holiday spending

were you able to keep it within your budget?

if yes, what did you do to save money?


to answer my own question:
* i knit as much as i could
* bought online only things that had free shipping
* used "found money" to shop with (online surverys)

Re: holiday spending

I spent less than year.

My list is about 32-35 people - this year I reduced the amount I bought for people.

For example I would always buy 2 shirts and a pair or pants for my nieces and nephews along with a toy. This year they all got a toy or game and just one clothing item.

Hunted online for coupons for anytime I was shopping. There were tons of coupons to be had.

Made sure to go back and check out an item a week later....risky cause you never know if it will be out of stock. But my brother wanted a jacket from Timberland and it was $89.99 -- within 2 weeks the jacket dropped to $49.99 and used a 20% off coupon!

Black Friday was a GREAT deal for me - cause I was able to get video games for most of the kids for as cheap as $9.99 as well as Bluray movies ranging from $6.99--12.99 for my brothers and DH.

We found a store in London (thanks to MeNBobs) that sells great stuff for cheap and we stocked up on scarves and accessories to give out for Christmas and people will love it knowing it came from Europe!

Re: holiday spending

You know I always go crazy. And this year I told myself I just wasn't going to.

As per usual I got DH too much stuff but other than that I really just kept it tight.

I just bought people less gifts....I tend to get too much. Also I got more practical gifts less junk that costs $$ and never gets used

I am proud mf myself

Re: holiday spending

I went over...but I got a decent raise and lower daycare tuition this year - so why not...

Re: holiday spending

I bought all almost online. I used only cash/debit. And found almost everything either free or on sale. And all with free shipping. I was very savvy this yr. It was a lot of fun! I got the best deals of my life this yr.

It is so satisfying to get so much and yet spend so much less

It is very time consuming but I learned how to deal with it. I did a lot from my iphone. I would get to school early to drop off DS and get in the caravan line. I would use this time and the time picking him up from school to shop for deals online. Then late at night when they went to bed or nap time I would do the same. And down times all day long.

Re: holiday spending

I spent a lot less this year and tried to pay for everything with cash/debit card. A lot of my purchases were made online. I only charged a few items.

Usually I buy at least 6-7 gifts for my parents, brother and DH but, this year they are only getting 2. I spent a little more then what I should of for my nieces and nephews only b/c of what they wanted. It's hard to find gifts for teenagers $25 and under.

I wish I could suggest a secret santa for DH side of the family. I mean it's just us and my SS. But, his brother and wife have 3 kids and his siter and husband have one kid so, we end up spening over $100 on this brothers family and all we get is next years calendar and my ss gets a $25 gift card. That irks me!

Message edited 12/17/2009 12:49:18 PM.