Okay, I admit this may seem early – but if you want to save money on Christmas then you have to start early! In December you are left with purchasing high price low value junk just to finish your list. That’s me at least.
According to American Research Group, the average American spent $859 on Christmas gifts last year. According to Hallifax Credit Report 10% of people start shopping in September (so I guess I’m behind!), we spend more on children than adults, and the average person shops for 18 people.
I was below average on amount spent, but higher for the number of people I shop for. Last year we spent $780 for 27 people and 3 “surprise” (in case we miss somebody) gifts. This isn’t including what my husband spent on me – I don’t know that number. We don’t have that this year… we don’t have anything close to that!
I don’t think there is any reason to spend a lot over Christmas. Christmas should be about the season, about being with your family. That said, I LOVE buying gifts for people 🙂 It is the highlight of my year. I HATE buying them in December – it really does become picking up junk so I can cross names off my list.
1) List out everybody you have to shop for!
I have to shop for 5 grandparents, 2 Aunts, 10 siblings, 2 nephews, 4 parents, 2 significant others (not mine, LOL – my brother’s gf and my sisters bf), 3 “surprise” gifts, and my son and husband.
2) Determine how much you have to spend
I would like to spend less than $300 (average $10/person)
3) Make a weekly post telling everybody what your “deals” are and where you stand in your challenge.
You do not have to say who the gift is for! We don’t want to ruin the surprise for anybody 🙂 I will post on Sunday and you can link to your own post. Share your own deals and learn from everybody else!
There are 10 shopping weeks til Christmas! Take a button and join the challenge! Be sure to leave a comment and a link
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