Our Mommyhood

If you are feeling a pain in your wallet, it’s because the holidays are here. Gift giving gets expensive very quickly but there are a few ways to soften the suffering. Black Friday and all the deals surrounding it have passed. But you can use these strategies to fully celebrate the season of giving while keeping your wallet intact.

Deal-a-day websites are a fantastic resource for finding deals on unique items. The Foundary and Fab.com feature trendy design and home items. Websites like Gilt Groupe do the same with men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. Gilt Groupe also boasts offers on travel and exotic food. These websites have new, limited time sales every single day. Joining is free and keeping a diligent eye can lead you to find steals on items you wouldn’t previously have had access to. These gifts are perfect for the person on your list that are brand-centric or pines for the finer things in life.

Making gifts can be a fantastic way to save a little money. Personalizing a present makes it more meaningful and certainly one of a kind. If you are crafty then the holiday season is the perfect time to put your skills to work and save some major money. It’s very simple to purchase an item and add personal touches. Buy a few wine glasses and go to town with glass paint. Soften old records to make bowls for a music lover. Bake dog biscuits. Decorate picture frames. Assemble items to make a “first aid kit” for your friend’s interests, like a skateboard repair kit or complete fishing bait and tackle. These practical gifts make big impressions even though they are assembled with items that only cost a few dollars.

During the holiday season it’s wonderful to honor some of the great people in your life with a gift. Unfortunately, thoughtful giving has evolved into an expensive and thoughtless social obligation. I have found myself less likely to forget closer friends because of all the presents I have to produce for acquaintances, colleagues, teachers, committee members, coaches, etc. One of the best ways to save money on gifts this holiday season is to change the tradition of giving gifts. My best friend and I stopped giving years ago. We just go out to lunch and exchange checks. My neighbor’s family has started doing a white elephant gift exchange with their extended family. Everyone was tired of chasing down half-appropriate gifts for the family members they see so rarely that they just quit. Each person gets a hilarious gift for around $10, then they do an exchange. It’s turned into a fantastic bonding experience. Completely not giving gifts is Scroogish and it’s polite to gift those that have gifted you. But many people may welcome the tradition of exchanging something more practical (like a meal or a favor) or not exchanging at all. Revamping the tradition can be beneficial for your wallet and the festivity of the season in general.

Holly Watson is a stay at home mom who spends her extra time blogging on behalf of Sears and other deserving brands she enjoys. She enjoys running, baking and traveling with her family!

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