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Saving Money on Christmas |
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One way to prevent Christmas from being a financial burden is to plan ahead. Here are some tips from the ThriftyFun community to help you save money on Christmas by planning ahead. Post your own ideas here.
Buy Gifts For Birthdays And Christmas Throughout The Year
I have saved so much time and money! Instead of waiting for holidays, I buy gifts whenever I see what I think a friend or relative will enjoy. I place the gifts in boxes and mark the outside of the box and just keep adding all year round. When birthdays and holidays roll around, I am always prepared. My budget is intact!
By Sandy
Avoid Buying Gifts, Except For The Kids
How about not buying gifts for folks? Christmas isn't about buying stuff anyway. When we do buy gifts, it's for the kids. We put $30 in a separate account per month for the kid's birthdays and Christmas. It's part of our budget.
By rabbithorns
Christmas Savings Account
I put back $50.00 to $100.00 a month into my savings account so that when Christmas rolls around I will have money. I have done this every year for the past 8 years and it seems to be doing really well. It also draws interest too.
By Big Saver
Use Shredded Wrapping Paper For Gift Bags
When you receive gifts that are wrapped, keep the pretty paper and run it through your paper shredder. You can use this festive fluff when shipping long distance gifts or use to fill gift bags (which we all recycle, right?) It's just a little thing, but it is something.
By Lisa from Lena, WI
Name Drawing For Gifts
Instead of buying gifts for everyone in your extended family, draw names so each person buys for only one and then set a dollar limit. You could even limit it to the children in the family. We do this and set a limit of $25 for each child.
By Linda
Wish Lists To Avoid Unwanted Gifts And Other Ideas
This year the adults are not buying gifts for each other, we are only buying gifts for the kids. Also, when we did buy gifts we would give a list of ideas of gifts we would want. Therefore, no standing in return lines the day after Christmas, everyone got what they wanted! We have not returned any Christmas gifts since around 1982.
Amazon.com has wish lists. It is free to get an account, and the wish list shows the multiple gift buyers if a gift has been bought or not, so you don't give the person duplicate gifts. When you buy a gift, go to the recipient's account and check it as "bought". By default, Amazon does not show the recipient if the gift has been purchased but they can view that field if they want. Also, the recipient can update their list all year round as they change their mind, and the list has a priority for each gift. So people can buy the gift they can afford, and the one the person wants the most from the list.
You can also try making a small gift. Try making origami bowls. They are relatively simple to make and look nice if made out of wrapping paper or colored paper. They can hold candy or other light items.
By bulrush
Buy Age Appropriate Gifts For Children
When buying gifts for children, remember they go through all kinds of stages. I've made the mistake of buying the wrong toys at the wrong times just because they had dirt low prices on them and I had fond memories of the toys and games myself. Children grow and as each year passes they can never be brought back! If they're not ready for the Lite Brite, then get them the Twister! Get them what they will be excited to have in their stage of life! There's nothing worse than seeing it sit in the closet or get torn apart and pieces lost before they grow into wanting to use and play with it. Let them enjoy the items they're into at the time. Otherwise it is spending money years sooner, sometimes, than needs to be. And that is a waste of money!
By Susan
Neighbor Decoration Swap
My next door neighbor and I are going to swap any unwanted decorations with each other. The decorations will be new to the other person and it will save us going out and buying something new just because we are tired of our old stuff.
By Gena727
Cover Cardboard Boxes For Gift Baskets
Food/Gift Baskets: Some years when I haven't either the extra money for baskets, or the time to go to the thrift store to find one, I cover a suitable sized box with wrapping paper. I have used anything from a small check box to the larger, tray-type boxes that canned goods come in (like at Aldi's). Make sure you cover the inside, too. Also, for filler, I have used white poly-fill - found in the craft department, it's intended use is for stuffed animals or pillows. It looks like snow, takes up quite a bit of room, cushions the baked goods, and is quite thrifty! One bag goes a long way.
Shop Sales Year Round
I always start my shopping the day after Christmas. I hit clearance sales all year round or just what ever I think would tickle someone's fancy as I see them. By Christmas all I have left to buy are the "in" toys for my children and it doesn't seem like I've spent so much!
By homeschoolin_mum
Buy A Gift Card Every Paycheck
I started saving for Christmas with my first paycheck of the year by purchasing a gift card at Walmart. Every two weeks I have been adding $20 to the card. This will work out great because I can do my shopping before December 24th and I will have a debt free Christmas!
By Tim
Watch Gift Card Expirations
Check the fine print on the gift card at Walmart. I had one that I did not use right away and found out that they deducted from the card if it is not used with in a certain time. Sorta like the Mission Impossible tape that self destructs.
By Lois
Use Card To Avoid Non Use Fees
I think it's great that you're getting a jump on Christmas, but read the "fine" print with the gift cards. If they are not used within a specified period of time, they may charge a non-use fee that can end up being pretty hefty. If you do like homeschoolin_mum and hit clearance sales (our Wal-Mart runs a clearance isle all year long) that will keep your card up to date and you'll be saving money, too! Keep up the thrifty shopping.
By Dawn Barbie
Warning About Walmart
Great idea on the gift card, but please pick a different store. Try not to shop at Walmart. They treat their employees unethically and put small town local merchants out of business because they can't compete. A few years after building their huge, ugly box stores, they abandon them, move down the road and shut down more local businesses. So towns are left with these giant, empty structures and poor economies. Yes, Walmart is cheap, but what are the real savings? Think about it.
By Mary
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By marvin (Guest Post)
(10/13/2008)
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"Great idea on the gift card, but please pick a different store. Try not to shop at Walmart. They treat their employees unethically and put small town local merchants out of business because they can't compete. A few years after building their huge, ugly box stores, they abandon them, move down the road and shut down more local businesses. So towns are left with these giant, empty structures and poor economies. Yes, Walmart is cheap, but what are the real savings? Think about it. "
Some of us have to shop at walmart because they are cheap. the "mom & pop" smaller shops are a lot pricer. Also, Walmart treats there employees alot better than smaller stores who tend to have owners that hire their friends & family members-thus creating an unfair advantage for some employees. (I speak from experience).
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By Karla (Guest Post)
(08/03/2008)
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I agree with Selena. This is to give hints/help/advice about saving money at Christmas. Craigslist raves&rants is the place to voice your opinions about anything at all.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By Selena (Guest Post)
(08/03/2008)
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I thought this was about saving money for Christmas not putting Wal-Mart down. If you don't like it then don't shop there. Some of us are trying to stretch our dollars. Please stick to the subject.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
I am a teacher and Scholastic Books lets teachers work their sales. You don't get paid instead you get to pick out books. I save them as gifts. Gary Dominicus
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By (Guest Post)
(01/10/2008)
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WalMart giving back to the community is "Hog Wash". Most of their employees get their free medical care from state supported hospitals; bad for the community and we all pay in the long run. For every penny they give in charity is tax deductable not given as good will. WalMart exploits the uneducated and especially senior citizens because it is hard to find employment elsewhere and they take advantage of that. I've never met a happy WalMart Corp. employee, including managers. WalMart continues to have law suits filed against them. My 2 cents worth.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By .PE (Guest Post)
(12/17/2007)
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I also refuse to enter Wal-Mart because of their vicious (documented) bad treatment of workers, as well as those worderfully cheap lead-loaded products from China that made them competitive.
When Walmart moved in, I checked their prices against Target and KMart and yawned. They pretend otherwise and fool people who don't see their ruinous policies when they 'save' pennies. Neither thrifty nor fun.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By julie (Guest Post)
(12/01/2007)
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Amen, Mary!
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
I too worked there for many years, and they treat you like a dog. I stayed there because I was paid well, but eventually left (I got smart) and am happpier than ever. Kmart treats their employees better than Walmart
but I have to apologize to everyone on this post it is a post on saving money not bashing stores.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By Greta Rast (Guest Post)
(12/01/2007)
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I love Walmart. Their prices are wonderful and that is great for a tight budget. Their selection of products is very good and I've had great experiences with their customer service. I think they're getting an undeserved bad rap.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By k (Guest Post)
(12/01/2007)
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You've heard, they've heard...but do you know? If you don't like WalMart, don't shop there, but don't make assumptions about what you've "heard". Explain why, if they are so horrible and treat their employees so bad, there are so many employees willing to stick around? It's not because they pay an enormous amount of money. The small town grocery store is fine, but most people who work hard for their money care about lower prices, which is what you get at WalMart. And let's not even talk about the jobs that WalMart creates in these small towns. I know, first hand how WalMart works, because I've worked there more years that I can to tell, and still do. Don't believe everything you hear or see. WalMart gives back to the communities they are in, but you don't hear about that do you? Quit knocking WalMart because they are so successful.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
I suppose I am in the minority here when I say I love Wal-Mart. I hardly shop anywhere else because I like what they sell and the prices. I used their online site to do most of my shopping for my children. It not only saved me money, but time. I used the free shipping option where it arrives at the store and then all I did was go pick it up.
I only wish they'd put in super stores in our area. Hopefully they will some day and then I can do one stop shopping!
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By Momkos90 (Guest Post)
(12/01/2007)
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I refuse to go to Wal-marts, first my Daughter and Son in law worked there and they were treated like dirt. Also, the little meat mart store I have been going to for years was forced to close, I know that Sam Walton is rolling over in his grave.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By Nellio (Guest Post)
(11/30/2007)
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Amen to what everyone is saying about WalMart. You may be paying less, but you're definitely not getting the quality. Not only do they treat their employees rottenly, I've heard that they don't keep their promises to their suppliers either. Is it really worth it?
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By Robin (Guest Post)
(11/30/2007)
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I have heard over and over again that Wal-Mart is a lousy company to work for. My son in-law works for them as an assistant manager. He worked for them all through 4 years of college and then transferred home to work for them here. He just went into the management program at the first of the year and he loves his job. I hate that he works for them. I wish someone would get his attention about how poorly people are treated, including him! The guy has to work the overnight shift right now and he is lucky if he gets 4 or 5 hours of sleep before he has to go back to work! I think it's awful! And what you said about them putting other businesses out of business is so true! I totally agree with you and just pray that some day soon he sees the light!
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By Linda Holmes (Guest Post)
(11/30/2007)
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I perked-up at the idea a shedding used Christmas paper for packing and filling gift bags..Great Idea. I will use this one.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
here is another person who refuses to shop at walmart. they opened a super center walmart within 3 miles of my house on november 7th. i am not happy about what that will do this community.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
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Post By Jay (Guest Post)
(11/30/2007)
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They said the same thing about Sears.
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RE: Saving Money on Christmas
I never shop at Wally World (the Evil Empire) either. Nice to see that there are others who feel the same way.
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RE: Saving Money for Christmas
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Post By (Guest Post)
(11/23/2007)
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I hate to add fuel to the fire but I stopped shopping at WalMart for the same reasons... in Florida it seemed there were 10 WalMarts per every other town (and abonding their old buildings) and cutting down forest for their millionth "super" store. I am ALL for capitalism but I don't like their concept.
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