How to Create A Frugal Christmas Gift Budget

[@hijabimuslimah8100]

In the summer time I love canning seasonal fruits and vegetables like blackberry jams, pickled beets , antipasto and etc. then this what i gift to friends and family with card. This saves me a lot of money.

[@joannburns1090]

My kids school bus driver always got a gift. She got my kids to and from school safely so that was important to me 😃

[@crystalhankey7295]

We make up baskets (I buy bigger plastic baskets from the Dollar Tree) and we put drinks and water and individual snacks in the baskets then wrap them with Cello wrap (from Dollar Tree) and my husband makes balloon animals and crazy things to tie the package up. We set them on the Garbage can and the recycling can and it is so much fun to watch them when they see them. They jump out and take pictures and are so excited that they are for them. We get a kick out of doing that.

[@ragdollpreppers2648]

I LOVE THIS❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏

[@Igardenbecauseican]

I have always had a garden! Last year I decrease my vegetable garden and added more berries and fruit trees. This left me sections of the yard that I am using for straw bale gardening, in other words sticking plants in the straw! I live near the water and do fishing and crabbing. I do canning, freezing as well as drying my food. I do buy coffee, however, I make my own teas by drying the leaves, berries, fruit, and plants. I try to use only heirloom seeds or plants so that I can save the seeds. Thanks to all the information that you provide I am able to reduce my cost of living in so many other areas. At 73 years old and a recent widow that is living on a fixed income, and since I am planning on living to be 103 it is important that I have a plan for the next 30 years. Thanks so much for all your Help!

[@UndertheMedian]

Gosh, I love your positive attitude. I've seen straw bale gardening described, but not tried it. I had a book called lasagna gardening, which is basically growing in mulch. Sounds similar? So glad you've found the channel helpful.

[@littleredreadingfox4772]

This is the sweetest channel on personal finance that I have ever come across. Thank you so much for your videos and thanks for being so natural, genuine, and well-intentioned!

[@rg-mi5hh]

Buying for immediate family is all we do now. It is enough. Try to help others throughout the year as needed.

[@shannonwalker7284]

Hi Larry & Hope! I've watched many of your videos and wanted to leave a message. Fun fact: my other half and I are both high earners. Doesn't matter.... I still enjoy your videos and tips on saving money. While our budgets may be a higher level than many, it's not about how much you make, it's how much you save. So, it's been funny when I turn lights out, vacuum the refrigerator coils or some other tip you have shared and to be asked "what are you doing?". My reply is "what Larry & Hope do to save more money". 🙂😉

[@UndertheMedian]

Shannon, you just made my day. You have no idea how many times in 34 years Larry has looked at me trying something new to save money and said, "What are you doing?" So, you're in good company.

[@bluefoxblitz8416]

When the last kid hit 10 and no longer believed in Santa we cancelled Christmas. We get fish and chips and go to the lake for the day or we stay at home have a cooked chook and pavalova for lunch and that is it. Just hanging out together is enough. We don't even put up the Christmas tree, but it is being saved for when the grandkids come. We have the best christmas ever. Better still no debt in January!!

[@bluefoxblitz8416]

@@Curlyblonde yes it is a plastic festival now. Really sad. Plastic trees are nearly $500!! I wonder if people ever think of donating that to starving kids.nope. I've bought 5 x $22 aud 1 kilo T bones for our Christmas barbecue this year by the lake. That is 2.2 pounds each for $14.14 USA. A novelty. Got them on father's day deal and froze them. So it's chips and steak this year. 🦘🦘🤣🤣💜💜 also my sister gives her kids school stationery, uniform and shoes for Christmas to kill 2 birds with 1 stone

[@BeFree-BeFrugal]

I buy gifts when I see things on clearance throughout the year

[@melanienicholson2834]

I feel great relief this year, I set a budget, put each person on the list and what I wanted to give and by Nov 1st I was done. I also stayed within budget!!!

[@larryware1]

Good for you, Melanie!

[@awilliams935]

It’s a great feeling isn’t it ☺️

[@hello-vs4me]

Great to hear god bless you and your family 😊 👪 🙏 😀 ❤

[@veemcg3682]

I'm going to try to be all ready early this year... I could enjoy a more relaxing run up to Christmas and this year more than ever I need to keep within budget.

[@puregold1725]

My family agreed to stop gift giving years ago. We decided spending time together was the best gift of all.

[@noreenpociej5145]

I love homemade gifts. I mentioned this once before but my kids loved moms coupon book each year when they were younger. Coupons were such as stay up past bedtime, you pick dinner, or go bowling night. My kids later gave us coupon books with I’ll make dinner, clean house, or wash the car. I can tell you these were the best and they continued all year. I’m a couponer so I pick up items through the year and have made gift baskets with many nice gifts for very little money. You can do a coffee theme with a nice mug and someone’s favorite coffee…so many options. One year a coworker donated to a charity in our name as a gift. It was a wonderful gesture and covered everyone without trying to buy for everyone.

[@sojournerlang8112]

I love the idea of giving your kids coupons!

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Your pastor, church staff, Sunday school teachers are ones that need to be remembered. Preparing messages about Christ day in and day out to feed the congregation spiritually is often an overlooked service.

[@larryware1]

Yes they are, Katherine. Thank you.

[@sandrabryan9106]

I have done a sock exchange with my sorority. We all buy a pair of socks and wrap it, when we get together all the presents go into a pile and all take one that isn't yours, we also did a Christmas ornament exchange $5 max

[@janetlovesjesus100]

I think we need to be brave and have a conversation with others, about perhaps stopping the exchanging of gifts or limiting the spend. We sometimes do it out of a sense of obligation, or habit. My neighbour and I decided a few days ago to just send cards, after 28 years of gift giving. It was a relief for her and for us. We don't know how the pressure can be affecting other people, or how they are fixed financially too and they may feel embarrassed to talk about it. Take the pressure off. I have tons of nieces and nephews. We all agreed years ago, to just buy, for own kids. Being together is more important. Great advice. 😘

[@kelleyspears1218]

Can relate to this. We’ve asked to stop gift giving with some people and just donate to charity instead. And my immediate family stopped doing gifts a few years ago. At work we are always asked to put in for bosses and supervisors. That’s sort of a dilemma, but I always ending up putting in $20.

[@blakylucha]

I think it would be nice to remember the homeless, a nice blanket would make a great gift.

[@greeneyedredhead61]

As well as pet shelters, doggies like blankets too. And other goodies.

[@UndertheMedian]

Absolutely! Giving to others is certainly a part of the holiday season - and throughout the year.

[@rebacarmack8335]

Myself and 3 of my four sisters welcome Thrift store gifts.

[@truthseeker6370]

I think it's greater than 1 in 5 go into debt for Christmas, speaking for 'prior me' and from listening to coworkers and friends. I worked hard to become debt-free and am most grateful to have a Christmas fund with deposits going in all 26 pay periods per year. Christmas comes the same day every year, so it shouldn't be an "Emergency" requiring debt.

[@christinewilson7785]

I love DIY gifts it's shows that person took a lot of thought and time for my special gift.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I opted out of all gift giving beyond my immediate family. In turn, we ask our immediate family not to give us anything. Here in France, we don’t tip so we don’t do gifts to workers, we show respect to each other all year. Also, here workers are well paid, hence that we don’t tip. Our budget is simple of an amount for each person’s birthday and Christmas and we have a gift sinking fund.

[@Preppergirl10]

I don't tip and I live in America. With my autism I don't understand it

[@frugaldutchmom1359]

It's almost the same here. Teacher appreciation gifts have become a thing here thanks to Pintrest. But there's only so many "thanks for letting me grow" items a teacher can own so teachers are starting to ask for a shared money jar for the whole school to have lunch together or something like that. The Dutch are known to be blunt 🤭😆. I started to tip the hairdresser after she lost a lot of money in the pandemic. She doesn't thank under € 10 I discovered so I'm a bit done with it. I think €8 is a lot for many people but who am I. Our budget per person is about 40-50 for the kids and that's a lot lower than others gift I believe. They already have so much stuff we feel!

[@traceyobrien8410]

My parents lived in a gated community in Central Florida where there are guards in the offices at the entrances. Every year at Christmas time, my mother gave those guards some of her wonderful Christmas cookies. She also did that for the staff at the closest police and fire departments.

[@UndertheMedian]

I love this!

[@KatrineNordland]

My BF and I give each other "the gift of knowing how expensive Christmas is", what with both of us having different nieces and nephews, siblings and parents etc., so with open eyes and lovings hearts, we abstain from giving each other any physical gifts for Christmas. It does feel a LITTLE unromantic, but the fact that we're looking out for each other's finances this way makes me happy - and baking Christmas cookies and decorating my house with him by my side all December long touches my heart more than any present could. ❤

[@carolynmonahan2488]

One Christmas I was secretly doing a 12 days of Christmas for a friends family. They dept looking out to see who it was so we started putting the gifts in the mailbox. At the end she got a heartfelt letter from the mailman. He said it was his best Christmas ever and thanked them for all the (small) presents. We have laughed many a year over that one but it did teach us to remember those often forgotten.

[@brendachilman6895]

A couple years ago I was by inspired by a friend and left a box by our front door. It had individual snacks and drinks and a sign thanking delivery drivers and telling them to help themselves! I even got a hand written thank you note!

[@shirleyscalf8983]

U can tell they love eachother

[@awilliams935]

I won’t go into Debt for anything unless an Emergency, I see people posting photos on social media with huge amounts of gifts and It used to upset me that I couldn’t provide like that for my family. I soon realised that my family are healthy, happy and don’t go without, I always say they might not have everything they want but they’ll always have everything they’ll need. I write my list and budget amount and it’s quite fun to go shopping and hunt presents out ❤️🎄🎄

[@michelleparks4582]

Several years ago when I was still married the ladies in my neighborhood would do something like this year round we called it secret sisters. it was very nice when you would come home from a hard day at work and find your favorite magazine a chocolate bar a Bath bomb and a $6 bottle of wine on your porch! Under $10. It made that lady feel so appreciated! Especially if you have been watching her vent all week on Facebook about her rough week so to come home to that porch present on Friday evening was most lovely. Our ladies would also have wine Wednesday where you would take your wine glass for a walk. you are welcome to push your kids in the stroller too but the main point was to have a glass of wine with the ladies in the neighborhood while getting some exercise. It was very lovely of the person who started it and organized all of it❤❤❤

[@MindysPlace]

We prepare a large dinner for our grown children and their families and only buy gifts for our grandchildren. In years past we went all out with gifts galore and realized many of the gifts or even gift cards went unused, ended up in yard sales or the landfill. We as Americans are very wasteful and we find that memories are far more valuable than presents. Baked goods and snacks are great for others just to let them know you are thinking of them and any extras can be used for guests in their own home during the busy season.

[@catseyes8377]

Please tell us what you give as DIY gifts. Please do a video on it and show us. I have never done this and I really need some ideas: what to give and how to package it

[@abbiesmithrn]

I was thinking the same thing!!! I am planning ornament wreaths for our parents but would LOVE more ideas!!

[@lindadavis5668]

Loaf breads, chip cookies, muffins, etc. Paint rocks. Do it yourself wreaths. Many videos. Use outdoor free decor, i.e., pinecones, outdoor foliage and reeds or sticks, spray paints, old shirts cut up for cut outs, grow cuttings and put a bow on, trace different sized circles on brown paper bags, make ornaments out of old broken jewelry. wrap cuttings of plants in a plastic bag, tie ribbon or string around them. Make your own gift tags out of old cards. Happy crafting.

[@emilylyons1424]

I did a Merry Regiftmas with quality gifts that I received and did not need. It was tacky, but my family who received the gifts got things they actually used and I was able to give more than I would have normally. I sent gift cards with weird amounts from stuff I returned. My family had a lot of fun opening their regifts and I was able to offload some (good) clutter. I did this at the beginning of my minimalist journey, so I had so much high quality stuff like beauty products, clothes, appliances, video games that would have otherwise been donated. Now that I am a minimalist, I give experiences and consumables.

[@krissydantennimon8750]

We focus so much on activities and traditions rather then gifts..... And our kids even as they become teens and older... Those activities still.mean so much to them.....

[@jackieburnett6881]

I am now trying to come up with something for my great grandchildren who really have everything and does not need anything!!!!

[@veemcg3682]

My lovely brother William takes me shopping and orders items online when necessary. We cut flowers and foliage from the garden which we make into tablecentres and doorwreaths. We are both greenfingered and often gift bowls or boxes of growing salad leaves, herbs or Spring bulbs... and jars of jam made with our own fruit are very popular.

[@MsSarahJam]

Currently bingeing on your Christmas videos

[@dharma6481]

For adults we do consumables, $20 limit, as gifts: soaps, lotions, tea, coffee, foods - nothing to add to the clutter! But for teens/college age checks or gift cards and little kids a book/toy. For us not so much a frugality thing, more trying to give meaningful items without clutter up people’s homes. We don’t count the tip outs as gift expense, It’s part of the expense of the service.

[@heathertackett7956]

Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. And I've bought 100s of books for Christmas over the years that looked brand new at thrift stores. I shop year round and that category was always abundant. They'd unwrap a box that held a dozen books I'd spent under $20 on.

[@rharvey2124]

Guess what? Many if those thrift store books are brand new - never having been read.

[@michelleprice5945]

Less is more! We do the 4 gifts rule for our son. Something you want, need, wear & read. He's 11 and doesn't expect anything more. Totally stress free. Kids want our presence more than our presents. 🎄🎄⛄

[@sarahmurray523]

I buy every day item's (toiletries and dry food) as well as normal gift's all year round, then i make up hamper's in cardboard boxes i wrap in Christmas paper. I've been doing this for 25 year's, work's every time. I also have a Christmas cupboard that i fill with next year's gift's. I always buy a year ahead of when i need stuff.

[@mariannewesten3638]

Thanks for the Good Ideas👍 Also you're viewers have nice ideas. A candle Licht Christmas Walk is such a good/ lovely Idea.

[@bonniebourdage5572]

I appreciate your tips. I make homemade carmel corn which is very inexpensive to make and give to my neighbors and friends. They love it and it is so inexpensive.

[@jmbruce30]

The TV show that you were thinking about is Barter Kings. Great video and happy holidays 😊

[@Julie-si3hi]

I'm in England,my family is doing secret santa this year wera all adults no little ones...but for us it's the food and getting together to sing play games go to church x

[@slm3913]

Our church ladies groups would draw a name at our Christmas Lunch for secret santa. We not only put a name but also birthdays and anniversary. We had a low budget as a group to only spend no more than $20 over the year. So a card to be remembered with a little dollar tree idea for our person. It got so expensive at Christmas that we decided to draw family names. The same is that we set $25. for each person in that one family. And then one year it was lets all do homemade things. The most important to us is worshiping Christ. The gifts to each other are in love.

[@christines2787]

You might find this amusing. My entire family does this. We have rules on how much any gift can cost. And that's not to be broken. Ever. Under any circumstances. The funny part comes at the end. Daughter was 14, and had an incredibly hard time with several situations leading up to Christmas which were absolutely devastating, sad and tragic. She gave all she had to give in these situations knowing that there was no chance of a good outcome. It was a lot to deal with in 6 weeks, and she was holding up, but.. solemn. We broke our rule. Daughter got a Playstation 4 and a bunch of games. My dad broke his rule, and got her a Playstation 4 with a bunch of games. Her godfather broke tbe rule and got her a Playstation with a bunch of games. By this point, we are all dying laughing because this was absolutely insane. She asked her aunt if she also had a Playstation she would like for her to open. ABSOLUTELY NOT! It was an Xbox with a bunch of games. The Playstations were sold out. You can't buy a kid out of thier feelings. What worked was the love we had, and the fact it was just too funny. She knew we were all there for her.

[@UndertheMedian]

Oh my gosh! This is a great story! You're right. Larry and I laughed while reading it. I hope despite the hard year that things worked out for your daughter.

[@mastljn]

LMAO

[@christines2787]

@@UndertheMedian - She had to deal with a series of difficult deaths right on top of each other. She is doing great, 2nd year in college, in the honors program with a big academic scholarship. She brought her Playstation with her.

[@laybournejourney1665]

Love your channel! We do three gifts; gold - really want, frankincense - for the body (clothes, exercise, ect), and myrrh - spiritual (christian based things - books, music, bible, ect)

[@mariahsmom9457]

Awesome ideas! Im going tomleave some hand warmers for my postman!

[@lizscott6911]

I love to receive and give Home Made gifts. Last year my best received gift was a painting by an Amature Artist friend. They loved my tin of hand made Tray Bakes. Love and Time go into Hand made gifts.

[@kelleyspears1218]

I hit up the sales the day after Christmas at stores like TJ Maxx and get any wrapping supplies I need for the upcoming year, plus all the great markdowns and their clearance aisle to get gifts for other times of the year like Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, etc.

[@amandamills5550]

I follow the four gifts! Wear, Want, need and read. I do a movie box Christmas eve pjs, movie, hot coco and popcorn it's our lil family tradition. My list is so long so my goal is to work that back this year.

[@MisterEman]

I have 6 kids and last year I saved every week until Christmas, it really worked well. My bigger boys are more difficult they get 1 big gift and a few small ones. I bought my almost 3 year old a pony at goodwill for like 4 dollars. Yes I made sure there was no germs i wiped it down well.It didn't even look used at all I wrapped it as a Christmas present! It is new to her I also shopped at the clearance isle.

[@nancysimmons3535]

I did my shopping all year long everything on clearance there was just a few things it wasn’t on clearance like maybe socks but that’s the only way I can afford to do it I’ll start the day after Christmas

[@noelig4152]

We used to do a white elephant for the adults on Christmas eve. The kids enjoyed it so much, they couldn't wait until they were old enough to be included.

[@rebacarmack8335]

One of my nieces makes baskets of chips,candy bars, pb crackers etc plus a tub of drinks for her delivery people ( Amazon, etc.) with a sign take a snack and thank you very much

[@cruiser122s.d.8]

I only buy gifts for my mom, sister, and brother in law. For both sides of the family, we do a gift exchange. We all save all year, buy gift cards, and buy a few stocking stuffers every month. That way, every gift is taken care of. We make our wishlists in July and August, so we have plenty of time to buy the gifts. We also do 1 or 2 wants, needs, reading items, stem/crafting items, emergency items, and a fun item (if the budget allows).

[@daisy_naples]

I love this video and I love Christmas. Thank you!

[@larryware1]

Thank you, Daisy. You are so welcome.

[@greeneyedredhead61]

You hit on everything I could think of myself. Great job. 👍 But other ideas just for fun and maybe to save some money too: 1. Don't buy wrapping paper. Instead, get creative on wrapping, like an old piece of fabric or a cut up brown paper bag from the grocery store or old news paper. 2. I spin on the potluck dinner, how about a traveling dinner, like appetizers at first house, then everyone walks to the next house for a salad or soup dish, the the next house could be a more "main" dish, then dessert house and then maybe a hot beverage house ...maybe even sing Christmas carrols along the way.. 3. To save a bit of money, decrease the amount per person by just a couple dollars or so. 4. Just in case, you can buy an emergency type gift for an unexpected visiter, such as if an expected family member brings a date... 5. Another idea, I know a couple people who receive assistance in the form of food stamps, and what they might do to give a gift to a loved one, is to buy a premade gift set like they sell at Walmart...if the gift set has food in it, it qualifies to be bought with food stamps...example, your child just got their first apartment and she needs coffee mugs, well the gift sets at the store that has hot cocoa, marshmallows might also have a couple of mugs in them... 6. Another fun idea might be to go from house to house decorating a tree. Or to just have an ornament exchange... 7. A fun party idea could be to make up a new Christmas story...everyone gets to write a paragraph. See how much fun it can be. After all the guests have written a paragraph, then read it at the end and see how silly it might be.

[@camipockets]

My family is using food stamps and I had no idea we could do that! That's so helpful for us!

[@greeneyedredhead61]

@@camipockets yes I was on them many years ago when I had very young children, and it rings up as food.

[@kathyhopson-kidder7957]

I give a gift of some kind on my pastor and his wife. Usually a gift card to Sunday lunch.

[@leslieboe6379]

Our family buys for kids, I like your idea of baking something for adults.

[@heathertackett7956]

The thrift store thing...drives me crazy! There's literally 1000 things I'd be thrilled to have from the thrift stores but my family don't take me seriously. $20 @ a thrift store and I know I'd love it all! Lol and the kids would save so much money.

[@rharvey2124]

I'm with you. I do not like the "new" crap that is being manufactured for gifts. You can find things vintage in thrift stores.

[@LaundryFaerie]

We put out chocolate bars and other goodies in a basket for the Amazon, UPS and other delivery drivers who come to our front door. We know they have tough routes and want to make sure they know how much they're appreciated.

[@susanjennis7337]

For our immediate family, we do "Good Santa" - "Bad Santa". "Good Santa" - Each adult buys one gift no more than $10.00. We put the gifts in a pile and each of us pick a gift. "Bad Santa" - We wrap a "gift" of something we want to get rid of - no buying required. (One year I received an empty box of cereal). For the children, each parent gives their own child a "gift" to open up.

[@UndertheMedian]

What a fun tradition.

[@brianpulliam1100]

Before the pandemic, I participated in a group that had an annual Christmas Party. We did Dirty Santa. The gifts would be in a pile. One person would pick a gift from the pile. Another person could pick from the pile or they could steal. The activity would end when all gifts were picked. It was a very entertaining activity.

[@susanjennis7337]

@@brianpulliam1100 Your right - we could steal if we wanted to. Lots of laughs.

[@Julie-si3hi]

Oh my gosh! I've done this list on my phone and it's prioritised...and I didn't even realise,it was automatic...Hope and Larry I'm learning from you! X

[@DeidresBudgetingJourney]

Great video. This is the first year I saved for Christmas starting in Jan. I then decided how much to spend on each person when I had the amount I wanted saved up. I took advantage of my credit card rewards to get some gift cards for gifts. I also split my parents gift with my siblings. I will do it next year too. 💕 from 🇨🇦

[@lorygordie7643]

Hope I’d love for you to do a program showing what type of home made gifts you make I’d love to learn how to make some

[@annlodovichetti3657]

We spend mostly for our daughter. 1 large gift from mommy and daddy, 1from Sanya. Santa gives the family one big gift. I get stocing stuffed for whomever we are hosting. I try to get things people need like hair ties, chap stick, fun socks etc. I also have employees. I try to get them something related to their passion. Example, one of my employees loves to paint, another bakes. So I try to find something they can use for those hobbies. I also sew. I often will whip up some homemade scarves or something like that.

[@EvangSuz]

Great tips ,I'm pretty sure Im about your age,this took me back to my baby budget days when we had very little left for Christmas.Have a Blessed Christmas.🎄🎁🌹

[@AEvans36963]

For some time I've just been focused on those in our immediate household. Over the years I've learned to try to buy a gift I know will likely be used and not stored away. I'm done-Yay!🙂 I may pick up a few other things but I'm now rejoicing in the fact that I'll be able to avoid most of the Christmas commuting and traffic jams that are a major headache in my city.

[@sandrabiegel5517]

Adding to your list what about someone who drives you around if you don't have a driver's license

[@sheilafreisthler4421]

Being on a fixed income, I use “X” amount for monthly personal expenses. At the end of the month, whatever is left over goes into an envelope to use for Christmas. And I have a fixed amount that I spend on each person. I also have stopped buying for grandkids the year they turn 21.

[@christines2787]

My great grandmother was in her late 90s. She would get massive arrangements of dried fruit.

[@catedennis41]

I stopped buying or giving gifts to nieces or nephews when they turned 21, also. Mainly, it was because they NEVER said thank you for their gifts. They are my brother's children and we were not raised that way.

[@bex438]

Great ideas both! Thanks for sharing 👍 I always say it's who's round the table that's most important, not what's on it or under the tree for that matter 😊🎄

[@2b4evermusical]

I can count on one hand how many Christmas gifts my parents gave me growing up. They were wonderful parents and provided for all our needs, but gift giving just wasn’t something they did. It wasn’t until I married my husband that I was put in a position where I was expected to buy gifts for every member of his family. Ultimately, I had to put my foot down and put a stop to this. Like you said in your video, it wasn’t a popular decision. We put up with a lot of snide remarks. For a while, we only bought for their children, but ultimately we just stop exchanging gifts altogether. I couldn’t believe their sense of entitlement.

[@camipockets]

Great advice! 😁

[@reenierickard3399]

This probably doesn't need to be said, but if you're a Sunday School/Children's ministry teacher, those children you care for! I am and I do it automatically. Probably most of us do. Something small, depending on the age it could be a coloring book, and of course, a treat.

[@theheartofzany1]

Hi Guys, loving the video's :)

[@margaretghirardello5933]

I shop year around rite after Xmas every holiday shop birthdays year round to m when I was young made layna ways! In sixties now nine grand kids hubby been retired eleven years I have gotten gifts at yard sales new gifts fraction of cost I make point shop after holiday clearance. Been doind his fourty years plus have three grown kids hubby use get Christmas bonus no more we on fixed income. We r smart shoppers payncash

[@grannyprepper1181]

I give gifts to 9 people, 2 sons, 2 daughter-in-laws and 5 grandkids. I have eliminated all other friends and former coworkers, ups drivers, mail person etc. My fixed budget just doesn’t allow it.

[@larryware1]

Good for you, Granny Prepper. We all have to live within our budgets to make ends meet.

[@vk3696]

Giftster is a nice place to make lists that are not specific to a company (I.e. Amazon). Also they have a wonderful secret Santa option on there as well for those that need to draw names virtually.

[@govegan6112]

I stopped celebrating Xmas years ago and I am saving tons of money.

[@catedennis41]

I think you mean CHRISTmas.

[@govegan6112]

@@catedennis41 Nope, I said XMAS

[@marycnhatch4934]

$100 for Hanukkah. That's it! This is for a family gift, and special foods. My expensive Holiday is Passover, $200. We limit Birthdays to $50 each for 4 people. Other gifts, for extended family is limited to $10 each. I'd rather make homemade gifts: quilts, and crocheted items.

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

We always look forward to Hannukah: because of the week long evening gatherings with family, friends and making latkes, lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, singing.

[@marycnhatch4934]

@@BethGrantDeRoos Absolutely.

[@christines2787]

People go crazy for my dried soup bases from my garden vegtables.

[@mrs22A]

Great video as always! I have one piece of info on the Amazon wish list. My daughter had one for us to buy for her and her husband for Christmas. When I ordered something from their list, she received a notification when it was purchased. So their gifts really weren't surprises like we had thought. And we were the only ones with access to the list so they knew ahead of time what we bought them. I don't know if there is a setting to opt out of that or not. It would be something to look into. Now they make up a wish list but we don't buy from it! And they really are surprised! LOL

[@georginaamy7636]

I love these videos. Such good tips. A lot of them I have been doing for a few y years already but I do like to get new ideas x

[@galemaurer2820]

One of our traditions was to have a Christmas Eve gift which was always a pair of pajamas and a toothbrush.

[@UndertheMedian]

What a great tradition!

[@vickiewilkins1579]

We do an underware box.

[@mdteders]

Boy I support the 'kids only' christmas gift on family gettogethers. Not so much because of the fiinances (I think our gift-culture is more modest than the American one) but getting everybody the perfect gift was also pretty stressful and now we can just concentrate on being together, eat and chat.

[@limegreen1989]

Oh wow, I knew there was a December gift giving tradition in the US, but I never imagined it to be this extensive! I live in The Netherlands, and it never even occurred to me to include some of the people you have on your list. We have get togethers of course, but it is much less centered around gift giving. Good advice, though!

[@catedennis41]

@@lynnsimard9810 I have NEVER spent thousands at Christmas...what a waste!

[@TeachingTinyDisciples]

Thank you for the free e-book! Something I always forget to add to our Christmas gift budget is a holiday giving/serving. We sponsor two little girls and always like to give them an extra donation this time of year. We also love doing the Shoe Boxes for Samaritan's Purse and a holiday donation to our church. We also pick one charity to donate to each. Not trying to be boastful in the slighest, just merely pointing out, it adds up quick if you don't remember to budget & PRIORITIZE it!

[@Grayce47]

Years ago I let all my coworkers, friends and family members know that my husband and I did not want to exchange gifts. If we want/need something we buy it for ourselves. I feel it is bad for the environment and wasteful to buy things that are not needed (how many mugs, chocolates or candles does one need?). I do buy for my adult children and nephews. I always ask them what they need/would like. If they don't have any ideas I will just given them money and they can use it how they see fit.

[@nicidevine6670]

Amen to that

[@karenmiller955]

We do the dirty Santa game with our family. It's the favorite thing we do. One year recentlymy Mother's contribution to the game was a cassette. Uproarious laughing. Best gag gift ever 🤣

[@karenmiller955]

Cassette tape

[@angryoldman9140]

Fun. We still use cassettes in our family. My small child loves them. I recently picked up two sealed blank VHS and 2 sealed blank cassette tapes at the thrift store for free the other day. They’re hard to find these days.

[@samanthahardy9903]

I went to a Christmas party one year and I got 1 roll of toilet paper which everyone thought was hilarious as everyone else got toiletries like soap and bubble bath. However, the joke was on them because I got what I actually needed at the time as I had run out of toilet paper at home and it was what I actually wanted and needed!

[@UndertheMedian]

LOL! Samantha, what a great story!

[@Preppergirl10]

I actually make my own items however I just would wish mom would understand that I would rather be with them than presents. My fiance too.

[@princesskaitlinhazelwood4703]

We do the trash collector and the teen who helps us once a week organizing our house.

[@johnandjess9134]

I just asked for your E-Book. Thank you!

[@UndertheMedian]

You are very welcome.

[@lisacats4531]

I spend a lot of money on food... I make a feast and tons of baked goods. I also spend a lot of money on decorations and scented candles... I like to have my house smelling yummy.... The best gift is time... Giving of your time... Spending time... Helping ... At your church or the soup kitchen... Your neighbors and family and friends... Having a cup of tea with an elderly neighbor... Helping the hostess at a Christmas party that you were invited to... Cooking... Cleaning...Baking... Time is too short...Let's make every minute count for something great!!!

[@jobellecollie7139]

Our family keeps a notebook of things they would like. We jot down these ideas all year. When we go thrifting and we find something off that list, we gladly buy it. Used items are always welcome. I decide at the beginning of the year how much I'm going to spend. I divide that by 12 and save up all year. We always have a joke gift. The strangest gift my daughter get was a gallon of dill pickles! We are all very frugal! With 3 grandchildren and 7 grandparents and step grandparents, my daughter asked for only 1 or 2 things per child. She doesn't want toys r us in her home. I DO buy gift cards for the people who help me, my nurse, my mailman, my lawn care man, etc. I've asked my daughter for home made pepper jelly. As for shopping early, I'm done by Halloween. With my sons birthday is in October and my daughters birthday is in January, I have to shop VERY early for gifts. Thank you for all your help.

[@cherrycain6425]

Almost all of my family has passed away.And, I have one son and his girlfriend plus two fur cat babies. I send Christmas greetings on Facebook and hand deliver Christmas cards for different people around town and my job. Just buy for my son, his girlfriend and the kitties. I live by myself so I don’t ask for much.

[@BellaCinco]

Great timing. I’m almost done with my list. But I tend to love just buying little things here and there for the same people. I’m a great gift giver. I know what they will want. It’s so frustrating. 😂 all that to say thank you for this video. It reminds me to just stop and wait for the big day. Haha.

[@UndertheMedian]

Nancy, I'm with you. I get my shopping "done" and then keep adding little things right up until Larry and I put the gifts under the tree.

[@horticultureandhomes]

Did you know the lamp given to Hope is a Fenton Gone With Th Wind Puffy Rose milkglass lamp with a wild rose motif? I have seen several Fenton pieces in your home.

[@denisedurham9385]

I dont celebrate christmas so I save money there but I could get into trouble by buying too much breaded okra to deep fry, lol. Birthdays I try to keep it simple for everyone that way I dont go into debt.

[@alanyaknits8018]

Remember the random single person in small group who doesn't have family.

[@lindagbukvic9441]

Just the postage for Christmas Cards alone is crazy.

[@greeneyedredhead61]

If sending out Christmas cards, opt for Christmas post cards. They only cost .40 to mail which saves 18 cents over regular letters and cards.

[@Chydova]

Thank you for the tips but I have a question that isn't related to the video. How do you keep such good hair? My boyfriend is 33 and going bald, my hair is also thinning:( Would you be able to give some tips in improving one's hair and keeping it, thank you!

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Rice water rosemary oil. Add a bit of vodka to shampoo to clean buildup,stop dandruff and strengthen hair. Snag free hair ties Stop heat styling Any chemicals such as dye,perms,etc.it is killing your hair. No extensions. Don't pull hair up or back tightly.exfoliate scalp once per week.at most.a drop of exfoliating bodywash mixed with regular.shampoo.wash as normal. Wash once a week.once every 2.excess washing thins hair

[@larryware1]

I lost most of mine about 3 years ago due to a heart condition, then it grew back dark. No advice on how to keep it. Normal hair loss seems to be a characteristic of aging.

[@janetlovesjesus100]

@@larryware1 That is so crazy Larry. I actually wondered why my hair has gone curly ish, in my golden years. Was straight as a poker, all my life. I just looked for info after reading your comment and hormones, stress etc. can change how the hair grows. The hair folicle hooks, apparently. Now I am styling a frizz, 😅

[@cherilewis2899]

It's hereditary look at parents hair,avoid dyeing your hair,or grandparents, like my brothers all take after our maternal grandfather all with thin hair. Their father had thick hair right to the end