I’m always looking for ways to help us save money in a fun way. One thing I used to do when my son was young was to buy Christmas gifts every month throughout the year so I would not be overwhelmed with shopping expenses in December. I would buy 3 gifts per month, 2 gifts for my son and 1 gift for someone else. When December came around, all my shopping was done except for whatever “big gifts” I had to pick up. No stress! No breaking the bank! It was awesome!
Here’s what I want you to do. If you normally shop for lots of Christmas gifts, sit down and create a list of people you shop for. Then decide about how many gifts you need to buy each month to help you toward that goal!
The fun part about this year-long shopping spree is that we get to look for sales that we might not get during Christmas time! In fact, we should only pick up stuff that is on sale, or that we have coupons for, ’cause that’s what we do, right?
If you have leftover wrapping paper, wrap the gifts as you go but be sure you mark them because you will never remember who they are for or what’s inside! (been there, done that). Also, keep track of where you stash the gifts so you don’t find them years later! (been there, done that).
There is nothing wrong with giving various holiday clearance items as Christmas gifts. It’s fun (and funny) to get an Easter basket or a Halloween costume under the tree! Also look for clearance wrapping paper and use whatever you have, no matter what the print is. You can even use newspaper to wrap.
I think we will have fun with this and I’ve very curious as to how you feel in November when you have almost all your gifts purchased and wrapped. You won’t even feel the pinch!
Each week I will post a Christmas Challenge Update to remind you to do your shopping and to give you a chance to leave a comment letting us know what treasures you found the previous week. I’m going to make you stick with this!
Optional Donation Christmas Challenge… if you want to also take part in the Donation Christmas Challenge, all you need to do is pick up one dollar store item per week to donate to kids in need when we get close to Christmas! And/or you can build a stockpile of non-perishables for a food donation.
Please leave a comment on this post letting us know if you want to be part of the Christmas Challenge! I’m keeping track of how many of us are doing it 🙂
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I usually do this every year, but I want to start a month or two earlier this year. I am soooo in!!!
I am in!! I have 3 kids and this concept has never crossed my mind, I am so excited to do this! Also to anyone who prints Fisher-Price toy coupons there are Target Web Coupons on their website in addition to the manufacturer’s coupons on coupons.com hoping for some really good deals!
Mardens in Waterville….has wrapping paper(Christmas), gift bags, and scotch/clear tape on sale really good price right now..just saying!
I’m in! I usually start shopping in August but I’ll start in March!
I am in. we have 4 kids and 4 sets of grandparents, plus I like to donate when I can. We are on a tight budget so I can stay home with my younger two kids who have special needs.
I love this idea….except my kids change their mind and their tastes so frequently that it’s hard to buy early. I’m going to try, though!!
I am TOTALLY in! I always try to buy throughout the year.
I’m in! This is a great idea! I’ve got two sets of parents, brother & man to do & this will make it much less stressful
This is a great idea! I always feel so overwhelmed rushing around in November and December. I’m always envious of people who say they are done shopping early 🙂
Im totally in!!!! Im unsure how to start I try to pick up clearance toy or items whenever I see them. I have 3 kids plus my mom, 2 sisters an a neice, in-laws, an my very special aunt and uncle that I purchase gifts for. This past year with all my couponing I was able to make 9 gift bags.I also went black friday shopping to get some deals. Then with the christmas clearance I got wrapping paper n the shrinkable bag for almost nothing to use for next year. So any ideas for me to start?
You can start slow but sure… lol! I will be posting several times a month asking how everyone is doing with this challenge. It will remind you. Aim to buy just 2 gifts in March, wrap them, mark them, and give yourself a high five! We will cheer for you too 🙂
I donate to Toys for Tots each year and I try to purchase 2 gifts a month using coupons and sales. Count me in
I need to mention this in the next post! Some people who have few people to shop for might love to donate toys!
We did a Yankee swap for the adults in the family this past year, it had to be something you already had in the house. Well with all my couponing the prior year I was able to put together a great bag of house supplies and baking supplies for my sister in law. She was blown away.