Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, oh my! The holidays are here and you’ve already been invited to endless parties, potlucks, gift exchanges and family gatherings, but you’re wondering how to have a good time on a tight budget. With many of us facing tough economical times, this holiday season threatens to leave little more than a lump of coal in our pocketbooks. But fear not, with a few simple tips you can have a fabulous and frugal holiday!
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the “My Frugalicious Holiday” event sponsored by money-saving site RedPlum. The event showcased cheap and chic ways to celebrate the holidays and provided lots of cool gift ideas for under $30. The event not only reinforced the fact that I didn’t have to spend a lot of money to give great gifts, but it taught me a few tips that would help avoid clutching my credit card statements and wondering, “what did I do?”
Five Tips for a Frugal and FABULOUS Holiday
1) 1. Create A Holiday Budget (and stick to it!): Be realistic about how much money you have and how much you can spend. Then make a list of everyone you want to buy a gift for (some people may get left off) and assign a maximum price for their gift. Don’t get suckered into buying gifts for distant cousins or friends of friends. I know it’s hard, but stick to it. The gifts you give may even more thoughtful than you originally intended because you’ll have to put some thought into what you can give that’ll fit in your budget.
2) 2. Shop Around: The Internet (Shopzilla.com, Amazon.com) and sales circulars make shopping around easier. Don’t buy all of your gifts from one store (or website), comparison shop to make sure you’re getting the best price on what you’re buying. Do your homework and never pay full price for anything!
3) 3. Use Coupons: Keep an eye out for coupons that come in the mail around this time of year. Also, search the Internet (RetailMeNot.com) for coupon codes (and printable coupons) that could help you save anywhere between 15% to 50% percent off.
4) 4. Say Yes to Free Gift-Wrapping: If a store offers free gift-wrapping or gift boxes, take it. Not only will it save you time, but it’ll also save you money. Also, be on the look out for donation-based gift-wrapping while you shop. It’ll be much cheaper than paying for gift-wrapping and you’ll be giving back at the same time.
5) 5. Don’t Hesitate to Regift: It always happens, you get a gift from a co-worker or in a gift exchange that’s cool, but not quite for you. Don’t be afraid to give it to someone else (just make sure you don’t even it to the person who gave it to you!). It’ll save you time, money and it’ll save the environment. Pass it on!
Times are tough and the holidays are about being thankful for friends and family and enjoying their company. Don’t stress yourself out buying gifts you can’t afford. Be a frugalista and enjoy the holidays!
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b. danielle has been blogging since before it was cool. In 2000 she launched, whoucallinabitch, a site that aimed to challenge stereotypes about black women by giving them a platform to express their views. She finds herself wearing many hats (mommy, writer, teacher), and will write about being Every Woman on her blog, Black Girl Swagger.
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November 26th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Thanks for sharing.