Playing Santa is an expensive hobby, but there’s several ideas you can use all year round to reduced both expense and stress.  First piece of advice — make a budget.  Decide how much to spend and divide it among the people you are shopping for and stick to it.  Don’t include yourself on your holiday list. 

The National Retail Federation says the average person spends close to $100 dollars on themselves while holiday shopping.

Next if you use a credit card that offer a cash back reward — now can be a great time to cash in.  And some cards offer double cash with select retailers.  So, a $20 dollar reward can turn into a $40 dollar gift certificate. 

Use the Internet to comparison shop. Even if you don’t buy online, you can use it to see if local merchants will compete with the prices you find. 

Did you get gift cards last year that you haven’t used up?  Maybe it’s time to turn them into a gift for someone else. And use imagination instead of cash.  What kid wouldn’t like to receive a “Get Out of punishment free” card. 

Just remember the holidays aren’t all about money.   And the best holiday shopping tips — shop with a holiday list.  Your holiday shopping made easy!

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Other Resources

• Labor Day Holiday Work America
• Holiday Tipping – Who Should Get A Tip And Who Should Not
• 2009 Calendars Calendar Calendarios Calendario not Calender
• Stocking Stuffers For Christmas The Small Gifts