Do you make a list, check it twice? Not only does Santa do this, but a budgeter does, too!
In this "wealth" post, I have decided to post how I do our Christmas shopping and how I save money while buying great gifts for all of those we love.
While I posted earlier on Black Friday the reality is that not ALL of our Christmas shopping can be done then; although I like to believe that I get at least 85% of it done on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Our Christmas shopping always starts with a list and a budget. The list is created and then adjusted as needed.
First, we make a list of names for people to buy for. Of course, the top of our list is our baby boy...then grandparents...then people who's name we drew for Christmas exchanges. The list is reviewed before Black Friday by myself and my husband and we add/subtract as needed.
Second, we place a dollar figure beside each person. For Gage (our son) we put two dollar figures- one for presents and one for his savings account. For each grandparent, they got the same figure, etc. Now, keep in mind that this figure is <at least> the amount that the gift must be worth.
Third, Josh and I go through the sales papers and Groupon offers to see if there is anything listed that we know would fit one of our gift needs. If we see something, we write it on the list. If we don't see something specific, we write down what we are looking for.
Last, we shop. Now, back to the dollar figure...this is the amount that the gift must be WORTH! If it's on sale, that's to our benefit and it proves that we are smart shoppers. I don't know about you, but we don't have thousands of disposable dollars to spend on Christmas shopping. If I want to spend $100 on someone and if I find a gift that is worth $100, but I got it on Black Friday for $40, then I found myself a good deal. The recipient will never know the amount that you paid for it...hopefully they'll love it and appreciate it!
So, is it Scrooge like behavior for trying to save money on gifts during the Christmas season? In my opinion, NO! It just means you are a smart shopper!
He LOVES Santa- and opening gifts!
Save Your Dollars...And Give Gifts Galore!
Erica
1 comment:
My family does this too. Today I needed a gift valued at $60 and I paid $8.94 that's tax and all! Cha' ching!
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