Christmas has come and gone, and as always it is a time where we spend a lot of money buying gifts for our loved ones. Some of you may even have to buy gifts for unloved ones out of obligation.

How much did you spend this Christmas? Congratulations to those frugal beagles who set a budget and stuck to it.

For those who spent too much, don’t worry.

Here are 10 Frugal Beagle tips for Christmas Presents:

1. It’s the Thought That Counts

Obviously this doesn’t apply to your close family members, children and especially your spouse.

When it comes to friends, remember that they are usually just happy that you gave them a present. They won’t care how much your gift is worth or how wonderful your gift is (unless they gave you something really expensive).

You don’t have to spend a lot of money for each friend. If you do, you end up spending a huge amount when you add them all together. In addition, you will just have to out give yourself next year.

2. Share

Give one gift to one family, so you won’t have to buy (and wrap) so many presents.

If you want, you can even share with your family members to buy those presents so you will have a larger budget.

3. Budget

Before you start shopping, set a budget for how much you can afford, and stick to it.

You don’t want to go into debt by overspending on Christmas presents.

4. Presentation

It doesn’t matter how expensive or inexpensive your gift is, make sure it is presented nicely.

There are a lot of frugal ways to decorate presents that don’t cost a lot. For example, ribbons don’t cost a lot but make a big difference.

5. Wrapping Paper

On the other hand, don’t go buying the most expensive wrapping paper you see.

Remember that most people will just tear it up and throw it away.

6. Plan Early

Start your Christmas shopping early. The advantages for shopping early are:

• avoid last minute shopping
• able to wait for the best bargains
• won’t forget anyone
• more time to plan for better gifts
• can spread out the cost over several months
• you won’t overspend when you shop during Christmas season. There’s something about those Christmas songs they play at the mall that make me want to buy buy and buy.

7. Easy to Overspend

There’s always the temptation especially in our culture not to lose face by giving a ‘cheap’ present. As a result, we spend more than we should.
There’s also the temptation to give in to the many attractive offers in the shopping malls when you do you Christmas shopping. We buy unnecessary things.

8. Recycle

Wrapping paper and gift boxes can be stored and recycled for later re-use.

9. Gift Forwarding

This is a bit controversial, but you can re-gift items that you will not use.

Make sure that the recipient of the forwarded gift has no relationship with the person who gave the gift to you in the first place.

10. Buy in Bulk

Buying presents in bulk will bring you savings.

Some examples include books, mementos or edibles like cakes and cookies.

Conclusion

Christmas shouldn’t be a stressful time, and it shouldn’t stress our finances.

Why don’t you start planning for next year’s Christmas right now?

Do you have any frugal Christmas tips to share?

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