It’s that time of year again… when the upcoming holiday season has many people feeling the financial crunch. The holidays can be a very stressful time of the year, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little thought and planning, you can cover everyone on your list (even when you check it twice!) and still have a little left over for yourself. Below are some money-wise gifts for this holiday season!

Bake something: This seems to be a rapidly declining art form, but nothing says Christmas like a platter of holiday treats! You can always find very affordable trays at your local Dollar Store… just wrap in saran wrap and top with a bow!

Baby jar Snowmen: For you moms with little ones, don’t throw out those baby food jars! They can be repurposed into Snowmen for gifts. Each snowman takes three jars: Fill the bottom jar with peppermints (or other festive candy), the middle jar with hot chocolate mix (and to really personalize it you can make your own hot chocolate mix too!) and mini marshmallows in the top jar. Makes a super cute and thoughtful gift; who wouldn’t want to sip on hot chocolate on Christmas Eve while (hopefully) watching the snow fall?

Lunch Certificates: Too often, everyone’s life is busy and chaotic that the thing we want most of all is time with the people in our lives. Make your own certificates which entitles the receiver to one free lunch at a time and location of their choosing. It’s a great way to make special time with someone, while also spreading the cost out so it isn’t all happening in December. It also gives people something to look forward to once the “dull lull” of winter hits!

Family Keepsakes: Passing down something that has been in the family is another great and thoughtful idea; you could include a story about the history of the item, why it is special to you, or the reason you wanted someone to have it.

Framed photos: Find a picture of you with the person you’re planning the gift for, frame it, and on the back write a message about why they mean so much to you. It’s a great, and sentimental, gift to give that will make even the toughest cookie on your list melt like a snowflake!

Make it crafty! Do you have some hidden or not so hidden talents? Hobbies where you create things? The people who are closest to you likely admire your talents and would love to have something that you’ve made! Nothing feels more personal than a gift that was made.

Do you have some money saving tips for the holidays? We’d love to hear from you!

 

Image by Pexels from Pixabay