Is there room in your life for another challenge? This is definitely a worthwhile challenge that will help you prepare for the upcoming Holidays. Yes, I know that December is a looong way away, but Christmas is coming. January is almost over, I figured you (and myself) needed time to recover from the Holidays. But as of today, January 25th, there will be exactly 11 months to prepare for Christmas.
Granted, $500 for gift giving and such may or may not meet your needs. Some can swing a great Christmas for around $100, and others will spend more. But what is important is that you have a spending goal in mind and work with that all year long.
I borrowed the concept and from Penny, at The Saved Quarter
and decided my own budget. I chose to spend $500.00 for Christmas on all my family members and last year (2011) I did pretty darn good.
And by keeping track on my blog, I was able to refer back to the items I already purchased and was able to NOT buy duplicate gifts for the same person.
Here are some ideas to help with your gift giving:
Something you want
Something you need
Something to wear
Something to read
Something from Santa
Stocking
You can also keep track of gifts that you are making for others, or that you want to make for others. This is a good time of year (at least where I live) to get some great deals on knitted scarves, gloves and other winter wear and stock up for next year's gift giving.
I realize that family members read your blogs and you may not be able to post exactly what you have bought for them, but you can definitely share your ideas for gifts. I will be making this a weekly post. Check back often to share and see the ideas of others
I invite you to share your budget in a post and link it below:
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18 comments:
Lisa, you know I LOVE this challenge. I was so inspired by Penny for doing it on $100, and you did such an awesome job last year too! Although I spent more than $500, I was pleased with the amount I spent and with the gifts that were purchased! Probably the best Christmas yet.
So, to answer your question? YES! I'm in. I'll have to figure out what I want to spend and start collecting those swagbucks....
Yea!! Thanks for joining in Sharon. And yes.... you rocked it last year. Swagbucks definitely help!
Hi Lisa, I have to admit you inspired me and thanks for that! On my New Year's resolutions list I wrote "Christmas gifts arranged before the end of November". Hosetly, it's not only about money. It's about "peace of mind" ;) I just don't like running through shopping centers few days before Christmas when there is so many people there not knowing what to buy, and where, and getting any gift without thinking.
So... I need to think about my budget and keep this track of gifts. What's more, Christmas time means a lot of travelling for most of us so maybe I'll make another list of travelling costs and start putting some money aside?
Anyway, I'll come back here when I'll figure out everything! ;)
I'm in my dear! I'll post the details soon!! :)
Yea! Looking forward to seeing what you are planning for the holidays!
Thanks for visiting Shovellicious! You are right, there are definitely other costs involved with the holidays. Good idea about putting money away for that!
For the first time last year I saved $100 per month in a special account for Christmas and other gift giving. I t covered Michael and Kazi's birthdays and also a wedding we went to. I plan to do the same this year, in fact, I've already made January's contribution. IF I get creative or crafty I'll link up to your challenge:)
only my wife knows about my blog hehe. cool idea though! I'll come up with something too
We opened a Christmas/vacation account right after Christmas 2011. I have been putting everything I have extra from Carla's No/Low spend challenge in it this month. Wish I could get by with only $500.00 spending but I know it will be more, we are hoever doing a little better each year with our gift giving!!
nice... I did this for summer holidays... slightly differently. I put aside some money, invested it, and decided my holiday would be as good or poor as the amount I could make on it. So far, it looks like I've got enough to begin saving for another holiday.
If only I had your investment sense :)
Hi Debby,
You can choose any amount as your goal. Whatever you are comfortable with. The challenge is to help you stay on track and not let Christmas be a last minute stress event!
Look forward to your crafty ideas Jane!
Ok, now I'm in! I have to admit I realised few things while working on that and it overwhelmed me a little but... I still have eleven months to do that, right?
Hey! Just found your blog by reading My half dozen daily and figured I'd stop by. Love your blog and I'm in too for the $500 challenge. Will post details soon!! Thanks for the motivation! :)
Hi Vanessa,
I will be adding you to the list!
Hi Lisa. I saw this challenge on Carla's blog - great idea! Can I join, but make my budget $800?
Of course! I will be putting you on the challenger list. Tomorrow will be an opportunity to share your plans, goals... and you can plan your budget around the amount you choose!
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