Holiday Shopping on a $20 Budget
Holiday shopping can be a budget-killer even in a good year. If you are eager to keep your spending under tight control, be proactive and try to establish a $20 budget.
Set the limit
Reach out to your friends and family early and ask them to join you in setting a $20 budget limit on gifts. Chances are they’ll be grateful if you do.
Draw names
In a group setting, with family, friends or co-workers, talk about setting up a drawing so each person only has to buy one gift instead of many. You can even group couples together rather than buying individual gifts for each person.
Wait for the sales
This can be risky, but you can wait until the last minute to buy so you can see what kind of sales pop up. Retailers will be anxious to unload holiday goods before the actual holidays expire, so you might get good deals by waiting until the right moment.
Make something
Spend more than $20 worth of time making something personal while spending only $20 in cash. If you have more time than money this year, start crafting your gifts.
“Like” a retailer
If you follow a retailer on facebook or sign up for email updates, you’ll get a lot of coupons during the holiday season. Be on the lookout for especially good deals.
Buy vintage
Shopping at flea markets and thrift stores can get you the perfect gift for less. If you really know your gift recipient’s tastes, you can find them something they wouldn’t be able to buy new. Even pawnshops and garage sales can offer hidden gems.
Make gift baskets
This allows you to buy in bulk and break up your purchases into multiple baskets.
Take advantage of price matching
If anything you’ve already bought goes on sale, take it back and ask for an adjustment. Check competitors’ ads and ask your retailer of choice to match any lower price. It can’t hurt to ask!
To have a warm and wonderful holiday season, you don’t need money. $20 is more than enough to offer a token of your affection, but the real gift of the season is sharing time with the ones you love.
Photo: redjar
