Between gifts, decorating and entertaining, holiday expenses can pile up surprisingly fast. How to cut costs and still enjoy the holidays? Our members and experts offer some great money-saving tips.
1. Plan ahead.
"I shop all year," says Tawra Kellam, of Wichita, Kansas, editor of
Living On A Dime. "I watch for items I know people will like and grab them when I see them on sale."
Starting each October, Right@Home™ member Fran H. of New Albany, PA, makes and freezes at least one extra meal each weekend. "Then, in December, when we are busy decorating, baking or wrapping gifts, we have our choice of prepared meals ready to go.''
2. Be creative.
"I try to make as many gifts as possible," says Nancy W. of Bethel, CT. Kellam agrees and suggests starting as early as you can. She takes her holiday projects along whenever she leaves the house and uses any spare time to work on them.
3. Give two gifts in one.
Misty S. of Glouster, OH, reduces the size of her budget by getting just one gift per couple, instead of two. This cuts down on both shopping and shipping costs.
4. Host a cookie swap.
It saves time, stretches your budget and gives you a chance to spend a fun couple of hours with friends. Just make sure everyone brings
Ziploc® Brand Bags or Containers to carry home his or her cookie treasures.
5. Shop online for bargains.
A little time spent researching options and comparing prices online may help you save big. Many online retailers offer promotional sales, coupons and free shipping during the holidays—saving you time, money and gas.
6. Consider e-cards.
You'll spend less on cards and nothing on stamps when you send your holiday messages via email. Or follow the lead of Teresa Y. of Monmouth Junction, NJ: she mails cards only to the friends she knows she won't see during the holidays.
7. Decorate for less.
Keep it simple. String festive swags of popcorn and cranberries, set out colorful fruits and create an inviting ambience in your home by lighting boutique-quality
Glade® Scented Oil Candles in Apple Cinnamon fragrance.
8. Go pot luck.
Invite your guests to contribute their favorite side dishes and desserts to the holiday meal. Most will be happy to help out—and you'll have less stress and more time and money to focus on the main course. Store any leftovers in
Ziploc® Brand Twist 'n Loc® Containers to stretch meal-planning dollars.
9. (Grab) bag it.
Whether you keep your identity secret or give and tell, a grab bag offers a money-saving solution for offices or large families. A grab bag lets you focus on making one gift extra special instead of feeling pressured to buy something for everyone.
10. Old can be new.
Arlene H. of Westfield, IN, saves money by rotating her decorations each year "so it seems like there are always new ones. Also, I use things that aren't necessarily for the holiday in a festive way: bows on the Christmas tree this year, on the chair backs next year."
11. Think outside the box.
Instead of giving a store-bought gift, try substituting
personalized coupons, good for your time or talents. Or surprise a neighbor with a dozen of your
favorite cookies, packaged in
Saran™ Premium Wrap or
Ziploc® Brand Bags and Containers in festive holiday colors. A ribbon or bow adds a finishing touch.
12. Take advantage of sales.
That’s what Jenny I. of Willis, TX, does. "I shop year round for deals on clothes. I found all kinds of deals months ago, and have probably spent less than $50 on it all." Be sure to jump right in after the holidays and get bargains for next year.
13. Start a tradition of sharing.
Instead of a big evening out, spend some time with your family giving back. Soup kitchens always need help and lots of nonprofits are shorthanded this time of year.
Inspire your children by dedicating one day to others. You might even continue the practice throughout the year.
14. Focus on meaning, not money.
Remember, it's not how much you spend or eat that makes your holiday meaningful. This season is really all about those special moments you share with friends and family, which will be cherished for years to come.