Keeping family gift-giving fun and affordable

• 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.

• We have our child choose one gift that he would really like to donate to the toy drive for less fortunate children. This keeps us grounded. Also, we go through our son's toys and bag up little toys (in good condition, often from fast-food outlets) and we donate to the local women's shelter for the children who have left homes with nothing. Basically, we attempt to balance what we buy for ourselves with what we give away. I believe it is important to make children aware of those less fortunate. We choose one special gift for Santa to bring and one for Mom and Dad to give. Wherever possible we shop early and keep under $10.
-Susan Adam