Saving for Christmas

**buildmybudget** · 10-29-2009, 05:39 PM

That's great, what a great plan that you guys stick to each year!

**Ima saver** · 10-31-2009, 06:27 AM

I started a christmas club at a bank when I was in my early 20's. I still do this now, but not at a bank. I put aside $30 a week and keep track of it inside an interest paying savings account. I use to buy all my wrapping paper on sale the day after christmas also. A few years ago, I ordered many many gifts bags on sale at QVC and now I re use them every year.

**Radiance** · 11-02-2009, 07:12 AM

I'm kinda skipping chirstmas this year.
I will buy a tree ($30) and use whatever decoration I have from last year.
I set aside $20 to get some toys for my son.
Family and friends know my situation so nobody is expecting gifts, nor am I expecting any either.
I don't have any family nearby, which makes it easier to skip on gifts.
Last year was about the same.

**sgfinancialfreedom** · 11-02-2009, 08:32 AM

Great tip on saving money for Christmas shopping. I never knew prices were so marked down on Dec 26th.

**Donna73** · 12-01-2009, 07:20 AM

I always go shopping the day after christmas too, buy cards, gift wrap and any gifts i think will do for birthdays or the following christmas, especially pj's for my nephews and cousins girls just buy the next size or 2 up. Also any toiletries from the likes of the body shop or Boots (equivelent of Walgreens in the uk). Also any decorations for the tree or the house, i do this buy saving £2 aday (thats about $3) that gives me about £700 by christmas to buy everything and also treat myself to something nice

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 12-01-2009, 08:48 AM

In the last ten years or so, I do not find after Christmas sales of paper, ribbon, decorations, etc to be any better than the pre-Christmas sales. They used to be better, but not any more. Plus, there is far less choice after Christmas.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 12-01-2009, 09:18 AM

This is stupid, but my cousins used to wrap presents in the sunday paper comics. They would save it all yea and wrap presents. I do it because I'm cheap and it reminds me of my aunt and uncle and cousins.

**PrincessPerky** · 12-01-2009, 10:27 AM

I think comics are a great wrapping paper, my son once got a way cool gift wrapped in old 'air charts' dunno how many folk have access to them, but if you do, they are nifty.

Maps are fun too. Mostly I reuse bags others give me, or I have a few sewn bags that fold as flat as thick wrapping paper, dunno why but the gathered frumpy bags I just can't do - I like clean lines on my presents!

Last year I also made some Christmas boxes out of old Christmas cards, was a lot of fun, and perfect for small gifts (kid made jewelry or ornaments)

I do tend to go the week after Christmas and get a few items, last year we found some extra lights (that we really needed -heh, yeah sure, life or death to have enough lights!) This year we may do the same, or may go with fewer lights than desired for another year (have 'needed' lights for oh 5 years now?)

**TermMonster** · 12-01-2009, 02:40 PM

Lot's of resteraunts will offer free gift cards if you fill out a survey. Sit down, order a cup of coffee and get a $10-20 gift card in the mail! Frugal gift giving at its finest!

**junosama** · 12-13-2009, 08:03 PM

There are a lot of printing companies giving away free printing this time of year. Try searching google for like greeting card giveaways and such or free printing.

**msi56** · 02-10-2010, 03:57 PM

We like to save up throughout the year so that when Christmas comes around it is not such a big 1 month expense on the credit card, etc.

**zhuwh** · 07-18-2010, 03:52 AM

I think it's a good way to save money , we can buy the books with the money , which we usual spend it on the gifts . this is more meaningful .

**frugalfarmwife** · 07-19-2010, 10:18 AM

I actually Christmas shop all through the year, just watch for clearance and discount items! I just bought a gorgous set of 12 wine glasses with gold rims for $5.00 on clearance, origionally $39 dollars. I also got 2 gorgeous cashmere throws for just $3.00 each, again final clearance.

I also shop right after Christmas and often get items for up to 90% off, just keep them put away for the year.

**Debt Relief** · 07-20-2010, 06:52 AM

Originally posted by pennypinchingmom View Post

My daughter, age 29, and I have always had a tradition of going out shopping the day after Christmas. We buy all of our wrapping paper and cards for the next season, and we begin to purchase some gifts, too. I always did this with my mom when she was alive. This year, I have saved my change all year, and I plan to use it for our annual trek to the mall. I have already accumulated over $120.00, which my daughter counts and rolls up whenever she visits. She started law school this year, so that money will really help her to buy her cards and begin to get some gifts. Last year she bought all of her cousins' kids Christmas books marked down 50% while we shopped December 26th. We always have fun, and we have fun saving money, too!

This is a great idea. It is amazing how much money you can accumulate by collection change from your pockets, floorboard of cars, under cushions of you couch and chairs, etc.

The after Christmas sales (especially for evergreen items like wrapping paper, bows, ornaments, etc.) are great even when you don't plan to use the items for another year.

Good for you. Enjoy the windfall AND the shopping!

Saving for Christmas