I know that some of you have got it all together – you’ve been shopping all year-round and have saved a lot of money on your holiday shopping and for all I know, you’re already done.
For the rest of us, it’s time to determine your gift-giving plan now. Money is tighter than ever for most families this season, and credit cards are not the answer.
Instead, sit down with your family members and map out a plan for how you’re going to handle gift exchanges this holiday season.
Here are a few gift exchange strategies you and your family members may want to consider:
The name draw. Each family member draws a name and buys a gift for that person. Every person buys one gift and gets one gift. You may want to simplify this even more by drawing just for the kids or drawing for family gifts. You can have more fun with this by playing Secret Santa.
Homemade Christmas. Consider making a rule that any gifts you give to each other must be handmade.
Recycled Christmas. Instead of a handmade holiday, consider a recycled one. Anything you give to each other has to be either made from recycled items or come from a secondhand store, garage sale, your own storage closet. This is a great way to celebrate a green Christmas and save some green.
Make ‘em laugh. Decide that instead of traditional gifts, you’ll exchange gag gifts. Remember to be funny, but tasteful. You don’t want to be the one who makes Aunt Edna cry with a mean-spirited joke gift. You may find great inspiration from the dollar store for these gifts, or using your computer to design funny magazine covers, family trading cards, etc.
Play a game. My husband’s large family has a Bingo game
Share an activity together. Instead of buying gifts for your family, consider sharing an experience together. A friend of mine said he and about 20 of his relatives took a sleigh ride and went sledding instead of exchanging gifts. Others may go to a sporting event, a musical, or even a movie.
Consider donating to charity. Rather than exchange gifts with each other, some families will buy presents for other families in need. (Check with your Salvation Army chapter for ways you can help). Others will volunteer as a group at their local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Joining together for a great cause can be a bonding experience, and can help the kids realize the true meaning of Christmas.
Don’t exchange gifts at all. Many people would be relieved at the idea of not having to buy a gift, or figure out what to do with a gift they’ve received. What’s important is that you’re spending time with people you care about. Make a memory instead of a purchase on the plastic.
What is your gift-exchange strategy? Do you do one of these things or something else? Please share!
Photo credit: Mysza / CC BY 2.0
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