According to the National Retail Federation holiday shoppers plan to spend an average $463 on family members, up from $458 last year and the highest in survey history. Additionally, the survey showed that nearly half of all holiday shopping would be done online. Your family doesn’t have to break the bank during this gift-giving season. Here are seven wonderful ideas for creative holiday giving on a tight budget.

1. Don’t stress over addressing and mailing holiday cards this year. Save time and the postage and send e-cards. Many are free and it’s a great way to catch up with family and friends and save some money at the same time.

2. Create a gift certificate for a family member or friend for a specially prepared meal, errand assistant for the day, or dog walking, babysitting, or cleaning services. These types of acts of service gifts cost you nothing monetarily but will mean so much to the recipient. Officeonline has an assortment of free gift certificate templates that you can create on your own.

3. Don’t purchase anything online without first searching for an online coupon code. Check out RetailMeNot.com, Groupon.com, Coupons.com, CoolSavings.com, SmartSource.com, or simply do an Internet search for “coupon codes”. Do some comparison-shopping from your computer before you start driving from store-to-store. Check out search engines like mySimon.com or Bing.com.

4. Participate in Secret Santa gift giving with your co-workers and/or extended family. Make a list now of who will be participating and randomly assign names to participating members. Also set a budget for how much can be spent. This website has some fun and creative ideas for under $25. You can also get crafty and make your gifts this year. This Pinterest board has some cute and fun ideas for Secret Santa gift giving.

5. Create a calendar for the upcoming year that includes your favorite family pictures from the past year. Check out Snapfish, Shutterfly, and Walgreen’s. Each runs holiday specials and offers online coupons.

6. Forgo family holiday gifts and instead donate your time or money to a good cause. Some ideas: Operation Christmas Child, Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots, Family-to-family.org, The National Coalition for the Homeless, or Volunteer For Vets.

7. Teach kids to be good stewards of their money by giving the gift of financial literacy. Our step-by-step program is designed to enhance learning and ensure success. Our award winning hands-on application puts kids in control of their money and goals. Parents also receive ongoing tips to help raise money-smart kids.

We’d love to hear your feedback regarding our Money Management Certification Program. You can share your feedback with us on our website or you may post them on our Facebook wall. Happy Holidays from our families to yours!

Sources:

https://nrf.com/resources/holiday-headquarters#sthash.VGjaiuJl.dpuf

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/7-ways-to-stick-to-your-holiday-budget-1.aspx#ixzz3q4rnUtwO

http://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/edible-gifts-to-make-christmas-and-holiday-ideas/pictures/index.html?oc=outbrain&c4=Edible-Gifts-to-Make

http://www.largerfamilylife.com/2013/09/23/low-cost-christmas-gift-ideas-for-large-families/

Photo Sources:

Morguefile.com