7 Super-Simple, Surefire Ways to Make This Christmas Fun & Frugal

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Christmas is just a few weeks away. And let’s face it, Christmas does involve some amount of shopping.

And, shopping, if not planned carefully can really wreak havoc on your budget. This year, let’s take some action and make your Christmas shopping for gifts,  decorations and food, fun and frugal.

Here are 7 super-simple yet highly effective tips to plan a great Christmas without busting the bank:

1. Create a List of Christmas Presents

Start by creating a list of people you need to buy Christmas gifts for. Being planned is key to shopping smart.

Note from Prerna: Organizing Life as Mom has awesome templates for you to just fill in. Use coupon code TURKEYTIME to get $3 off all orders until November 28,2011.

Once you have a list then think of a few things you can buy keeping your budget and the appropriateness of the gift in mind. Check out our Holiday Gift Guide 2011 for gifts under $50.

Make this list well in advance so that you can cherry pick great deals over several weeks or even months. Yes, shop for Christmas in July.

2. Shop Online to Save Time and Money

Now that you know what you’re looking for and how much you can spend, keep a close watch for great clearance sales online.

Subscribe to stores online to get to know about offers and sales on time. Amazon, for instance will send you regular updates about specials, lightning deals and more.

3. Shop Ahead of Time

Look to shop a few weeks or even a few months in advance.

Always remember, the earlier you buy the more chances of you getting greater variety of products, sizes and obviously, a better price too. However, also remember that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also two days when you can score some of the best deals online.

Note from Prerna: Check out Lifephoto’s {one of our clients} awesome Cyber Monday special where you can get FREE shipping of all orders.

If you wait until just before Christmas, the prices are sure to be higher and so will your stress levels.

4. Make a Gift

Making a gift can be a great way to keep your shopping costs down. Everybody loves receiving homemade treats like cookies, fudge or cake. Bake, knit, paint, grow! Let your creative instincts get the better of you and make anything from a jewellery box to a cute sock puppet.

This is also a great way to personalize your gifts. You can go creative and frugal with the gift wrapping as well and use brown paper and twine, kids’ artwork and more for fun gifts on a budget.

5. Make your Own Christmas Cards

A really simple way to save money while establishing a fun Christmas tradition is making your own Christmas cards with the help of a home computer and some basic craft supplies. Visit your local craft store and stock up on paint, glitter, heavy card stock paper, stickers and glue.

Cut out Christmas shapes like trees, snowflakes and snowman or even Santa Claus from old Christmas cards or print them off the Internet. There are plenty of craft sites with fun printables for the holidays.

Alternatively, once Christmas is over, buy and stock Christmas cards for next year at the after- Christmas sales. Frugality at its best!

6. Buy an Artificial Tree

Buy an artificial tree instead of a real one this year since you end up throwing away a real one. Not only can an artificial tree be more eco-friendly, you can use them year after year.

Also, keep collecting Christmas decorations every year in the after-Christmas sales. Use the kids’ homemade and school crafts as Christmas decorations for the tree and make sure you store decorations carefully to keep them looking as good as new each year.

7. Scout for Deals on Groceries

Wanna host a dinner but not bust your budget? Plan and prepare. Create a Christmas menu based on the number of people you would be entertaining. Next, create a master grocery list and keep an eye out for deals on those items.

Remember to check your local store flyers every week before shopping to see what bargains are available.Stock up on grocery sale items which you buy frequently and have a reasonable shelf life like flour, butter, oil and the likes.

A bit of preparation can go a long way when it comes to saving and having fun during the busy holiday season.

 

How do you make your Christmas fun and frugal?

Photo Credit: andrewarchy