I was talking with a friend about the financial stress involving Christmas gifts today and mentioned that I like to keep my budget for Christmas to about $50. That's right, $50 for everyone! I was able to do this last year and we had a wonderfully, stress-free Christmas and no one missed out on anything. It takes some careful planning and deal searching, but it can be done.
I already about told you how I've been stocking up on free gifts this year. I've spent about $10 or less on shipping and have 5 very personalized gifts already put aside for family members.
Another way I was able to successfully stay on budget last year was by utilizing Target's gift card promotions. Each week Target offers gift cards back on items you might already have on your list. I save those gift cards throughout the year and use those to get gifts or stocking stuffers at Christmas-time. I already have a few put aside, but I noticed this week I could get another $20 worth just by purchasing items I already need.
Here's what I have planned for the ad starting this Sunday:
$5 gift card back with purchase of 5 Glade products ($2.99 each). I really love the Glade holiday candles! Occasionally, I'll fork over the money for a nice Yankee Candle, but these are a nice alternative. They burn well and they don't smell "cheap" like some can.
5 @ $2.99 = $14.95
use with 5 $1/1 manufacturer coupons and 1 $1/1 Target coupon
= $8.95 and $5 gift card back
$5 gift card with purchase of 2 Kimberly Clark products
Huggies Slip-ons $22.49
use with $3/1 coupon
= $19.49
Kotex $6.99
use with $0.50 coupon
= $6.49 and $5 gift card back
$10 gift card with purchase of Conair Hair Product
So my hair dryer is on it's last leg and as a curly girl in Florida humidity, that's never a good thing! A hair dryer just so happens to be on my list this week so what a deal!
Conair dryer on sale for $29.99 with $10 gift card back
That puts my total Target purchase this week at about $65 for items we need and I'll receive $20 in gift cards back that I can save for Christmas gifts! Now, this only works if you buy things you already need. Don't go buying unnecessary items to get a gift card back. :) It's tempting (I've done it), but it defeats the point.
Happy shopping!
Great tips!! Thanks for doing the math too. I never quite trust myself in that department.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of saving these throughout the year for Christmas! We also collect Swagbucks to get Amazon e-cards, and use that money to buy our daughter one big gift for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies! I haven't tried Swagbucks yet... I'll have to look into that :)
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