The holiday season is in full swing and as you look back at your cost, do you wish you had been able to lower your holiday spending? A lot of your money may be going towards gifts. You can save on gifts by making them rather than buying them from the store. When you make your gift, you save and give it a personal touch that the recipient will love. All you need is a little bit of creativity and energy to save through the holidays.       

Get crafty

Why spend $100 on jewelry if you can make it yourself for $20? When you make your own gift, you are saving money and adding a personal touch that the store can’t. Lookover your shopping list and see what you can craft at home. Your loved ones will appreciate it because they know the time and effort you put into the gift. Now pull out those glue guns and get to work!      

Put feeling into it

Are you lost when it comes to being crafty? That doesn’t mean you can’t save on your holiday shopping too. Write a letter or song describing what the person means to you and read or perform it for them. You can frame a memorable photo that they will hold onto for years to come. Better yet, bake your way through the season. Make their favorite cookie or brownie and add a bow and you are all set with a delicious gift. You are not only saving money but remembering why this person means so much to you and showing them exactly how you feel.   

Use your skills

Offering up your services is a great way to save and a great gift. You can offer to mow their lawn, babysit, or clean the house, the list goes on and on. This way you are choosing to gift your time and hard labor to support your loved one. All you have to do is make a coupon for the service that they can redeem at any point.  

The holidays don’t have to break the bank! Look for ways to lower your holiday spending on gifts so that you can save. 

Source: Balance