5 Holiday Money Saving Tips

Just because the holidays are coming up doesn’t mean the house expenses stop. We’re looking at solar panel installation, painting the guest bedrooms, and removing the asbestos in the basement all in the same month.

Spending my nights listening to Christmas music while peeling wallpaper.

 

 

Here are 5 Holiday Money Saving Tips that help me get through the festivities!

1.       Make your own beverage servers

 

Hosting a soiree? Bringing drinks to a holiday party? Don’t buy a costly drink dispenser, make one with any glass container and a chalkboard label.

 

I spray painted a label I got from the grocery store with chalkboard spray paint.

 

Apple Pie Sangria is always served best with a cinnamon sugar rim!

2.       Reuse gift bags

I know it sounds simple, but sometimes we forget to save bags, bows, and paper. Doing this can avoid spending extra money. Just check any gift bag tags to make sure there aren't any messages left from last year. My friend hosts an ornament swap every year and I always keep the little gift bag I get, perfect size for an ornament!

 

My prize from the ornament swap!

3.       Take your own holiday photos

 

Don’t have a photo budget? Use photos from your year to show your friends and family what you have been up to! Or just take your own! We considered using our GoPro to take photos but ended up using our Iphone. Both have a self timing setting and are fairly decent quality.

 

Tried taking our pic with Sam, didn't make the final cut :(

4.       Exchange experiences instead of gifts

Our friends helped watch our cat while we were away for Thanksgiving. I would’ve paid them but they insist that’s what friends are for. Instead of getting them a gift, we are asking them to come over for dinner and games. I dare you to try this out with friends or family and see who can come up with the most creative idea. How does this save money you ask? I don’t anticipate preparing dinner for two more people costing that much more money. And our board games are free. Maybe do a drinks and movie night. A bottle of wine won’t put you back too much either yet it’s a fun way to spend time together. These memories aren't something you'll want to return to the store December 26th.

 

5.       Clean out your grandmother’s basement

Lucky for me, my grandma literally let me and my brother clean out her basement. Any holiday stuff we wanted was ours. Doing this with your family members will totally help you save money on holiday décor. Offer to help your dad clean out the attic, or your aunt clean out the guest bedroom closets. Maybe those holiday heirlooms can find their way into your home.

 



How much would this cost in a store? I don't know! But I  do know mine was $Free.99! Thanks grandma!


Share your holiday money saving tips below! Skyping instead of flying to see family? Baking for your family instead of buying gifts? I would love to know!