. 

As for Christmas wrapping paper, I save gift bags that people give me gifts in, iron them to smooth out any wrinkles, and re-use them in order to cut down on wrapping expenses.   
Every few years for about $3 I buy a giant  spool of curling ribbon in one color (either green or red) at a party supply center and use that for the next few years to wrap all gifts that need ribbon.