It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!!!

It is fun to spoil our loved ones and watch them open presents. I get it, you love the people who mean the most to you in your life and you want to show them.

Here are some ways to spoil them without racking up a huge credit card bill. 

First things first, take a deep breath and remember that the holidays are supposed to be filled with joy.

1.) Set a budget. 

Before you go crazy with shopping, take the time to determine how much you have to spend. Plan out a budget and try to stick to it. You can either set a specific dollar amount for each person or set a total dollar amount that you want to spend on everything. Whatever works best for you. Don’t forget to factor into your budget holiday décor, wrapping supplies, stocking stuffers and groceries.

2.) Think outside the box and consider gifts that don’t come from a store.

Hands down the best gift I ever received was something that didn’t cost my husband a dime. It did cost him some time, but it was (and still is!) the most meaningful gift I’ve ever received. For my birthday one year, he contacted people from ALL walks of my life and asked them to text me a memory they had of me or tell me what I meant to them. My entire birthday was wonderful because I got texts and calls and emails from people saying the nicest thing all day. The words that people shared were things most people save for funerals and I was lucky enough to have people say them to me. I felt so loved, seen and special. Just thinking about that gift still brings tears to my eyes.
For neighbors and other friends, baked goods are a terrific (and budget-friendly!) way to show someone that you care and are thinking about them during the holidays.

3.) Personalized gifts mean a lot.

A small, yet thoughtful gift can mean more than an expensive gift from a trendy store. Sit down before you begin your shopping and think of interests the people on your list have and brainstorm items they can really use. Knowing that someone put a lot of thought into a gift means so much.

4.) Look for ways to save on holiday decor.

Just because holiday/seasonal decor is only available for purchase at a certain time of year, it doesn’t mean you have to pay full price. A lot of stores will hold sales on their holiday decor, so keep your eye out. A really great option is to subscribe to Decocrated. Where else can you get 6-9 seasonal pieces of home decor for under $80, all shipped straight to your door? The Decocrated subscription is really budget-friendly. If you bought the items separately, you would pay well over the cost of a subscription. Plus Decocrated sends a booklet with each of their boxes to offer styling inspiration and different ways to use each piece in your home.
There is also the Decocrated Marketplace where you can purchase single items from other Decocrated members.

5.) Check out sites that offer cashback on purchases.
There are lots of websites out there that offer you cashback by visiting them first before you go to a specific retailer. This could be a way to save money throughout the year by saving the cashback you receive and putting it towards presents. Even if you haven’t done this yet, it is still a great option to start earning cashback with all of your holiday purchases. Some websites even search for coupon codes for you, giving you even more savings.

6.) Before you shop, always look for a coupon code.
Retailers often have coupon codes to give you money off your order. If you know the places you want to shop, do a quick online search to see if you can find any special promotions or coupon codes to use. Some stores that I know always have coupons and online coupon codes and I know to not ever pay full price.

7.) Stick to your list.
Don’t give into the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals or any other sales that are likely to happen. Yes, it seems like such a good deal, but is it something someone on your list actually needs? Stick to the items on your list so you don’t overspend.

8.) Consider drawing names with the adults in your family.

The older I get the more I realize I don’t need stuff and I also don’t need the stress of buying stuff for other people just to get them a gift. If you have enough adults in your family, consider drawing names so you only have to be responsible for gifts for one person. That way people don’t feel stretched by buying too many gifts and can spend a little more on the children if they aren’t having to buy so many adult presents.

9.) Books are a really great gift for children.

Don’t count out books as gifts for children. Yes, I’m sure the children in your life have a list full of toys that they would like to receive, but be sure to add books to the list. Books usually aren’t as expensive as the “it” toy of the year and can often mean just as much. You are giving the gift of adventure and imagination when you give a child a book. Check second hand stores for children’s books, there are usually plenty to choose from (and lots in good condition).

10.) Cut unnecessary expenses during the holidays.

Can you forgo getting coffee out and just make some at home? If it is warm enough where you live, are you able to wash your car at home instead of going to the car wash? Do you really need to subscribe to all of the streaming services during the holidays, especially if you aren’t going to be home to watch them all?
Look at your past expenses and find small ways to cut some unnecessary spending. It might seem small, but lots of small savings can add up to a lot.

I hope these tips help you feel more in control of your spending for the holidays. Wishing you and your family a wonderful and happy holiday season.

XOXO, Lindsay (Pursuit of Pink Blog).

For home decor inspiration and styling tips, follow me at the links below.
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About Lindsay and Pursuit of Pink:
Pursuit of Pink is a place where women can come to gain inspiration for home décor and life. Through this blog, I hope to help you create a home and life that you love. I designed this space to offer you tips and tricks on making life a bit easier to navigate. Life can be messy and hard; I want to come along beside you and offer resources to lessen your load. It is my heart to give you a place of positivity that encourages you, lifts you up, and helps build confidence in who you are as a woman.