I Asked ChatGPT How To Make the Holidays Feel Special Without Overspending
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate, create memories and take a break, but for many, it’s financially stressful. Between gifts, parties and travel, the holidays can quickly drain your bank account. According to the 2025 Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey, average consumers are expected to spend $1,595 this season, down 10% from 2024, which can put a big dent in your wallet.
To find creative ways to enjoy the festive season without blowing your budget, GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT for budget-friendly, but meaningful ideas to make the holidays still feel special. Here’s what the AI tool came up with.
Focus on Meaning, Not Money
Before shelling out big money on gifts, ask yourself if it’s worth the financial headache and if it’s actually meaningful. ChatGPT recommended that you understand what really makes the holidays special for you. Traditions? Creativity? Rest? Then build your time around that.
Additionally, AI suggested creating experiences instead of unnecessarily spending money. “A cozy movie night, baking day or winter walk can be just as magical as pricey gifts,” ChatGPT said.
Create Inexpensive Traditions
Part of enjoying time with loved ones during the holidays means doing certain traditions, but they don’t need to be pricey. The AI tool recommended going to your backyard to collect pinecones, evergreen branches, cinnamon sticks or recycled materials and decorating together for a homemade, festive touch.
Another tradition ChatGPT advised doing is a holiday countdown, but instead of using an expensive Advent calendar, “write down 25 small acts of kindness or fun family activities on slips of paper.”
Fun-themed nights like hot chocolate and board games, storytelling nights or bake-offs are another idea AI suggested and the final recommendation for an impactful tradition is to volunteer. “Serving at a food bank or local shelter can make the holidays feel more meaningful than any gift exchange,” ChatGPT explained.
Give Personal or Handmade Gifts
Personal or handmade gifts are thoughtful and often carry a deeper emotional connection than store-bought ones — plus, they’re much easier on your wallet.
ChatGPT’s ideas include:
- Baking or cooking homemade treats for friends and neighbors
- Framing a favorite photo or creating a simple scrapbook
- Offering acts of service such as babysitting, pet sitting or helping with errands
It can be tempting to splurge — who doesn’t want to see their loved ones happy? But thoughtful and kind gestures go farther than presents with hefty price tags. Overspending doesn’t make the holidays more magical-intentions do. The cost-effective ideas by ChatGPT show there are meaningful ways to enjoy the season without racking up credit card debt.
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