How I Had An Amazing Christmas For Under $200
Prioritizing Meaning Over Materialism
An amazing, frugal Christmas focuses on experiences, togetherness, and thoughtful, low-cost gifts. This involves setting a strict budget, DIYing gifts and decorations, focusing on homemade food, prioritizing free activities (caroling, looking at lights), and perhaps implementing a “Secret Santa” or “experiences only” rule for adult gifts.
The Smith family had Christmas for under $200 by making DIY gifts for each other, baking cookies together, having a potluck-style Christmas dinner with extended family, and spending evenings playing board games and watching holiday movies from the library, proving joy isn’t tied to spending.
25 DIY Gift Ideas That People ACTUALLY Want
Thoughtful, Handmade Presents
DIY gifts people appreciate often include: homemade baked goods (cookies, bread), infused oils or vinegars, hand-poured candles, knitted/crocheted items (scarves, dishcloths), personalized photo albums or framed photos, custom spice blends, handmade soap or sugar scrubs, or coupons for services (babysitting, a home-cooked meal). The thought and effort make them special.
For Christmas, Maria made jars of her signature spicy chili oil and gave them with a loaf of homemade bread to her friends. The personalized, consumable gift was a huge hit and cost her very little.
Frugal, NOT Cheap: How To Give Thoughtful Gifts on a Budget
Value and Intention in Gifting
Thoughtful, frugal gifting focuses on the recipient’s interests and needs, rather than price. It means choosing something meaningful—perhaps a second-hand book by their favorite author, a framed photo of a shared memory, a plant cutting from your garden, or a consumable treat they love—rather than an expensive but impersonal item or a low-quality “cheap” trinket.
Knowing her friend loved tea, Sarah gifted a small, curated selection of loose-leaf teas from a local shop, beautifully packaged. It cost under $15 but was far more thoughtful than a generic, more expensive gift card.
Setting a Holiday Budget
(And Sticking To It)
Set a realistic holiday budget by listing all anticipated expenses (gifts, food, decorations, travel) and allocating a specific dollar amount to each. Track spending as you go. Sticking to it involves: planning gifts in advance (avoiding last-minute splurges), using cash for purchases if it helps control spending, and resisting emotional or societal pressure to overspend.
The Miller family set a $500 total Christmas budget, allocating $200 for gifts, $150 for food, and $150 for a small weekend trip to see family. They tracked every expense, ensuring they stayed within their means.
Experiences vs. Things
The Best Frugal Gifting Strategy
Gifting experiences (concert tickets, a class, a museum membership, a planned outing together, a coupon for a home-cooked meal) often creates more lasting happiness and memories than material objects, especially for those who already have enough “stuff.” It’s a frugal strategy that prioritizes connection and enrichment over clutter.
Instead of buying her parents another sweater, Jane gifted them a voucher for a “dinner and movie night cooked and hosted by me.” The shared experience and personal effort were far more meaningful and frugal.
How Our Family Stopped Exchanging Gifts
(And What We Do Instead)
Many families opt out of adult gift exchanges to reduce stress and expense. Instead, they might: focus gifts only on children, do a “Secret Santa” with a low price limit, donate to a shared charity, plan a special group meal or outing together, or simply prioritize spending quality time together during the holidays.
The Johnson siblings decided to stop exchanging individual gifts. Instead, they each contributed $50 towards a weekend cabin rental where they could all spend quality time together with their families, creating memories instead of accumulating more stuff.
Frugal Hosting: Throwing a Holiday Party Without Blowing The Budget
Festive and Affordable Gatherings
Host a frugal holiday party by: making it a potluck (guests bring a dish), serving a signature budget-friendly drink (punch, mulled cider) instead of a full open bar, using simple DIY decorations, creating a festive playlist instead of hiring entertainment, and focusing on good company and conversation rather than extravagant catering.
For her annual holiday party, Lisa made it a “Festive Potluck.” She provided the main dish (a large, inexpensive chili) and asked guests to bring sides or desserts. It was a fun, abundant, and very affordable gathering.
Creative, Frugal Gift Wrapping Ideas
Beautiful Presentation on a Budget
Frugal gift wrapping includes: using brown kraft paper (kids can decorate it), reusing paper/gift bags from previous years, using fabric scraps (Furoshiki style), decorating with natural elements (pine sprigs, dried orange slices), using old maps or newspaper comics as wrap, or making your own gift tags from cardstock.
Sarah wrapped her Christmas gifts in brown kraft paper tied with twine and adorned with small sprigs of rosemary from her garden. The look was rustic, elegant, and cost her almost nothing.
Starting a “Secret Santa” / Gift Exchange To Save Money
Reducing Gift Quantity, Maintaining Fun
A “Secret Santa” or drawing names means each person buys a gift for only one other person in the group, usually with a pre-set price limit. This significantly reduces the number of gifts each individual needs to buy (and receive), saving money and stress while still allowing for the fun of gift exchange.
Overwhelmed by buying gifts for all her coworkers, Jane’s office started a Secret Santa with a $20 limit. Everyone enjoyed the surprise and thoughtfulness of a single gift, and it saved them all considerable money.
10 Frugal Valentine’s Day Ideas That Are Still Romantic
Love Without the Hefty Price Tag
Romantic, frugal Valentine’s ideas: cook a special dinner at home, have a picnic (indoors if cold), write heartfelt letters, create a playlist of meaningful songs, go for a scenic walk or hike, have a themed movie night with homemade treats, give a massage, stargaze, or recreate your first date (if it was simple).
For Valentine’s Day, Mark cooked Lisa’s favorite pasta dish at home, lit some candles, and they slow-danced in their living room. It was deeply romantic and cost far less than a crowded, overpriced restaurant.
Shopping After-Holiday Sales for NEXT Year
Strategic Discount Hunting
Buy heavily discounted holiday-specific items (decorations, wrapping paper, non-perishable themed food items, even some gifts) during after-holiday clearance sales (e.g., December 26th for Christmas items). Store them away for the following year. This proactive approach can save 50-90% on items you’d buy anyway.
The day after Christmas, Tom went to a department store and bought wrapping paper, ornaments, and gift tags for next year at 75% off, saving him a significant amount compared to buying them pre-holiday.
Giving The Gift of Time or Skill
Priceless Presents That Cost Little
Offering your time or a specific skill as a gift is incredibly thoughtful and frugal. Examples: coupons for babysitting, a home-cooked meal, help with yard work or a DIY project, tech support for a less savvy relative, or teaching someone a skill you possess (knitting, baking, playing an instrument).
Knowing her elderly neighbor struggled with yard work, Maria gifted her a “coupon” for four hours of gardening help in the spring. The gift of her time was deeply appreciated and cost Maria nothing but effort.
Homemade Food Gifts
Delicious and Frugal
Homemade food gifts are almost universally appreciated and can be very frugal. Think: jars of jam or preserves, cookies or brownies in a decorative tin, homemade granola, spice rubs, infused olive oils, or a loaf of freshly baked bread. Beautiful packaging elevates these simple, heartfelt presents.
Lisa baked batches of her famous chocolate chip cookies and packaged them in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon. These delicious, homemade gifts were a hit with her colleagues and cost very little to produce.
How To Navigate Gift-Giving Obligations
(Work, Extended Family)
Navigate gift obligations by: suggesting group gifts (for a boss or retiring colleague) to spread cost, proposing a “Secret Santa” or name draw for large families, setting clear price limits, opting for small, thoughtful consumable gifts (nice coffee, chocolates), or focusing on heartfelt cards. It’s okay to manage expectations politely.
For their large extended family Christmas, the Johnsons initiated a “draw a name” system with a $30 limit. This eased the financial burden on everyone while still allowing for a meaningful gift exchange.
Frugal Birthday Strategies
(Kids and Adults)
Frugal birthdays: for kids, consider at-home parties with simple games and homemade cake, or a park outing. For adults, suggest a potluck, a low-key gathering at home, or an experience gift. Focus on celebrating the person rather than extravagant spending. Often, presence is the best present.
For her son’s 5th birthday, Sarah hosted a simple party in their backyard with bubbles, a homemade cake, and a few games. The kids had a blast, and it cost under $40.
Using Credit Card Points For Gift Cards
Stretching Rewards Further
If you have credit card rewards points, redeeming them for gift cards to stores where you plan to buy gifts (or that the recipient would enjoy) can be a frugal way to cover gift expenses. Sometimes, gift cards are offered at a discount when using points, stretching their value further.
David had accumulated 5,000 credit card points. He redeemed them for a $50 Amazon gift card, which he then used to purchase a birthday gift for his nephew, effectively getting the gift for “free.”
Making a Frugal Gift Basket
Curated and Cost-Effective
Create a thoughtful, frugal gift basket by: choosing a theme (e.g., coffee lover, spa night, movie night), sourcing inexpensive items from discount stores or sales (mugs, small treats, sample-sized toiletries, microwave popcorn), adding a homemade element, and arranging them attractively in a thrifted basket or decorative box.
Maria made a “spa night” gift basket for her friend. She included a homemade sugar scrub, a loofah from the dollar store, a face mask sample, and a small scented candle, all beautifully arranged in a thrifted basket for under $15.
Regifting: How To Do It Ethically and Effectively
Passing Along Unneeded Presents
Ethical regifting involves giving an unused, new-in-box item that you received but don’t need to someone who would genuinely appreciate it. Ensure it’s not something the original giver would see or know about. It’s frugal and reduces waste, but do it thoughtfully to avoid hurt feelings.
Tom received a nice coffee maker as a gift, but he already had one he loved. He knew his cousin was looking for one, so he regifted the new, unopened coffee maker to him. His cousin was thrilled, and the item found a good home.
Consumable Gifts: The Frugal, Clutter-Free Option
Presents That Get Used Up
Consumable gifts—nice coffee or tea, specialty chocolates, gourmet food items, wine or craft beer, bath products, or even a subscription to a fruit delivery service—are excellent frugal and minimalist-friendly options. They are enjoyed by the recipient and don’t add long-term clutter to their home.
For his office gift exchange, Mark brought a selection of locally roasted coffee beans. It was a consumable gift that everyone could appreciate, and it didn’t contribute to office clutter.
Setting Expectations: Talking To Family About a Frugal Christmas
Open Communication for Less Stress
If you want a more frugal Christmas, communicate your intentions and preferences to family early and openly. Suggest drawing names, setting price limits, focusing on experiences, or emphasizing homemade/DIY gifts. This manages expectations, reduces pressure, and can lead to more meaningful, less stressful celebrations for everyone.
Before Christmas, the Lees told their extended family they were aiming for a more frugal holiday and suggested a $25 limit for adult gifts. Most relatives were relieved and embraced the idea, leading to a less materialistic celebration.
5 Frugal Traditions That Make Holidays More Meaningful
Creating Lasting Memories
Meaningful, frugal holiday traditions might include: a family baking day for holiday treats, an evening drive to look at Christmas lights with hot cocoa, volunteering together at a local charity, a special Christmas Eve story reading, or making homemade ornaments each year. These focus on togetherness and shared experiences, not spending.
The Smith family’s favorite frugal Christmas tradition was their annual “Ornament Making Night.” They’d use craft supplies and natural items to create new ornaments for the tree, a cherished activity that cost very little.
Frugal Mother’s Day / Father’s Day Gifts
Showing Appreciation Thoughtfully
Frugal yet meaningful gifts for parents include: a heartfelt, handwritten letter; a framed photo of a cherished memory; a “coupon book” for acts of service (e.g., doing chores, cooking a meal); a planned outing together (hike, picnic); or a homemade treat they love. The thoughtfulness is what counts most.
For Mother’s Day, Jane wrote her mom a long letter detailing all the things she appreciated about her and cooked her favorite brunch. The personal effort meant more than any expensive store-bought gift.
Second-Hand Gifting: Breaking The Taboo
Sustainable, Unique, and Affordable Presents
Gifting high-quality, like-new, or unique vintage items found second-hand can be incredibly thoughtful and frugal, especially if the item aligns perfectly with the recipient’s interests or style. It’s sustainable and can yield treasures not found new. Be transparent if appropriate (“I found this amazing vintage scarf I knew you’d love!”).
Lisa found a rare, out-of-print book her father had been searching for at a used bookstore for $10. It was the perfect second-hand gift, far more meaningful than anything new she could have bought.
Charitable Donations in Someone’s Name
Giving Back as a Gift
For the person who “has everything” or values social impact, making a donation to their favorite charity in their name can be a deeply meaningful and clutter-free gift. Many charities provide a card or e-card acknowledging the donation. It aligns with values and makes a positive difference.
Knowing her aunt was passionate about animal welfare, Maria donated $25 to the local animal shelter in her aunt’s name as a Christmas gift. Her aunt was touched by the thoughtful gesture.
Frugal Decorating for Holidays
Festive Ambiance on a Budget
Decorate frugally by: using natural elements (pinecones, branches, holly), making DIY ornaments and garlands (popcorn strings, paper snowflakes), utilizing existing lights, shopping after-holiday sales for next year’s decor, thrifting for unique pieces, and focusing on creating a cozy, festive atmosphere rather than buying every new trend.
The Johnson family decorated for Christmas using pine boughs from their yard, homemade paper chains, and strings of popcorn. Their home felt festive and cozy without spending much on store-bought decorations.
Creating a Year-Round “Gift Stash” from Sales
Proactive Frugal Gifting
Build a “gift stash” by buying potential gift items (books, candles, nice toiletries, small toys) when you see them on deep discount or clearance throughout the year. Store them away. When a birthday or occasion arises, you may already have a perfect, thoughtfully chosen (and frugally acquired) gift on hand.
Sarah kept a small “gift stash” box. Whenever she found a nice candle or a popular children’s book on clearance, she’d buy it. This saved her from last-minute, full-price gift shopping for unexpected invitations.
How To Say NO To Expensive Holiday Traditions
Protecting Your Budget and Sanity
Politely decline expensive holiday traditions (e.g., elaborate gift exchanges, costly group outings) by expressing that it doesn’t fit your budget or current priorities. Suggest more affordable alternative ways to celebrate or connect. Your financial well-being is more important than conforming to every expectation.
When her friends planned a pricey New Year’s Eve dinner, Lisa, saving for a down payment, said, “That sounds fun, but it’s a bit steep for me this year. How about we host a potluck game night at my place instead?”
Frugal Stocking Stuffers
Small Treats, Not Small Fortunes
Frugal stocking stuffers can include: useful small items (lip balm, nice pens, fun socks), consumable treats (small chocolates, tea bags, nuts), fruit (an orange in the toe is classic), small DIY items, or coupons for experiences. Focus on items that are practical, enjoyable, or whimsical without being costly.
For stockings, Tom included items like fun-shaped erasers, a favorite candy bar, a packet of gourmet hot cocoa mix, and a handwritten coupon for “one movie night of your choice,” keeping costs low but spirits high.
Host/Hostess Gifts on a Budget
Thoughtful Tokens of Appreciation
A frugal yet thoughtful host/hostess gift could be: a small potted plant or herb, a bottle of inexpensive but decent wine, homemade cookies or jam, a nice bar of soap, a quality tea towel, or a set of coasters found on sale or thrifted. The gesture of appreciation is what matters most.
When invited to a dinner party, Maria brought a small jar of her homemade apple butter with a nice ribbon. It was a thoughtful, personal, and very frugal hostess gift.
Avoiding Holiday Debt
Celebrating Within Your Means
Avoid holiday debt by: creating and sticking to a strict holiday budget, saving for holiday expenses throughout the year in a sinking fund, focusing on experiences and togetherness over material gifts, utilizing DIY and frugal gifting strategies, and resisting the pressure to overspend to impress others or conform to perceived expectations.
The Miller family started a “Holiday Fund” in January, saving $50 each month. By December, they had $600 cash to cover all their Christmas expenses, allowing them to enjoy the season debt-free.
Frugal Anniversary Ideas
Celebrating Love Without Overspending
Frugal anniversary celebrations can be very romantic: recreate your first date, have a picnic at a scenic spot, cook a special meal together at home, write heartfelt letters to each other, go for a weekend camping trip, or visit a place that’s meaningful to your relationship. Focus on connection and shared memories.
For their 10th anniversary, Mark and Jane went back to the park where they had their first picnic, complete with a homemade version of the meal they shared then. It was deeply personal and cost very little.
Group Gifts: Pooling Money for a Bigger Impact
Collective Generosity
For occasions like a significant birthday, wedding, baby shower, or a colleague’s retirement, organizing a group gift where everyone contributes a smaller amount can allow for a more substantial and impactful present than individuals could afford alone. It spreads the cost and shows collective appreciation.
When their boss retired, the office staff pooled their money for a group gift. Each person contributed 20, and they were able to buy a really nice piece of luggage he’d wanted, a far better gift than many small individual ones.
White Elephant / Yankee Swap: Frugal Fun
Entertaining Gift Exchange Games
A White Elephant or Yankee Swap gift exchange involves participants bringing a wrapped, often humorous or quirky (and usually inexpensive) gift. Players draw numbers to choose or “steal” gifts from others. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to exchange presents, with the focus on entertainment rather than the value of the gift.
For their friends’ holiday gathering, everyone brought a wrapped $15 White Elephant gift. The ensuing chaos of “stealing” desirable gifts (like a funny coffee mug or a set of bizarre socks) was hilarious and the highlight of the party.
Focusing on Free Holiday Activities
Festive Fun Without the Cost
Many holiday activities are free: driving or walking around to see festive light displays, attending local tree lighting ceremonies or parades, caroling, watching holiday movies at home (library DVDs), building a snowman or having a snowball fight, or simply spending quality time with loved ones playing games or sharing stories.
The Chen family’s favorite December activity was taking evening walks through their neighborhood to admire all the Christmas lights, often with a thermos of homemade hot chocolate. It was a magical and completely free tradition.
Sending Frugal Holiday Greetings
(E-Cards, Calls)
Save on expensive cards and postage by sending frugal holiday greetings: personalized e-cards (many free or low-cost services available), a heartfelt email or social media message to groups of friends, or simply making phone calls to wish loved ones well. The personal connection is what matters.
Instead of mailing 50 Christmas cards, Lisa designed a festive e-card and emailed it to her friends and family. She also made sure to call her closest relatives, saving money and having more personal interactions.
Using Loyalty Points For Gifts
Redeeming Rewards for Presents
Utilize accumulated loyalty points from credit cards, airlines, hotels, or retail programs to redeem for gift cards, merchandise, or experiences that can be given as gifts. This is a frugal way to “pay” for presents using rewards you’ve already earned through regular, budgeted spending.
David used the hotel points he’d earned from work travel to get a free weekend night stay, which he gifted to his parents for their anniversary. This turned his loyalty points into a valuable, frugal present.
Starting Holiday Shopping EARLY
(To Spread Costs and Find Deals)
Starting holiday shopping early (even months in advance) allows you to spread out the expense, reducing financial strain in December. It also provides more time to find thoughtful gifts, take advantage of sales throughout the year, and avoid last-minute, stress-induced overspending or settling for less ideal presents.
Sarah started her Christmas shopping in July, picking up items on sale that she knew her family would love. By December, she was mostly done and had avoided both debt and last-minute panic.
Teacher Gifts on a Budget
Showing Appreciation Frugally
Show appreciation for teachers frugally with: a heartfelt, handwritten thank-you note from you and/or your child, a small, useful classroom supply (nice pens, hand sanitizer), a homemade treat (if allowed), a small gift card to a coffee shop or bookstore (perhaps as a group gift from the class), or a potted plant.
For teacher appreciation week, the Miller kids wrote personalized thank-you notes to their teachers and gave them each a colorful pen and a homemade cookie, thoughtful and budget-friendly tokens of gratitude.
Wedding Gifts: How To Give Appropriately, But Frugally
Celebrating Without Breaking the Bank
Give appropriate wedding gifts frugally by: purchasing from the couple’s registry (often has items at various price points), going in on a larger group gift with other friends, giving a thoughtful, smaller item if your budget is tight, or offering a gift of service (e.g., help with wedding DIYs, pet-sitting during the honeymoon) if appropriate.
When his friends got married, Tom chose a mid-priced item from their registry that he knew they genuinely wanted. He also offered to help them set up for the reception, a frugal gift of his time.
Baby Shower Gifts on a Budget
Welcoming Little Ones Frugally
Budget-friendly baby shower gifts include: a pack of diapers (always needed!), a set of burp cloths or onesies (often found in multi-packs or on sale), a classic children’s book, a contribution to a group gift for a larger item (stroller, crib), or a homemade item like a knitted blanket if you’re crafty.
Lisa went in with several friends to buy a larger item from her colleague’s baby registry. Her individual contribution was small, but collectively they gave a much-needed car seat, a frugal and practical group gift.
Making Your Own Gift Tags and Cards
Personalized and Penny-Pinching
Create your own gift tags and cards for pennies using cardstock, scrapbook paper remnants, markers, stamps, or even cut-up sections from old greeting cards. This adds a personal, handmade touch to presents and saves money compared to buying expensive store-bought stationery.
Sarah used plain cardstock and a festive rubber stamp to make all her Christmas gift tags. She also cut up pretty images from old calendars to make unique, free greeting cards.
How To Receive Gifts Graciously
(Even if You’re a Minimalist)
If you’re a minimalist or frugal person receiving a gift you may not need or want, always accept it graciously and express genuine thanks for the giver’s thoughtfulness. You can later decide privately whether to keep, donate, sell, or regift the item. The act of giving is what matters most to the giver.
As a minimalist, Jane received a decorative knick-knack she didn’t need. She thanked her aunt warmly for the thoughtful gesture, appreciating the sentiment. Later, she quietly passed it on to a friend who she knew would love it.
The Gift of a “Sinking Fund” For a Loved One
Practical Financial Support
Instead of a physical item, consider gifting a contribution to a “sinking fund” for a loved one’s specific goal—like a down payment, a new computer, or a travel fund. This practical financial gift can be incredibly helpful and shows you support their aspirations.
Knowing their son was saving for a new laptop for college, the Smiths gifted him $100 specifically for his “Laptop Sinking Fund” for his birthday, a practical and much-appreciated contribution.
Thrifted Gifts: Finding Unique Treasures
Second-Hand, First-Rate Presents
Thrift stores can be treasure troves for unique and thoughtful gifts: vintage jewelry, classic books, quirky home decor, high-quality clothing items, or collectibles. Finding something special that perfectly suits the recipient’s taste can make a thrifted gift far more meaningful (and frugal) than a generic new item.
Maria found a beautiful vintage silk scarf at a thrift store for $5 that she knew her stylish friend would adore. It was a unique, high-quality, and incredibly frugal gift.
Frugal Halloween: Costumes and Candy
Spooky Fun on a Budget
Enjoy Halloween frugally by: DIYing costumes from existing clothes or thrift store finds, swapping costumes with friends, buying candy in bulk or after major sales (if it will last), and focusing on free activities like trick-or-treating in your neighborhood or carving a pumpkin grown in your garden (or bought cheaply).
The Johnson kids made their Halloween costumes from cardboard boxes and items from their dress-up bin. Their parents bought candy on sale the week before, ensuring a fun and frugal spooky season.
Frugal Easter Basket Ideas
Budget-Friendly Spring Treats
Create frugal Easter baskets with: a few small, useful items (crayons, bubbles, socks), one or two favorite candy treats (bought on sale), hard-boiled eggs dyed at home, a small paperback book (thrifted or library discard sale), and homemade baked goods. Focus on simple joys rather than expensive themed merchandise.
For Easter, Sarah filled her kids’ baskets with sidewalk chalk, a small bag of jellybeans, a couple of homemade cookies, and a coloring book from the dollar store, creating fun and frugal treats.
Dealing With The Pressure to Spend During the Holidays
Staying True to Your Frugal Values
Resist holiday spending pressure by: firmly setting and sticking to your budget, reminding yourself of your financial goals and values, focusing on meaningful connections rather than material competition, politely declining overly expensive group activities, and finding contentment in simpler, less commercialized celebrations. Your peace of mind is paramount.
Overwhelmed by ads and social media pressure, Lisa reminded herself that Christmas was about family, not expensive gifts. She focused on creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying free activities, staying true to her frugal values.
Giving Photobooks or Other Personalised, Frugal Gifts
Memories Made Tangible
Personalized gifts like photobooks, custom calendars with family pictures, or a framed collage of shared memories can be very frugal (especially if you find deals on printing services) and are often deeply cherished by recipients. They capture moments and connections, making them highly meaningful.
For his parents’ anniversary, Tom created a photobook filled with pictures from their family vacations over the years. It was a relatively inexpensive but incredibly sentimental gift that they treasured.
Buy Nothing Groups for Holiday Needs
Community Sharing for Festive Occasions
Utilize local Buy Nothing Project groups for holiday needs: you might “ask” for specific decorations, children’s formal wear for a holiday event, or even ingredients for a special dish. You can also “gift” items you no longer need, fostering a spirit of community sharing and reducing holiday expenses.
Needing a specific sized Santa hat for a school play, Maria posted an “ask” in her Buy Nothing group. A neighbor quickly offered one, saving her a store trip and the cost of a new hat.
Remembering The Purpose of Gift Giving
Connection Over Commerce
The true purpose of gift-giving is to express love, appreciation, and connection, not to impress with expense or engage in competitive spending. Focusing on thoughtfulness, personal meaning, and the joy of giving (and receiving) graciously, regardless of monetary value, aligns with a frugal and more fulfilling approach to holidays and occasions.
When choosing gifts, Jane always asked herself, “What would genuinely make this person feel loved and seen?” This focus on connection, rather than price, guided her to thoughtful and often frugal choices.