Christmas shopping is one of my favorite things, but the spending can get out of control so fast if I’m not paying attention. I usually start shopping in November, and over the years I’ve picked up a few small habits that make the season feel fun instead of stressful. Here are five simple tips that help me stay on budget every year:
1. Track every gift and the price
This is the biggest game changer for me. When you actually write down what you bought and how much it cost, you can see exactly where your money is going. No guessing, no surprises when the credit card bill comes in January.
2. Set a budget per person
Jake and I always set a budget for each other, and it keeps things so much simpler. Doing this for everyone on your list makes it easy to stay fair, organized, and on track. It also helps you avoid those last-minute impulse buys that add up.
3. Shop early (even if it’s just a little)
I’ve learned that starting in November gives me time to watch for deals without feeling rushed. When I wait until mid-December, everything feels more expensive. Even checking small things off early helps so much.
4. Take advantage of Black Friday and online deals
This is honestly where I save the most money. I’ll grab gifts during Black Friday or shop around for coupon codes online. Sometimes even a $5–$10 savings per gift adds up to a huge difference overall.
5. Keep a running total of your spending
This sounds small, but it keeps me grounded through the season. I like knowing how much I’ve spent, how much I have left, and whether I need to adjust anything. It makes the whole month feel calmer and more intentional.
If you want a really easy way to keep up with your list and stay organized this season, I put together a little Christmas planning bundle that I use myself. It has a gift tracker, budget pages, and a few simple tools to help the holidays feel a lot less chaotic!
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