Buying on a Budget

Its almost half way through December.  And for some of you, I might be too late, I know many, many friends are done with Christmas shopping.  DONE.  I'm not.  But, I'm close.

Anyway, I thought I could take a minute to suggest a few items for those of us on budgets.  I have about 20 people to shop for and about $400 to spend.  Now, Husband gets a big gift and Sonja gets a big chunk of that too.  So, there's about $200 left for the general gift fund.  I don't know if you're good at math, but that puts me at about a $10 a person budget.  Since, I'm not working that much (less than 10 hours a week) I can't exactly save much else.  SO, I'm on a budget and a strict one at that.  We're trying to pay off credit cards so we can afford Europe next winter.

What can you find for those you love for under or around $10?  Actually, quite a few things!

Shutterfly Calendars for aunts, uncles and people who like dates. They have specials going all the time, at the time of this post it was buy one get one free, when I bought mine it was buy one get all additional calendars 50% off.  I bought one for Sonja's grandparents, and my aunts and uncles.  First one was $17.99 and the rest about $10, free shipping on orders over $30 {code: SHIP30}

My friend Michelle makes the BEST soap.  And everyone showers, so these are great for everyone.  Funk off has a few manly scents, like Cool Mountain Moss or Husband's favorite: Espresso Yoself! So don't just think girly when it comes to lotions and such, we all need cleanliness! Soaps are $7 each plus shipping brings you to about $10.

And if you're looking for someone who loves baths, I'm quite fond of the Lush Bath Bombs all of which are under $10.  I also LOVE the massage bars from Lush.  I picked up a few of those for a few of my sisters and sisters-in-law. Each around $10 {They're lotion in bar form, when you rub them they melt into heavenly moisturizing scents!} And if you're trying to do all your shopping in one spot they also have soaps for under $10.

Etsy has wonderful prints for the Art lover and quite the selection for $10 range!

Itunes never disappoints.  I found a set of three $15 gift cards for $30 at Target.

Wood Teething Rings on Etsy are perfect for new babies.

Lots of wooden toys for toddlers too.

If you're in the $20 range you can find some great camera accessories here.  Use this link: http://photojojo.com/r/9ry5 and get $5 off.  I bought my sister this coffee mug!

Since I can only afford a limited amount, but am crafty I was able to make some gifts too.  Like, Yoga Mat Bags for all my Yogi gift recipients, a Christmas pillow for my mom, baby blankets, embellished onesies, and a few other goodies from unwanted or unused fabrics.  So, don't be discouraged if you're on a budget! You can still be thoughtful and generous within your means.

And if you're into personalizing and gift wrapping, may I suggest the cutest idea, print a stickygram for each loved one and use that as their gift tag, just tape it to the package.  Above; Sonja wearing her "Nonno" {means "grandpa" in Italian} shirt for my father in law.  You have to order soon though, in order to get your grams before Christmas. Here is a $2 off code for your order: FRIEND3ZDX

My advice for all those last minute gift buyers is to make a list, set an amount and divide by number of people on your list.  Once you know what you can afford, get specific and plan for each person on your list.


Good Luck!
Jenn

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