It’s already November.

Too late to save up money and plan to budget better for Christmas this year (even though you promised yourself last year that you would)!

Don’t despair.

Here are 12 tips to help you save money this Christmas and it’s not too late to use them!

1. Don’t buy new ornaments and decorations.

This time of year holiday swag is everywhere and somehow marketers come up with a new theme every year. Yes, the new offerings are cute, but you have enough.

Neither the tree nor the house was bare last year and you still own all those decorations.

2. Bake one type of Christmas cookie.

Unless you derive all your Christmas joy from baking (I do not fall into this camp) give yourself permission to make only one type of cookie this year.

It can get very expensive to make all the things (ginger bread, fruit cake, sugar cookies, shortbreads, etc.) by the time you invest in the nuts, cherries, chocolate, and special toppings for each one.

I stick to a simple frosted shortbread cut into Christmas shapes using cooking cutters. I tint the frosting with food coloring to add variety.

Offer to swap baking with a family member or friend to get more variety.

3. Stop spending a fortune on the Elf.

Are you spending as much on Elf on the Shelf and his shenanigans as you are on your child?

I am a huge Elf fan, but Elf on the Shelf has become a bit of a competition (and a source for stress) among moms. The ideas that pop up on your social media feeds are getting more and more complex, and more and more expensive!

Work with what you already have and resist buying into the upsell. You can come up with fun ideas for the elf without spending $20 a day on elf props.

If you really are pressed for time and ideas use inexpensive printable downloads like the ones found here: ElfApprovedPrintable – Etsy Canada. Disclaimer: This link is to my shop and I will receive income from any purchases you make.

4. Shop Only Once at Only One Store

Cross everyone off your list in just one shopping trip.

Think it can’t be done? I assure you it can, as I have done it many times.

No repeat visits to the shops reduces impulse spending. We’ve all done it. Picked up just one more thing that we “saw” on the way to the checkout. Then you feel the need to even out the gifts so have to get one more thing for everyone else too!

For us rural folk, it also saves the cost of gas from making multiple trips into the city and running all over town.

I’m sharing my top 3 favorite stores that, amazingly, have gifts you actually love for everyone on your list. Every city will have a version of these.

Chapters – Even if you only stuck to books, you could probably find something everyone would like but they also have games, puzzles, a children’s craft & toy section, and a full gift boutique area!

Scoop and Save – This bulk store was a treasure trove! The year I hit our local store they had a huge selection of Cobble Hill puzzles. There are many food choices from hot sauces to exotic teas. The light up decor (in the party section) was perfect for little girls’ bedrooms. I found a wonderful cookie decorating kit for the kiddos too. I was surprised by all the choices!

The hospital gift shop – Ours has a variety of unique gifts in a wide range of prices and for every age group. The prices are very reasonable for a gift shop (perhaps they are non-profit?) and I can be sure they have items not found at other stores around town.

5. Stay home for Christmas

Plan to stay home for the holiday. Although it is nice to see family, these days families can be scattered everywhere. Many people end up making trips to multiple cities (or even Provinces).

Gas. Eating out. Snacks at the pit stop along the way. A Tim’s coffee for the road.

If you need to fly or stay in hotels, it is always “peak season” pricing during the holidays.

It can add up to funds you don’t have when holiday shopping has already depleted the bank.

6. Skip the Christmas Blockbuster

Many families will hit the movie theaters over the Christmas holiday. In fact, the theaters release movies specifically to draw in the holiday crowds.

Plan a trip to a sliding hill, instead, and get some fresh air and exercise without the high cost of tickets and treats. If the weather isn’t cooperating, plan your own movie marathon at home with old family favorites.

7. Stick to the limits on gift exchanges

It is always temping to spend more that the designated limit in a gift exchange.

You want your gift to be nice and to be liked by the receiver. Sometimes it can be challenging to stick to the limit that was set and find a gift that you think is suitable.

Make a point of staying under the limit. After all it was set for a reason. Make the extra effort to find a gift you think will be enjoyed but still says in the price range that was agreed to.

8. Don’t put your money on fancy wrapping paper

A beautifully wrapped gift is lovely to look at…but it still gets ripped to pieces when the gift opening begins!

Keep your wrapping simple and inexpensive.

Skip the bows and fancy tags that get crushed and fall off when all the presents are stacked under the tree. A pile of presents always looks pretty, even without the expensive add-ons.

My favorite solution is dollar store wrapping paper and a roll of curly ribbon.

The ribbon can be tied around the package in many configurations or curled with the edge of your scissors to make a curly bow. You can make every package look different.

9. Make your own Christmas tags

Folding a leftover scrap of wrapping paper in half and writing on the inside is a an easy way to get a matching tag. You can also fussy cut a shape from the pattern on a scrap of paper to get a tag with an interesting shape.

If you pay attention you will notice that there are Christmas images and artwork everywhere this time of year. Packaging, junk mail, flyers, Christmas cards from your insurance company, and catalogues have gorgeous artwork that you can repurpose as Christmas tags.

10. Don’t buy gifts for these people

Family or friends who are on a tight budget will be relieved if you tell them you would rather not exchange gifts this year. Tell them you would prefer to see them focus on their immediate family, and that you will be doing the same.

When older adults have expressly said they don’t need, nor want, anything believe them. Respect their wishes by not bringing them an unwanted gift. Do spend time with them over the holiday season. The gift of your time will be more appreciated than anything else.

Babies. It is very difficult to resist buying “all the things” for little ones. Of course we love them and we want to shower them with gifts to show that love! However, they can’t even open gifts yet and they don’t understand what is going on. Like the older adults, a gift of your time is the best gift you can give.

When it comes to buying for small children use their attention span as a rule of thumb. If they can only open one or two gifts before they lose interest and get distracted, limit your spending to that. You know the grandparents, aunts and uncles will all bring gifts. This may be all your kiddo can handle. If so, resist buying gifts yourself. It’s okay. There are many more Christmases to come!

11. Don’t buy a gift for every adult

Although we all enjoy a gift, as adults, we normally don’t get quite as excited over the size of our haul.

Take the lead and arrange a gift draw among the adults in your family. Have everyone draw a name and buy a nice gift for just that one person.

You can get a nicer gift for the person whose name you have drawn, and still stay on budget.

12. Do stockings only for the adults

A thoughtfully stuffed stocking is easier on the budget than finding “big” gifts for everyone but is still lots of fun to open on Christmas morning.

The possibilities are endless. Practical items like soaps, toothpaste, razors, or personal items are great choices. Candy, sweets, coffee, or liquor are always a hit. Perfume, jewelry, candles, and bubble bath all fit in a stocking. A pocket novel, lottery ticket, car wash or oil change coupons are great for the men. You can always find small items related to people’s hobbies to include or include homemade surprises like photo memories or your famous fudge.

The Simple Summary

Christmas is a wonderful time of year.  It doesn’t need to be marred with the stress of financial debt.  Tweaking traditions and holiday habits to be more budget friendly is smart.  None of the tips mentioned here will make you feel like you are a grinch, but they will help keep you out of debt over the holidays!