Christmas gift on a budget?

abrewer5 · November 2013

How do you handle giving Christmas gifts on a budget?

My fiance and I just bought a house in June and we're in the middle of a kitchen remodel and planning a wedding. This year I really don't have the extra money to spend on big gifts for our big families (both parents are divorced and remarried so there are 8 parents alone and 5 siblings just in the very immediate family). I was planning on just getting a picture of us framed from a recent photoshoot we did and making homemade cookies for everyone. Does this seem sufficient?

Last year I didn't give gifts but opted for nice cards and a donation to two local charities. That was really well received so I thought about doing that this year also. Thoughts?

Just curious how others handle holiday gifts on a budget, and whether or not my idea seems reasonable.

Thanks!

erollis · November 2013

I give framed photos as gifts along with something else's ( big or small). I also have given food as gifts our families have never been unhappy.

I say food and photos are a good gift if your on a budget or not.

WendyGR · November 2013

we all agree ahead of time what is reasonable for everyone involved. My sisters are at different stages of their careers/family situations so some years we have just done anonymous stocking stuffers, exchanged names with a $25 limit, and this year we are doing handmade gifts.

doeydo · November 2013

I shop ahead so I can get sales and stuff, also we set a budget and stick to it. Personally, I would prefer a baked good or something if you are really tight this year.

MrsChanceW · November 2013

I always try to bake or knit something. It's from the heart plus it won't make you broke.

erollis · November 2013

doeydo said:
I shop ahead so I can get sales and stuff, also we set a budget and stick to it. Personally, I would prefer a baked good or something if you are really tight this year.

I do my best to have all my Christmas gifts bought by Thanksgiving. This year I found some really good sales in January and bought a few gifts then. I do set a $ limit per person also. Although I do not have a problem going a couple of bucks over or under if it's a good gift.

LaxWife · November 2013

We are getting photos taken and giving them to most family and close friends, and then I am making these DIY's for friends and family - mainly the girls. Guys are a bit harder!

http://www.marthastewart.com/268734/dip-dyed-candles
http://www.katescreativespace.com/2013/06/25/neon-for-grown-ups/

I am just getting the candles from IKEA or Dollarama (dollar store or whatever) and then going to town!

I am also having a baking day with my sister, where we will make like 4 different kinds of baking, and then we can mix them all together and give baking away to friends and family.

I find those are particularly good for grandparents, my teenage cousins/step siblings etc. Just as an extra with a smaller gift.

Last year my MIL baked us some stuff, and it was actually such a nice present! She just bought glass jars at the dollar store and we were able to keep them for other things! It was nice knowing she put the time into baking some of our holiday favourites.

MariaBend25 · November 2013

I am a huge Shutterfly product fan. I make people personalized photo gifts, like wall calendars. It isnt much money, but you put a lot of love in to it and it always goes over great. They also always have deals on different gifts so check it out, especially if you were looking at giving photos anyways. This is a bit more personal than just a framed photo but still cheap enough to give without breaking the bank. If you like the idea, it is super easy to do to!

CassizMac · December 2013

Food is often a good option. If it's something homemade, it usually costs less, and people appreciate the effort you put into it. Do you have a signature baked good or a secret recipe? If not, find one and make it your own!

afox007 · December 2013

I make pumpkin bread in mason jars every year and keep them around as Christmas gifts. Everyone loves them! The heat seals the lid and the bread will last for months unopened! I usually use the BH&G pumpkin bread recipe, but found one that is specific to the mason jar idea since i usually have to guess on time depending on the size of the jar.

http://babiesandbiscuits.com/pumpkin-bread-in-a-mason-jar

meofmanynames@gmail.com · January 2014

I know it's after Christmas...but here's my two cents...

We were on a tight budget this year. My husband is one of five (plus three sisters-in-law). We drew names for gifts between the eight kids. Then we gave his dad & stepmom a movie and restaurant.com giftcard I got for cheap on Cyber Monday.

For my parents, I split the cost of a gift with my sisters for my mom and then bought something from a craft show for my dad. I knit one sister her gift and chipped in on a new winter coat for the other. I found some odds and ends for people at thrift stores (really nice ornaments).

My husband got some new clothes, all purchased on black Friday.

I think we managed to spend less than 200$ for everybody's gifts. Then we hosted Christmas dinner which my parents helped us buy the food for.

mhwood · January 2014

Last year after we bought our house, we didn't buy each other anything for Christmas.

We also told both of our families that going forward, we were only buying gifts for those under 18. Everyone was completely fine with that.

When we go somewhere during the holidays, we bring a container of baked goods.

Christmas gift on a budget?

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