![]() ![]() Again, you can separate kids and adults, or you can mix it up. Secret Santa allows for some mystery without requiring you to buy for every single person. Talk about awkward.) Arrange a Secret Santa gift exchange. (Just make sure you aren’t putting in a gift that someone who will be present at the family gathering gave you last year. As long as everyone is on board with this and won’t be offended by re-gifting, why not? You can go with a theme, such as a book swap, or make it a free-for-all. If your family is the earth-friendly type, exchange gently used items or items you received as a gift that simply weren’t your vibe. One year, a cousin put in eco-friendly cleaning supplies, which ended up being the most coveted gift item among the grown-ups. Make it clear if the gift should be useable or funny. You can split the white elephant exchange between kids and adults, and of course, set a budget. Take turns choosing the theme each year, or draw an idea from a pool of suggestions. Make sure the item is useable but also fun. Theme ideas include buying each person a book, a gift card, or accessories (think tech gloves, for example). Nearly a decade ago, my husband’s aunt and uncle bought each family a highly rated ice cream scoop we still use it. The game was a huge hit! You can play BINGO with prizes in lieu of any type of gift exchange. We had funny magnets, candy, gift cards, mini bottles of alcohol, winter accessories, LEGO sets, and so much more. Every person was told to bring BINGO prizes - our suggestion was two per person. Two years ago, I bought an old-fashioned BINGO set. Even just $5 per person is enough room to give a great gift such as a gift card to a favorite store, ear buds, or hot chocolate fixings. A small budget allows you to get creative. You don’t have to “go big or go home” to have a holly jolly Christmas. If your family insists on everyone buying for everyone else, agree on a budget. Ask family members what price range they’re comfortable with. This works well if your extended family is large. Another option, draw another family and buy a family gift instead of individual gifts. Or everyone can throw their names in and draw with adults and kids mixed. The kids can draw names between them, and the adults can do the same. Put these creative gift exchange ideas out there and see which one your extended crew likes best. It’s likely that other family members feel the same as you do. It’s important that you address your family as whole, getting their input - while also being honest about why you want to scale back this year. Of course, your family holiday can still be merry and bright without breaking the bank. After all, buying gifts for every member of your extended family can be a LOT. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to think about how can you save money while not being a Scrooge. It’s normal to be panic about money during the holidays - between buying for your own family and everyone else in your circle the gift add up. ![]()
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