When you’re planning a wedding, there are rules. You need something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new. Well, there is a similar set of fun guidelines for how to save on Christmas when shopping for kids. As a perk, sticking to them will save you loads of cash.
**Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net which offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life.**
What Is It, Already?
The secret to a successful if scrimping holiday season is to buy kids four things: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.
Something They Want
This should be a fairly easy one. Kids typically have no reservations when telling adults what, exactly, they want. For 2019, the hottest gifts of the season run the gamut from $10 Hatchimals for the littlest present-pickers to the $300 Nintendo Switch for the tweens and tweens. Ask about their preferences, and see if you can narrow it down to something that easily fits within your budget. If everything hits slightly above your spending allowance, don’t give up hope or blow your budget. Spend some time looking at toy deals on sites that collect and sort information on the best prices. Rakuten is one example, and even categorizes toys by character and brand.
Something They Need
What your children need is pretty open-ended. This could mean anything from the dreaded socks and underwear to something more profound, such as time with loved ones. Depending on where you live, you might be able to provide them with experiences that will stick with them for a lifetime. Visit a free zoo, for example, or, if you live in a warmer climate, plan a fishing trip for Christmas morning. You might also consider gifting them with educational tools, particularly if your child struggles with things like organization. Reader’s Digest lists several affordable items, including colored pens and whimsical notebooks that make great stocking stuffers
Something to Wear
Every child has to have a wardrobe, and Christmas is the perfect time to add something they can snuggle up in this winter. A set of new pajamas makes a great Christmas Eve present that won’t tie up your entire shopping budget. Stores like Carter’s and Old Navy tend to run great deals on sleepwear throughout the holiday season. You can stretch the meaning of this a bit by including things like backpacks, headbands, jewelry, and even nail polish.
Something to Read
Giving your children the gift of the written word is perhaps the most meaningful gift you can bestow. Reading has a virtually unlimited bounty of benefits for kids of all ages, infants included. If your independent reader is already absorbed in a series (think Percy Jackson or Harry Potter), add to their collection or look for supplemental guides that will add extra depth to their stories. For younger kids, you can’t go wrong with Little Golden Book titles like Mister Dog, Tootles, and The Pokey Little Puppy, all of which tend to cost $5 or less.
I Don’t Like Rules!
If you would rather stick with a larger gift or a more traditional pile of presents, there are still ways to save on Christmas without draining your savings. Start by shopping at stores that offer rewards cards. GameStop, Kohl’s, and most other major retailers have loyalty programs that can help you get some cash back or other perks. GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards might be a good choice if game systems are on their wish list; Kohl’s has its YesToYou program, which gives you money back to spend at the store on the first day of the month after your purchase.
The point here is that you don’t have to compromise your financial future to play St. Nick. If you don’t have the money to overdo it, then don’t. Not only do you put yourself under undue stress, but you’re also teaching the kids that the holidays revolve around the cash register.
Image via Pexels
Final Thoughts
**I just want to take a minute to say thank you to Emily for writing this awesome post and sharing it with my readers!! This is not the first guest post Emily has written for Mom Wife Wine, and I hope it isn’t the last! If you’re interested in reading the other post then click HERE to read about the The Relationship Challenges New Parents Face After the Baby Arrives.
Before you go, leave a comment and let us know your favorite way to save on Christmas! **
Great post 👍🏼
Those little somethings are definitely worth the thought, especially the ones that our kids might need – memories. Those don’t fade easily! Thanks for sharing these tips!
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