How Can I Afford Christmas Gifts?

Budgeting is mandatory in hard times. Running up credit card debt this Holiday Season is not the answer. Creative ideas and smart budgeting will make for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year WITHOUT ADDED DEBT!

There are easy ways to stay within your weekly budget and still give everyone a gift; BUT, you need to start today. We are going to show you two easy things to start doing today; and also, show you gift ideas that will help you stay within your budget.

1)Skip Starbucks or your local coffee shop twice a week (or two cups of coffee). With savings of $7 to $8, in just eight weeks that’s $56 to $64 in gifts.

2)Take your lunch to work twice a week. That’s a savings of $10 to $20 a week. In just eight weeks that’s another $80 to $160 in gifts.

With just two easy steps you have between $136 to $224 to spend on Christmas gifts without increasing your budget 1 penny. For you it might be skipping the movies a few times or going out to dinner. A few sacrafices now will save you a lot later. One more very important point; do Not run out at the last minute to buy gifts. Procrastination will kill a budget with panic buying!

$80.00 Shoestring Budget Gift Ideas
Gift for a Toddler: Pound-A-Peg by Melissa and Doug $9.98 Sold Out

Gift for a Girl: Melissa and Doug Decorate-Your-Own Piggy Bank $6.98

Gift for a Girlfriend or Wife: Gold Oval In and Out Crystal Hoop Earrings $22.98

Gift for a Female Friend: Cranberry Pearl Earrings with Swarovski Crystals $6.98 Sold Out

Gift for a Male Friend : Celtic Knot Pendant Leather Cord Necklace $8.98 Sold Out

Gift for a Computer User: USB 2.0 Hub Robot $17.98

Total $73.88

Great Gifts for the $140.00 Budget
Gift for a Boy or Girl: Turbospoke Bike Toy $18.98

Gift for a Girl: Melissa and Doug Bake and Decorate Cupcake Set $19.98

Gift for a Girlfriend or Wife: Peridot and Sterling Silver Necklace and matching Stud Earrings $43.96

Gift for a Female Friend: Pearl Necklace with Pearl Earrings $16.98

Gift for a Male Friend: USB Travel Shaver $19.98

Gift for a Computer User: USB LED Lamp and Fan $19.98

Total $139.86

A little sacrifice and a few good ideas will help you have a more relaxing enjoyable holiday season without adding credit card debt or increasing your budget. Remember, DO NOT procrastinate! Start using these guidelines today. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!