Ways to Shop on a Budget for Christmas
This may be the season for sleigh bells to be jingling, but if you’re like too many in this economy, your pockets aren’t. (See what I did there? Jingling of sleigh bells, jingling of pocket change? I still got it!)
And even if y’all are flush with cash, there’s no reason to spend like crazy. Why not find fun and creative ways to save some moula this holiday season? I’ve got a few suggestions to get you started:
1. Think Small.
If you’re in the market for a Christmas tree this year, consider getting a smaller one. Whether it’s artificial or live, a smaller tree is going to be less expensive; you can add height with a hidden stand underneath the tree skirt, and with a tall tree topper. Money in the bank!
2. Search Wisely.
Use Target’s online gift finder. Specify who the gift is for (like him or her, girl or boy, teen girl or boy, etc.) and select the amount that is within your budget. For example, I selected “boy” and amount between $15 and $25. Guess what came up? My boy’s beloved Air Hogs Hover Assault Helicopter. Target, you really know me. *wipes away tear*
3. Get Back to Nature.
Instead of adding to your Christmas decorations by purchasing new items, why not decorate your home with nature’s bounty? Take the kids on a nature walk and gather items like pine cones, evergreen branches, bare branches, and even mistletoe if it grows in your area. Put bare branches in a vase and hang ornaments from them; decorate your mantle with the evergreen boughs and pine cones; and of course, hang the mistletoe in that perfect spot. Smooch.
4. Give Yourself a Bonus.
Target red cards give you 5% back on purchases; the beauty of this is that it doesn’t have to be a Target credit card. You can also get a Target red card that’s basically a debit card, drawing directly from your current checking account. And that 5% back really ads up…and the free shipping from Target online is awesome, too.
5. Think Outside the Box.
You’ve got to wrap those presents; consider using newspaper or buying solid color wrapping paper in off-season colors like bright yellow or orange. You might be able find them for a reduced price, and they will be usable all year long. I promise, all of those bright colors will feel really festive under the tree! Even better – if your family is funny (or whatever), buy outrageous paper — baby shower, graduation, over the hill — whatever is on sale and make it a joke. It’ll bring an extra smile to everyone’s faces.
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This little tree doesn't feel any less grand than a big tree, does it?
...and it's even in a large room. So sweet. Source.
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Wee tree.
Wee tree. This adorable thing won't break the bank (ssshh...could even fake it with a branch!). Source.
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Doesn't even need ornaments!
Simple. Clean. Glittery. This sparse little tree is perfect for a small space..or budget. Source.
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Wooden stick DIY Christmas tree.
Beautiful in it's simplicity. Anyone can do this lovely DIY. Source.
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Another stick wall tree! This one dolled up with lights and ornaments. :)
Love this...great idea! Source.
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Newspaper as wrapping paper.
Cheap, graphic, and has a timeless feeling. Source.
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Neon under the tree?
Yes, please. Source.
Want this toy? You’re in luck! Every single day leading up to the holidays a blogger will be giving away a toy! Simply comment below for your chance to win a Air Hogs Hover Assault Helicopter.
Do you know a deserving family, school, or charity this holiday season? We’re giving away one grand set of 20 toys from Target, including those mentioned in this post! To nominate, simply comment and tell us why you’ve selected them!
A big thanks to Target for sponsoring this campaign. Click here to see more of the discussion.
Love the idea of the tree on the table – pure genius!
Way to cute. My fav is the one sticks on the wall.
That Christmas tree is so creative. Such a great list of ideas from Target!
my girlfriend who’s like a sister hasn’t received child support for a month and has no money for anything. I’ve been trying to put together a care package myself so they have a little something but due to unforseen circumstances I don’t have a lot either.
I’d like to nominate the Golds family. There are three children in this family. The dad has not had much work and they have gotten behind on bills so therefore there is no money for presents for the kids this year! The children range in age from 10(a boy) to a set of twins(a boy and a girl) age 7. Please help these children…Thanks, Cynthia Clark My phone # is 336-984-4511 and my mailing address is 1712 S Plum Ridge Rd., Ronda, NC 28670.
I made a Christmas tree out of toilet paper rolls with lights and homemade ornaments. It was beautiful. I did it twice. Once when my children were little and once when I was by myself. It was easy too. I’ll have to see if I can find the pics to post. Thanks for your ideas. Awesome!
Love the Red Card, and love even more that it’s not a credit card. I wish more companies followed suit!