With the recession on everyone’s mind, I thought I’d offer 5 tips on ways that might help you save money this holiday season while still giving memorable gifts. Or heck, not gifting at all! 😯

While this blog post is not related to nature OR illustration, staying balanced is important to our mental health, whether we find that in the great outdoors, throughout our day-to-day lives, or in our bank accounts.

Some of these tips are my tactics to keep my budget in check and save myself the dread of getting my January credit card bill - which gets my new year off to a great start! I hope you find these 5 tips helpful and they relieve some stress for you ahead of the holiday season.

1. Budget

   First things, first. Before you buy anything, make a note of how much you’d like to spend in total this season. This will keep your spending in check. Once you have a total, make a list of who you’d like to buy for and divvy up a percentage of that budget for each person. Download my gift guide to get access to a free printable wishlist which will keep you organized.

2.  Shop Offline & Local

   Do a web search of some gift shops in your area and head down for a visit! Often times local shops make it a point of carrying unique goods and gifts you’d be challenged to find online unless you know exactly what you’re looking for. And, by shopping local, you’re supporting small businesses in your neighborhood AND saving hefty shipping fees. Possibly even avoiding shipping delays! You can check out some shops that carry some of my goods as a starting point.

3. Just One

   Purchasing 1 gift per person and limiting how much you spend on that gift, means no one gets “more” than someone else. This also limits the number of gifts you give, relieving some stress and pressure to buy everything on everyone’s wishlist. You could even go further with that idea, if you’re part of a larger gift giving group, and suggest everyone participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange so everyone only buys 1 gift for 1 person from the group based on the name they draw.

4. Make a Gift

   Remember when you learned how to make sourdough in 2020? Or took up that craft last year? Maybe even learned to make jam or pickle all the things? Tap into the homesteader in you to make a gift that people can enjoy throughout the holidays and truly cherish for years to come. I remember an aunt of mine used to paint jewelry boxes and make gift bags, which came in handy in the years ahead!

5. Don’t Buy Anything

   A radical idea, I must admit. But some families I know have decided to not buy gifts for each other at all and instead, opt for experiences and gatherings of food, movies, and music throughout the holiday season. Or, you could opt to go on a spending freeze for your own personal purchases for the month (or two) leading up to Christmas.

Bonus Tip!

Thrift a Gift

Ever stepped into your local second hand or vintage store? They can have some gems just waiting to find a new home. I was reminded of this idea as I was headed to the thrift store myself to find some new winter boots. I ended up finding 3 new-to-me pairs (rain, snow, and hiking boots) that were ready for adventure for $12 a pair. What a steal!

This option is great because it lessens the need for new material, which saves on energy and resources to produce that new material.

What are some of your ideas to save over the holidays? Comment below to get the conversation going!

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