Undoubtedly, December is often one of the most expensive months of the year due to the various holiday gifts people buy. And if you have kids, you know that Christmas gifts can add up quickly. You don’t have to be in debt to make your children happy this season. But at the same time, you don’t want to be too stingy. Holidays are great opportunities to build amazing memories with your kids, after all.
Here are some ideas on how you can save money as you shop for holiday presents for your children:
Implement a gift rule
Lower your spending on Christmas gifts by setting a limit on how many gifts they receive. Many parents use the three-gift rule: their child’s wants, one thing their child needs, and something to read. You don’t need to follow this rule exactly. You can even adjust it to match your budget and your kid’s needs. Maybe, since 2020 has been tough on your finances, you can implement a one- or two-gift rule, instead.
The key here is to let your kids know about the gift limit early on, so they can create a short wish list. This prompts them to think about what they’d like instead of asking for everything they see on the internet.
Take advantage of holiday sales
Retailers want you to buy around the holidays, so they usually offer some great sales. This is especially true this year as many businesses temporarily closed shop during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and they would offer more sales to attract more buyers and recoup their recent losses.
It’s nice to catch a sale by taking advantage of holiday sales. Some sale events get a lot of bad rap. But as long as you can get a good deal without you standing outside in the cold for several hours or fighting with other parents for the last item, then it’s good to participate in these sale events to save money.
Use price trackers to get a good deal
Remember when you had to look for the most cost-effective contractor for your trenchless sewer line repair needs at home? Or when you had to talk to different banks and lenders to get the lowest mortgage rates? You have to apply the same diligence when buying gifts for your children to prevent going over budget.
One way to ensure you get the lowest price for an item is to use price trackers. These apps will show you how an item’s price has changed over time and where the cheapest place to buy it. While finishing your Christmas shopping early is often recommended, having the chance to see whether an item’s price tag is getting higher or lower could help you make smarter purchase decisions and save a few bucks.
Don’t be afraid to shop used
If you’re on an extremely tight budget for the holidays, consider picking up some gently used items. Younger kids go through toys and clothes so fast; they won’t even notice whether a toy isn’t brand new. Stop by local used shops or other stores that offer pre-loved items for kids to see if there’s something you can buy for less. Just make sure to disinfect the item before wrapping them up for Christmas day.
This year has been tough for all of us, including our kids. With these tips, you can put a smile on your children’s faces and offer them hope and joy this holiday season without breaking the bank.
