Creating the budget is only half the battle. Sticking to it is where the real wins come in. Look for opportunities to: 1. Start Early Hopefully you created your budget early in the year. If not, vow to do better next year. The best way to save money on gifts you plan to purchase is to start early. Buy in the off season, gather gifts as you travel throughout the year, and keep an eye out for discounts during sales events. 2. Make It Yourself There’s nothing more meaningful than a handmade gift. For the neighbors, bake your family’s favorite cookies or whip up some holiday candy. For co- workers, infuse oils and vinegars. Make your own peach brandy with inexpensive vodka and peaches. Dabble in limoncello or homemade Kahlua. If you’re a woodworker, put those skills to work constructing a remote control holder, phone rest, table, charcuterie board, or wine rack. This issue of Home Sweet Home includes an introduction to sourdough, kombucha, and beer, any of which would make great gifts for the season. Maybe you’re better at printing tees, making candles, creating quilts, knitting washcloths, or building terrarium environments. Whether it’s stenciled glass, a heating pad, or a homemade knife, your handcrafted gift will be appreciated and often cost you less. Remember Your Reason for the Season Sometimes it’s easy to fall into the consumerism and commercialism of the holidays. When the high- speed train of the season starts to overwhelm you, remember that at their core, regardless of your belief system, winter holidays are about joy and togetherness. If you’re feeling compelled to stretch the budget, remind yourself you don’t have to do it all. Prioritize, be present for the important stuff, and stick to that budget. The combination will guide you to more relaxing holidays and eliminate the post-holiday overspending remorse.
The list could go on forever, but the essential element here is your own comfort. Your child’s teacher isn’t expecting anything, so if you don’t feel you can swing it, let it go. Or get together with other parents in the classroom and pool your resources for a gift certificate or gift basket. Your gift list should only include those people you want to give a gift to. Period. Now obviously there might be a bit of obligation here, but don’t let it go too far. Have some conversations up front. If you have six siblings and you used to buy for each one, they may also be ready to let that tradition go. Suggest a family dinner instead. Or start a new tradition with a name draw and gift exchange. Better yet, commit to only buying for your siblings’ kids and not exchanging gifts between the adults. The same goes for in-laws, friends, co-workers, etc. If you have a tight friend group and an even tighter budget, suggest you skip the gift exchange between you and plan an activity together instead. See this issue’s article on giving the gift of experiences for more creative ideas. With the conversations behind you and a plan, your gift-giving list should be complete and set in stone. If you find yourself in the situation of someone giving you a gift and you don’t have one in return, simply thank them sincerely. There’s no need to explain further or run out and purchase something. Assign Dollar Amounts Next, go through each list and fill in those dollar amounts. Make sure the intended amounts are in alignment with what you can actually afford. That might mean $10 gifts, $50 gifts, or $100 gifts. It’s up to you to decide. It might also mean crossing more people off the list, making more homemade gifts or smaller gestures like holiday cards. Prioritize and be honest with yourself. It’s the only way a budget truly works.
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