I think I can speak for most of the population when I say, this whole inflation thing blows! Especially around the holidays. It’s bad enough most families are spending several hundreds of dollars more each month on groceries since inflation began. Trying to come up with extra funds for gifts, holiday feasts, and decorations, proves to be a bigger challenge each year. This, of course, puts a damper on our spirits when it comes to the planning of these anticipated annual festivities.
Sure, we all know the true meaning of the holidays, has nothing to do with gifts or having the most beautifully decorated house on the block. And while we all know the best gift of all really is quality time with loved ones, we still like to shower them with gifts and yes…we do take great pride in decorating our homes.
So, I ask the question of the day…How do we keep up with our own expectations (and that of others), on a smaller budget, and still maintain the holiday cheer?
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Get Creative!
You might be surprised by just how many different gift ideas are out there, that are Creative, thoughtful, and will probably even put a bigger smile on the face of your loved one, than that expensive gift you’ve been wanting to get them! Today, I will be sharing with you, a bunch of ideas we have gone with in the past, along with some I recently came across and thought to myself, “That’s Genuis!”
But, what about the big holiday dinner?
Don’t worry, I have suggestions for knocking a few dollars off of that expense, as well!
Coupons On Grocery Receipts
Holiday dinner can be created on a tight budget, with just a little Planning and patience! Throughout the year, certain grocery stores will offer a program, designed specifically for saving on holiday dinners. Your own grocery store may have similar perks they offer. Our local store requires you to shop 6 different times within a 6 week period, spending at least $50 each time. Once you have completed 6 trip requirement, a $20.00 coupon is printed at the end of the receipt, toward your next purchase.
Think about it. $50.00 x 6 is only $300.00. Most families spend that within 2 weeks! The best part… there is no limit to how many times you can qualify! During the Thanksgiving promotional period this year, we got back a total of 4 $20.00 coupons! And to think, all we had to do was be a bit creative with our shopping. Instead of once a week, we made a couple of smaller trips through the week, at about $60-70 each time. That’s 2 of the 6 requirements done in one week! So…pay attention to programs and coupons on your grocery receipts the month or so before a major holiday.
Visit My Shop & Grab Your Holiday Meal Planner Here!
Inexpensive Snacks & Appetizers
When you are having a large holiday dinner, appetizers are crucial for more than one reason. The first would be the obvious…big appetites waiting to be fed. You must always keep the hungry wolves at bay…lol! Second… your guests will fill up a bit more with some good appetizers. This of course, means you won’t need quite as much of the main dish, as you otherwise would have.
For some really delicious snacks and appetizers, head on over to these articles. All of the recipes are easy to make and are inexpensive for serving larger crowds:
- 30 Easy Snacks & Appetizers For Game Day and Parties!
- 21 Best Easy Crostini Appetizer Recipes & Topping Ideas
- 50 Best Easy Tailgate Party Food Ideas & Game Day Recipes
Potluck Holiday Dinner
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking your guests to pitch in on the holiday dinner. Whether it be a Side Dish, Dessert, Wine, Appetizers or other dinner essential, any help is great help! Everyone is in the same boat and should be happy to participate in creating the meal.
Faux Christmas Tree vs. Real Tree
For years, my husband and I had a Faux Christmas Tree that eventually had to be replaced. That was the first year we decided to purchase a real tree instead of another fake. The biggest reason was our propensity to wander. It only takes a time or two of having to move a large Christmas Tree box, before you begin to wonder if it’s not better to just purchase real. When Christmas is over, the tree doesn’t have to be stored. Easy. I guess you could say we got use to the No Storage aspect of a real tree.
This year, we are going back to our roots with a faux tree we already have stored on the property. The real trees in the area seemed to have dropped in quality and the prices have gone up. It just doesn’t make sense to consider spending upwards of $100 for a tree every year if a fake looks even better! Money saved!
Christmas Decorations
I refuse to buy New Decorations this year. I do not need them. As tempting as it might be to add a few new items to my collection every year, it is just unnecessary. We have wreaths. We have garland, a tree skirt, lights, knick knacks, ornaments, placemats, and various other items we have collected over the years. Christmas will still be Christmas without a few new items that can easily cost upwards of $50-$100.
And if I do happen to see a crazy good deal on something after the holidays, I may consider snatching it up.
Secret Santa
I have always loved the Secret Santa idea at Christmas time! Not only does it leave a big element of mystery, but the amount of money saved, is an even bigger reason. This is especially true if you attend larger holiday parties or get togethers.
My immediate family has always had a day of gathering for Christmas. Even within the small circle, there are many of us. It would be impossible to take care of everyone we would like to. That’s why Secret Santa is always a nicer way to go in my family.
That’s also where yummy Chocolate Covered Treats come in handy 😉
Homemade Chocolate Covered Treats
Last year, we decided to hand out a variety of Chocolate Covered Treats to certain friends and family. It was our first time with such a project, so naturally there was a bit of trial and error before we got it right. When we did, though, we went to town and enjoyed every minute of it! We ended up making enough chocolate covered pretzels, peanut butter ritz sandwiches, and peanuts to feed a small army! That was in addition to the few batches of cookies and M&M’s we added to the pile!
We picked up a few tins and other Festive Containers at the dollar store, and done! The recipients of those treats, couldn’t have seemed happier. And all of supplies combined, came to less than we have spent in the past for the same loved ones!
Tip 1: For the best results, you will want to temper the chocolate, rather than simply melt it. This can be done on the stove top or in the microwave. Check out This Recipe for detailed instructions on how to properly temper your chocolate.
Tip 2: Before anything else, prepare a couple of Sheet Pans (or as many as needed for the items you plan to cover in chocolate). Line the sheet pan(s) with parchment paper and keep nearby.
Tip 3: Dipping treats into chocolate, does require a bit of patience and know how to get your desired results. These instructions on The Art Of Dipping will start you off on the right foot.
Other Homemade Food/Drink Gifts
Speaking of food items, my mother-in-law use to give away a few different treats for Christmas. Her and my father-in-law may have been on a budget but the woman had insane skills when it came to baking. She didn’t do chocolate covered treats as much. Her special gifts were that of Potato Candy, Mini Friendship Cakes, and Apple Dumplings, all of which could be frozen for a later date and all of which her family very much looked forward to!
Moral of the story, if you have baking skills, consider a dessert or treat that maybe isn’t quite so common a gift idea.
On the other hand, certain special drinks make nice gifts. I recently came across this Homemade Irish Cream Recipe and I thought it was a great idea! For more inspiration, check out these 20 DIY Cocktail Mason Jar Gift Ideas!
Smaller Gift Card Amounts
Last year, we gave out slightly smaller Gift Cards to the usual loved ones on our gift card list. We added a few chocolate covered goodies along with the card and no one noticed the smaller card amounts 🙂
Besides, gift cards are a fast, easy idea that can even be emailed to the recipient in most cases!
(P.S. As an Amazon Prime Member…there are No shipping or activation fees for the cards.)
Homemade Mason Jar Gifts
I love Mason Jars. They are so versatile and of course, reusable! There are many different types of Mason Jar Food Gifts you can give, such as soup in a jar…soup you have already made OR only The Dry Ingredients for a specific type of soup.
(Check out my popular article on 30 Best Hearty Winter Soups & Stews To Keep You Warm!)
If you don’t want to do a food related gift jar, check out these 20 Gifts In A Jar Perfect For Christmas or Non-Food Gifts in a Jar, to cover everyone on your list!
Unique Gifts Under $25 For Him And Her
When push comes to shove and you want an easy, no brainer gift idea for that loved one you’re not sure about, there are plenty of unique gifts under $25.00 to be had. Anything from universal Health and Beauty Items, to Sarcastic Mugs & Other Gifts, are available For Women. For the guys in your life, take a peek at These Gems.
Gift Bags/Wrapping
As for Gift Wrap Essentials, I am a huge fan of recycling pretty gift bags! Any gift I’ve ever been given that includes a nice bag that can be saved…well, that bag goes into a special little container of mine for future reuse. Why not? Safely stored (check). Theme appropriate (check). Good condition (check). No extra money out of my pocket (check). If it has a tag, replace it with a new one and move along!
If I do need to purchase gift bags, I will check out the Dollar Store first. Let’s face it. Gift bags/wrapping paper are over priced, as are cards. I’m not one to spend a small fortune on a fancy Hallmark bag. Nope.
After the holidays, wrapping paper goes on sale so the store can clear space for new inventory. Pay attention at the stores right after a major holiday and you can probably catch a deal on wrapping paper. Grab it on sale and then, store it for next year! The holiday may be over for now, but it comes back around every year.
Feeling That Holiday Spirit
At the end of the day, getting through the holiday season this year, really does boil down to attitude and imagination. Gift giving can definitely be done nicely, even on a small budget. It may require thinking outside the box and holiday dinner may require team work among family members. However, the time spent with family and friends, really does matter the most at the end of the day.
(Psst…a bit of Wine always helps add to the holiday cheer as well 🙂
My Friends, I wish you an Inexpensive, Delicious, Thirst Quenching Holiday Season This Year!
Cheers!
