By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
From cookie dough to ice skating passes to trendy decorations and Santa train tickets, Christmas has gotten more and more expensive. The price of goods are rising and wages are remaining the same, so how can the dollar stretch further than last year? Almost every family in America is forced to answer this question.
Many people feel pressured to spend at least one thousand dollars on seasonal purchases, which is more than their budget may allow. Here are some tips for saving money on gifts and staying afloat this Christmas:
Consider Hand-Making Gifts
There is a great deal of information online with tens of options for crafting your own gifts. If you have an artsy streak, try painting the exterior of their home in watercolor, or use magazine cutouts to create a collage portrait of their pet. If art isn’t your thing, follow a simple guide to making a sugar scrub or a jar full of slips of paper, each with an affirmation. You could also make a ‘hot cocoa kit’ with cocoa mix, marshmallows, and a candy cane in a mason jar or mug. Be sure to wrap it in a bow!
What Can You Re-Gift?
Take inventory of your possessions. Is there anything you haven’t opened or used that might be valuable to someone else? It’s important to be very critical, because giving something clearly regifted will negatively affect your reputation. Good things to regift might be unused candles or lotion, unopened box of fancy chocolate, or a brand-name sweatshirt that doesn’t fit you.
Sale, Sale, Sale
Lots of retailers offer sales during the holiday season, so utilize them wisely! Most local stores offers beautiful, trendy attire or homeware goods in the clearance section. Gift cards for experiential gifts or spa treatments are always appreciated. Before you buy, ask if they are offing any specials. Your recipient will never know that you booked that activity at a discounted price.
Nontraditional Gift Ideas
It’s the thought that counts. Many loved ones, especially if they’re older, just want to spend quality time with friends and family. Consider scheduling a picnic with your mom, playing pickleball with your dad, or taking your niece on a special outing for a day. You’ll find that those times together will be less expensive than a material gift, and the memories will last forever.
Work a Side Hustle
The holiday season is more expensive than any other time of the year, so you might need to book some gigs to cover the additional costs. Dogsitting, babysitting, doing photography, or doing some freelance work can earn you between $50 and $200 extra cash. Get to work!
Be Honest
You might really be in a financial pickle. It’s best to be open about your limited funds than create unrealistic expectations. Tell your family that money is tight this year, so don’t expect much in terms of gifts. They may feel the same way, and arrange for a Secret Santa swap instead of buying gifts for everyone, or opt for a nice meal at a restaurant instead of a traditional present exchange.
