Earlier this week I shared with you how I am shopping for five family members on a budget of $250.00 plus 40,000 American Express membership rewards points. It's a great exercise for me to have a budget to stay within. I have $50.00 for each person on my list plus the Membership Rewards points. I'm still shopping and perusing the rewards website for deals. The website has a dizzying array of gifts that you can buy with points. There's everything from designer goods, to electronics to even Facebook Ads. I think the gift of Facebook Ads is a great way to help someone with their own business, especially a small business, advertise it to Facebook members. It's pretty amazing all the things the points are good for (read my earlier post on smart shopping tips with American Express Membership Rewards.) Look for a post soon sharing my shopping finds as I work within the budget and the points American Express gave me to achieve fabulous Christmas finds. Now, as I promised, I am going to share the holiday challenge with all of you.. plus wait for it...a prize of a $250.00 American Express gift card. With an American Express Gift Card, you get the full amount on the card, there are no fees or service charges, so all $250.00 will really be at the winner's disposal. This is a super prize for one lucky reader! American Express Gift Cards are accepted at millions of shops and restaurants around the world, so the options for spending & fabulous finds are almost infinite.
How to Enter
You must leave a comment here on the blog to enter sharing your personal tips on how you shop for Christmas gift and stay within a budget. Show us all what a smart shopper you are by dazzling us with your shopping genius! :) After you have left a comment, you can receive additional entries by sharing the contest on Twitter, following @Recessionista on Twitter and liking us on Facebook. You can Tweet daily to receive additional contest entries, just Tweet from the widget here in this blog post so we can count all your Tweets. That makes it easy for you to get one extra entry for each Tweet.
This giveaway will run until midnight EST on Sunday, Dec. 18th, so if want some holiday shopping $$ enter quick! This giveaway is being conducted using the Rafflecopter widget. Hit the Read More Link to enter via the widget. If you don't see the widget here, just leave a blog post comment with your email address so you can be entered. Just hit the comment button (look for the Post a Comment link under this post.) This giveaway is open to only US residents so please take that into account when you submit your entry. Stay tuned, more giveaways to come.
The winner of this giveaway was Joyce, for her tips on shopping for the holidays all year round!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I do lots of searching to get the best deals -- this way, maybe I can get even more for my money!!!
ReplyDeleteshanahertz at yahoo dot com
I try to bake or make gifts from what I already have.
ReplyDeleteI buy items during the year as they go on sale instead of waiting til the last minute when desperation comes into play and I buy it no matter the price!
ReplyDeleteI buy gifts throughout the year so that when Christmastime comes around, I don't have to spend a bunch of money all at once!
ReplyDeletei shop online and do most with coupons and promo codes
ReplyDeletepurple_lover_04 at msn dot com
I try to shop early up in the year... especially around thanks giving and summer sales! :) lol Cost effective and I wouldnt have to be shopping during the Christmas rush
ReplyDeletei make the budget and then put the cash in an envelope once the cash is gone i am finished shopping, tend to stay under budget
ReplyDeletesusansmoaks at gmail dot com
I shop throughout the year and watch sales really closely.
ReplyDeleteI try to make many of my gifst to save some money. I also buy in bulk and then split up the items to make smaller groupings for gift baskets or bags. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI make a list throughout the year. I subscribe to a number of deal sites and watch the prices. I also use coupons!
ReplyDeleteitsjustme91770(at)yahoo(dot)com
To stay within my holiday budget I shop during sales and use coupons both online and in store. I also use a cash back site online to maximize my savings. I've learned to much from blogs and online forums.
ReplyDeleteRafflecopter: Amanda S
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
Make a list and try to stick with it and I always watch the sales and use coupons
ReplyDeleteIf at all possible, I try to shop (online only) on Black Friday. The deals really are that good. If I can't do that, I hit up the Friends & Family sales that follow soon after at larger department stores. Also, I try to buy gift cards for discounted prices on ebay. Finally, I stalk the holiday gift guides put out by my favorite blogs - they often have price limits!
ReplyDeleteI start with a list and a budget then buy items on sale in stores during the year and online with deep discounts and cash back. I also earn gift cards via surveys, swagbucks, etc. to help pay for the gifts.
ReplyDeleteI use coupons and shop on line,save gas money. Compare the price before i place the order,don't buy the stuff that i don't need it.
ReplyDeletemerleandtina@yahoo.com
Shop with the spreadsheet/list on hand helps me not to lose focus and make impulse buy. For holiday in-store shopping, I pay attention to store policy, such as return and price match, sometimes it pays to ask and get discount; for online shopping, always search for coupon codes and go through cash back sites to maximize savings.
ReplyDeleteI use coupons and buy gifts on sale
ReplyDeleteelena150980@yahoo.com
There is no Christmas budget this year. My hubby and I are both disabled. Him from an accident 10 years ago me from medical and health issues that started 8 years ago. We have been married since 2005. In that time we have not exchanged Christmas or any other type I'd gifts. We are lucky if we can afford food after paying the doctors each month and paying for our drugs. We are currently 2 months behind in rent. If I'm lucky to win this it will go towards meds and food.
ReplyDeleteMy tip. Stay safe stay healthy. Cherish the time you can spend with your loved ones over how much you spend on gifts. Life us to short to spend it away.
Thank you
I stay within my budget shopping for gifts by mostly shopping sales and clearance all year long. I also gift shop at name brand outlet stores.
ReplyDeletejanetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I shop off-season and I also look for sales and coupons. I follow a lot of couponing blogs so I read about the great deals constantly.
ReplyDeleteI'm entering the rafflecopter with my FB username Mary Happymommy.
Thanks!
I use coupons and shop during extra % off days at the department stores.
ReplyDeletecspv1st at aol dot com
Online shopping and reserving one credit card with X amount of money on it. Can't go past the limit!
ReplyDeleteOops. lee dot bessette at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI budget carefully! I've been known to regift (only if I really believe the receiver will love it) :)
ReplyDeleteNicole
Nicoledixonfoster@yahoo.com
My tip is really shop all year. If someone on your list has a particular hobby or interest look for bargains and pick them up on sale.Use discounts, use coupons , and always know what your shopping limit is!
ReplyDeletebaypayments@yahoo.com
I budget to always take advantage of free family fun (parks, libraries, little league games) rather than NBA games, buying books, and amusement parks. That cost savings adds up!
ReplyDeleteI budget by always transfering 20% of a paycheck to SAVINGS. If I didnt do this, my budget would be spend everything!
ReplyDelete@trich27
I do my budget by pooling my money with my wife. Since I make three times what she does, I have more to spend.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/michael.d.day1
I make a list of each person I need to buy for, and list ideas next to that. I try to have accumulate items in my gift closet throughout the year that I think would be great for different people (esp the nieces/newphews). I go through list & gift closet & then figure my budget from there & stick to it!
ReplyDeleteonecrypticmama@yahoo.com
My husband and I set a budget limit, for our family and stick to it. We shop only with cash. NO Credit cards! And we stay out of the large retail shopping malls! We use coupons, thank you points and shop sales only! Also shop the local Outlet Mall, and Sam's Club. Thx for this opportunity!
ReplyDeletelisa@teachingwithsoul.com
Make a list of gifts to get and stick to it.
ReplyDeleteJudy S
pookiecat123 at yahoo dot com
Dear Recessionista,
ReplyDeleteI save money on holiday gifts by knitting and stashing away as many scarves, hats, and baby sweaters early in the year as possible. I also make Christmas stockings out of felt with customized decoratons for each family member.
I stay on a budget like many of my fellow Recessionista Followers by allocating about $50 per person, and by shopping online, using coupons and credit card reward certificates. I frequently purchase the large Estee Lauder "Color Stylist" $59 (with $50 fragrance purchase) - it's 30 colors, brushes, lips, eyes and two cases, and divide that into two lovely gifts.
For the little kids, I purchase super cute outfits from places like Gymboree, on sale with additional markdown, and use a 20% coupon.
This year, I purchased a rosemary bush from Home Depot for about $16 and decorated it with a short string of lights and garland. It makes a uniquely beautiful house gift for under $20! After the holidays, they can plant it n their herb garden. Nothing more wonderful as fresh Rosemary added to your favorite baked chicken recipie.
This summer I scored Lennox Christmas handtowels on sale at Macys.com for $2.50 each. I'll put two handtowels with a bar of scented soap or some pretty Christmas ornaments for a great side gift.
I get the best ideas and shopping tips from your site! THANK YOU, Recessionista, for helping your devoted fans save money while remaining stylish!
I look for deals all year long and then save them for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
My tips are to use cash or debit over credit cards, that way you can't "accidentally" go over.
ReplyDeleteAlso, utilize coupon codes and online sales and free shipping.
Shop at stores that offer more than one type of product, a lot of times you can save cash and bundle gifts by shopping through one or two merchants for more than one person.
Thanks! :)
shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com
I start shopping early and look online for clearance deals as well as free shipping and coupon codes. Push sit @yahoo.com @carolnfoster
ReplyDeleteI have a garage sale during the spring/summer and save the money from that for Christmas. I use coupons, research to find the best price, and do whatever means I can to get the best possible price to stretch my money as far as I can. I also buy items during the year if I see it on sale for a very good price.
ReplyDeleteI tried to buy some items earlier in the year when I had money/they were on sale. I'm making many of my gifts, too - and for the rest, I comparison shopped online, found coupon codes, etc.
ReplyDeleteI like to shop online & shop earlier than most people.
ReplyDeleteccboobooy at gmail dot com
First, I gather unused gift cards and calculate what I have all together. I use those funds first. Then I start shopping in September for deals. If I manage to find something cheaper before the holiday, I will return it. Finally, I pool together with family members to share cost of more expensive gifts. Especially with teens, it is a huge help!
ReplyDeleteSorry I just left that as anon. The above is my comment. About sharing cost with family members.
ReplyDeletefrufrugals at gmail dot com
Hi Recessionista! To stay in my holiday budget I shop online (Sauce of the month clubs are ace) and buy gift vouchers (Amazon & Malle yBeauty this year) -- that way I only spend what I planned.
ReplyDeleteI also buy vouchers from deal sites ( super one from PopSugar for 6 bags of Isabella's Cookies for $28; or $25 for$50 on Winebasket.com).
That way I still buy nice gifts but get them at reduced rates.
I also make sustainable sweet & simple gits - like ornaments from vintage costume jewelry or gift bags from flea market material that can be re-gifted.
It's challenging sometimes but using these principles as a guide, I usually stick pretty close to my budget.
Cheers!
The best way to save money for holiday shopping is to shop great sales throughout the year- DON'T get caught up in the black friday hype! I try to create a budget for each person based on what they want, or find a similar item that is more in my price range. I then try to to also supplement by baking goods as well! I saw another blog that was able to make flavored tequila that also looked like a fun gift to try, and would be something that a lot of my friends would enjoy!
ReplyDeletecmlewis07 at gmail dot com
I buy all my friends a lotto ticket with the chance I can make them a millionaire. I also shop local and buy wine from San Ynez.
ReplyDeleteI do price comparisons. I shop early throughout the year to maximize my budget. thank you!
ReplyDeleteashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com
I look for sales and try my best to stay on a budget.
ReplyDeletemmendez620@aol.com
I like to start early and be specific. I only buy for the people that I really need to buy for. Limiting my list and starting early helps with the cost. Then I make gifts, like cookies or mixed CD's, for people who I want to give a gift to as well.
ReplyDeleteI research to get the best deals and use coupons whenever possible! I also compare prices online as well as in-store which does take extra time but is worth it in the end. Outlets are fantastic for basics and deal. Also I love to bake sweets for friends/family as it seems more personal plus saves $$!
ReplyDeleteI price match and use online or in store coupons to shop sale items
ReplyDeletetbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
pay in cash and price compare! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteI have a holiday club. I also keep my rewards until the end of the year for sites like Mypoints.com and swagbucks for example. I see how much I have from those and what I can afford to put in. From there I figure out a budget or limit as to what I'm going to spend on each person. I don't use credit cards. Everything is paid cash
ReplyDeletestick to sales. comparison shop. try homemade items.
ReplyDeleteaddrienne mertens
zippy573 AT netscape DOT net
First off, I start my holiday gift shopping around Aug/Sept waaay before Christmas. I make a list of names and what I would like to get them. I always, always buy the items on sale and with a coupon. I also do comparison shopping online. So far so good and I didn't go over budget! :-)
ReplyDeletewe just stayed within our means. buying a new home was enough gift for us (my husband & I) and for our son who is 3 we went simple. some affordable age appropriate board games so we can have family nights together every week. everyone else got a simple card and larger families are getting a small donation to a charity on their behalf.
ReplyDeleteI stay within my budget by cashing in on my reward program points (that have accrued throughout the year on my regular shopping) for gift cards. I use those gift cards to do most of my holiday shopping, so combined with coupons and sales I (hopefully!) spend very little out of pockey every year. Everyone gets a "regular" gift, and then I bake something yummy to go along with it! :)
ReplyDeleteI make a list for everyone that I am buying for and assign a price for each person. Take that list with me to the store and stay within those limits. katbirdfl (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteDo some research/compare prices. Make sure to check if there are coupons or savings codes available!
ReplyDeleteI have seriously cut down on my list and only buy gifts for immediate family. I have allocated $40/person and did all my shopping on cyber Monday with coupons, free shipping and even one or two that came with free wrapping. I took another $10/person and put it in an envelope to pick up stocking stuffers- I use blogs and ads to point me towards bargains. Shopping is done fast and easy. We'll have breads and fruit while opening gifts, a really big brunch then visit friends for dinner. We are taking a tree for their garden, wine from a wine sale and a baked dessert- total $40.
ReplyDeletepetuniahiggenbottom AT yahoo
Wow i got the secret of how to budget our holiday gift...very good and informative post.. need some more secret like this... keep updating...
ReplyDelete