Frugal Parents: 8 Ways We’re Saving On Kids’ Holiday Gifts
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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The holidays are fast approaching, and many retailers have already begun trying to lure shoppers to their goods and services.
Gifts for kids can be among some of the most expensive of all, due to brand names, cutting edge technology or just simple demand.
Instead of putting yourself in a financial bind buying gifts for your kids or others in the family, consider these tips from frugal parents on how they approach gifts for theirs and other children at the holidays while keeping costs low.
Start Early
Sarah N., an Illinois mother of an 11-year-old, gets an early start on her shopping.
“I typically start looking for holiday gifts late summer/early fall so I can spread the spending out over a few months rather than have it hit all at once,” she said.
She also asks her family for their wish lists early to help her watch for sales and discounts.
Karin, a Michigan-based consultant and mother of an 18-year-old and a 14-year-old, who was raised by a public school teacher, also starts some of her shopping in June. She takes advantage of any sales she finds, like an end-of-summer clearance at her local CVS one year, where she bought tons of holiday stocking stuffers at 80% off.
Stay Practical To Fend Off Inflation
Like most American families, Sarah’s has felt the pinch of inflation. One way she deals with it around gift giving, she said, is to combat the pressure to “wow” people with expensive gifts by being practical with items that might be “fun or useful rather than splashy.”
“For example, I’ve gotten video games instead of the latest video game console. I’ve also geared my gifts toward great sales like Target’s buy two, get one free that they have on games and books,” she said.
While sometimes this means not getting exactly what you are looking for, all that really matters is that the recipient appreciates it, she said.
Never Buy Full Price
One of Sarah’s biggest strategies for cutting costs is to try never to buy anything at full price unless it’s custom made or from a mom-and-pop store.
“I put things in my Amazon cart and check a few times a week to see if the price has dropped. I also use the Honey app add-on to see if there are coupons that apply or a better deal elsewhere. And I make sure to stock up on Target gift cards during the one time of year when they go on sale and then shop using those discounted cards.”
Thrift Items With a Personal Touch
Karin got her kids into thrifting early on with a unique way of shopping.
“What I’ve tried to do is to teach my children that gifting is about really knowing people and making them feel known.”
Whether that’s finding a beautiful used sweater or a book that speaks to the recipient’s unique tastes, what matters most is that the gift feels personal, not how much it costs.
Temper Expectations
One thing that has also helped Sarah is tempering her child’s expectations ahead of time as to what they’re getting.
“No, child, you are not getting a steel drum set. Or a cat. But our child is, thankfully, appreciative and happy with any gift giving. Some of his favorite gifts have been drawing supplies or craft items that are fairly low-cost.”
One favorite gift was an off-brand modeling clay for around $10 on an Amazon lightning deal, she recalled.
Similarly, Karin sets a family budget and clearly communicates that to her kids and other family members.
Prioritize Experiences Over Things
By spending less on things, Karin frees up extra money for experiences, she said.
“I’d rather put them on a plane and take them to Peru for the holidays than spend a thousand dollars on stuff that’s just going to sit around my house,” she added, “[Y]ou realize how much of this crap you just end up taking care of while it’s collecting dust.”
Shop For the Previously Owned
Another important way to save money, Sarah said, is to release your need to always buy brand new.
“As long as it’s in good condition there’s nothing wrong with shopping previously owned or refurbished.”
Karin often shops on eBay and other retailers where you can often find brand name or popular items in good condition for less.
Create Delight
Karin likes to build a positive atmosphere at the holidays, and she had to help the kids’ grandparents realize that it didn’t have to involve pricey gifts, as well. Instead, it is about creating “delight.” She does feel, however, that you have to build this attitude into kids early on, so that they don’t associate holidays with consumption.
While some of these strategies may take more work than simply buying the “it gifts” of the season, you’ll be glad you cut corners and saved cash while still making friends and family happy when the holidays are over.
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