Keeping family gift-giving fun and affordable

• We have set family limits with my sister (for her family and our family) and we (my sister and I) also try to pool our ideas and resources to purchase something special for our parents.

I wrap their gifts in Christmas patterned cloth and reusable ribbons and bows (to protect the environment, and this way even the smallest gift can be wrapped in a much larger box to provide the mystery of what is in the gift!). Somewhere on the ribbon, I mark, inconspicuously, each gift with a number (with the numbers and corresponding recipient hidden away in our fireproof safe!). This way, no one knows (except me) which gift belongs to who. This makes it more fun on Christmas Day, when the presents are given to the recipients. It is quite fun to see them open gifts they thought were not theirs, and watch the gifts being opened by the others that they thought had to be theirs! We also reiterate the true meaning of Christmas (celebrating the birth of the Christ child) and the fun and good feelings in the giving, not just receiving.
-Mrs. Mary Ann Dudragne, Swift Current, Sask.

• My husband and I have a budget we spend on each other each Christmas. This year it is $75 each. That includes gifts and a stocking! How do we do it? We are big believers in simple living, recycling, and things that matter. One way we have made Christmas meaningful and saved money is to make each other one gift. Last year my husband made me a spice rack and I made him boxers.....quite a feat since he is not a handyman and I don't sew. By avoiding fads, commercialism, materialism, and hours in malls, we create a gift exchange that works for us...both in our wallets and our hearts.
-Cynthia Matthews-Girouard, via Internet

• I start my Christmas shopping six weeks in advance. Since we have lots of family, we choose names in October.

We have a lot of friends as well, but instead of purchasing something for all of them, which can get very costly, I make simple, easy Christmas decorations or other small items in November. Purchasing the same supplies to create your gifts in bulk will save money and time. For example, purchase plain glass Christmas balls and paint them with holly, tie silky ribbon to hang, and poof, you're done. I notice when I am making these small, simple treasures, it relaxes me. And our friends just love to receive them.

Purchase items at the end of the season, cards, bows, gift wrap, etc. The cost in savings alone will shock you. But pay cash, not credit. Place all Christmas items in labelled boxes. This makes it easier for storage and when you look at the boxes, they are easily identified.
-Kim Sired, the not-so-stressed-holiday-lady, via Internet

• My absolute favourite thing is to find Christmas buys throughout the year: Little items that are on sale for under $10 each (preferably under $5). Come Dec. 1, I haul out the box I've stored them in since last Boxing Day, place name tags in front of tins and baskets and "shop" for everyone on my gift list. If the tin/basket has room, I add homemade cookies, jam or salsa; crackers, chocolate or soap/bath samples. My actual December shopping is minimal and therefore enjoyable (I despise the pre-Christmas crowds!).
-Karen Tompkins, Essex, Ont.

Page 3 of 4 -- On page 4, find out how one reader is able to stick to a budget of just $75!