The holidays are an expensive time for most families. It’s easy to overspend especially on gifts for the people you love. Many people will be accruing a lot of debt to cover those expenses. The holiday is right around the corner and how can you get your shopping done without spending a fortune? Do not get discouraged at the idea of holiday shopping this year, because it is possible to get great gifts for everyone without maxing out your credit cards. Following a few tips will keep you in the holiday spirit and make it a special time to remember without paying for it the entire next year.

1. Plan a Budget
Make a list of everyone you need a gift for. Perhaps there are some people on the list who will be perfectly happy with a lovely Christmas card instead of an expensive present. Cross off the names of anyone for whom you don’t absolutely have to buy a gift. Decide on a budget for each person, this allows you to use your money wisely. Using cash is the best way to keep track of your spending while reminding yourself not to overspend on any one particular gift. If you are going to use credit, then try to limit your spending to one credit card with a low credit limit and low interest rate. If you do plan on using credit for your holiday shopping then you’ll need to make a budget plan to pay off any holiday debit within two or three months. Now that you’ve established a budget for your holiday shopping, remember to stick with it.

2. Preparation
Do brain work before leaving the house. With your list of people write gift ideas under their names. You could group gift ideas by store and map out stores by location to prevent backtracking and driving all over town. Plan your shopping trips around local sales and visit the store with the best price. Do a little comparison shopping before making final purchase. Seek out online deals and free shipping (if time allows). Sometimes major stores offer discounts on online purchases. Check out web sites regularly, as prices and offers change often during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

3. Shop Wisely
Start shopping now! The longer you wait this almost guarantees you will overspend this holiday season. Stay away from shopping trips that will last all day and leave you overtired. This leads to frustration and impulse-buying, which can spoil your budget plans. Getting to the stores early in the day and early in the week is a major time-saver. Taking half day off from work to shop early will save hours of standing in long lines. Take your list with you when you shop and cross the person off your list as you purchase their gift, then focus on what you still need to buy (and stay on budget). Take advantage of free gift-wrapping whenever it is offered.

4. Thoughtful Gifts
Many people don’t need (or want) more stuff. Instead, give them the gift of your time – take them out to lunch or dinner, run errands or fix little things around their home. You don’t have to buy gifts for everyone, not even all the people who buy you gifts. Instead, bake several batches of holiday cookies. Arrange them on festive plates covered with colored cellophane and give them as presents. If you are crafty, you can find lots of ideas that will thrill the person you give it to. Use your creativity and imagination and you are sure to have a happy holiday that everyone will love and remember.

5. It’s a Wrap
Costly wrapping paper and ribbons can really add up. Go to your local dollar store and buy some inexpensive gift bags for a fraction of the cost. Plus gift bags almost always get reused. Be environmentally friendly!

6. Enjoy the Holiday!
Try to stick to your budget so you can truly enjoy the holidays. Otherwise you’ll end up worrying about how to pay the bills instead of worrying about which party to attend. Remember what’s truly important in life – it’s time and memories with family and friends!

7. Start Planning for Next Year
Plan for next year and start saving money month by month. Do your Holiday shopping rear-round. Put names on the gifts as you purchase them and store them in a clear container so you remember them next December. Happy Holidays!

Holly Hitchcock Graff is a Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant at Clutter Control Angels®, Professional Organizing Solutions for Life, Home & Business.