FRUGAL FRIDAY: Gift Giving

Frugality is something that has occupied my mind for many years. When the Hubs was in the Navy and I stayed at home with the kiddos, things were tight. We knew it would be if I stayed home, but it was a sacrifice we took seriously. So in an effort to live off his salary, we had to be FRUGAL. Let's just say, I learned as I went. I got a copy of the book The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn and still use it as reference today. Growing up on a farm helps too. We didn't have much money then, but we always had plenty to eat, clothes and shoes, good friends, and of course one thing was abundant: LOVE. So here's a series of posts about living with less, FRUGAL FRIDAY. Feel free to leave comments and share your ideas for living abundantly with less.

Today's edition will focus on gift giving. During this season of celebrations, abundance is prevalent. We have so much that we don't NEED anything, but every year we want more, more, more. In an effort to help you keep within your budget during the holidays, here are just a few tips that work for us. As always, feel free to add your ideas in the comments section.

1. Cut back on gift giving. It's as simple as that. When our children were very young, we decided that each would only get three gifts for Christmas. Jesus only got three, so why did they need more? Typically, one was clothes, one was a book, movie, or game, and the last was a toy they wanted. This has worked well and now Daughter S employs the same rule for Little D. Of course, other family members give them all gifts too. But only three from The Hubs and me.
2. Draw names. My large extended family began doing this in 1987 and it works beautifully. Everyone over the age of 13 goes into the draw. Younger kids typically get a small gift from each family. We set a price range, everyone brings food, and we have a wonderful time of fellowship at someone's home. We all take turns hosting it. I've done this with co-workers too. It's always fun and saves so much.
3. Give homemade gifts. We do this about every year. Some of the items The Hubs and I have made to give: scarves, placemats, baby quilts, other quilted items, jellies, baked goods, wreaths, picture frames, wooden toys, homemade vanilla extract, and so much more. I love to receive homemade items too. It's so special to have something homemade.
4. Put together hobby packs. I've given a book on knitting with needles and yarn, looms with cotton loops, model kits, jewelry making kits and lots more. I even put an Italian dinner together in a basket for my sisters once. The recipient usually appreciates that you've collected all the items needed for something specific.
5. Give experiences. A hiking trip, a visit to a local museum or park, a canoe tour of a nearby lake, the possibilities are endless. Get out and do something together, now that's truly a gift.
6. Get real. Consider how much you're spending and why. A friend who has two children once told me that they usually spend over $2,000 on Christmas gifts for the kids, each other and extended family and friends. This amount really put a strain on their budget.

Consider what you are celebrating. If you are celebrating Christmas, you're marking the birth of Christ. Does spending money help or hinder your marking it? Seriously consider this for a while.

Hope you enjoy this series. I'll cover other topics here and here and here as we go along and hopefully offer something useful to you! Again, feel free to leave comments and share your Frugal Friday tips!