5 Ways to Save Time and Money During the Holidays
The holiday onslaught seems to start earlier EVERY year. You get inundated with all the ways to make the holiday season perfect – from the best holiday menu to the must-have gift every kid needs. It can be completely overwhelming and all-consuming. Many moms work themselves to the point of total burnout trying to make the holiday magical for their families. Other families spend way more than they can afford, spending the rest of the year paying it off, only to do it all over again the next year.
I want you to know – IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY! With a few minutes of planning and a trip to Boscov’s, you’ll be able to tackle everything on your holiday to-do list, and leave with it wrapped too!
Set a holiday budget
First and foremost, you have to set a holiday budget. Not just how much to spend per child, but a lump sum number to cover everything. There are more expenses than just the gifts – there’s baking, the dinner, decor, gift wrap and special events and activities.
Many families make the mistake of only setting a budget for gifts, and often only for immediate family. Come January, they wonder how they spent so much more than they expected. If you start by setting a lump sum budget for the season, you can then allocate it to everything on your list.
Make a holiday spending list
The next mistake many families make is only making a list of who they need to buy for. It usually includes immediate family, and maybe close friends. Then, as the holidays approach, you remember you have to buy for teachers, the bus driver, the babysitter, the neighbors. The list grows and grows.
Sit and brainstorm everyone you need to buy for and everything you might have to spend for. Categories to help you brainstorm might include:
- Family
- Friends
- Teachers
- Coaches
- Caregivers
- Neighbors
- Holiday dinners
- Holiday baking
- Holiday gift exchanges – office, friends, parties
- Holiday tips for service providers
- Charitable giving
- Events – Breakfast with Santa, Santa pictures, Polar Express, The Nutcracker, etc.
- Gift wrap
- Holiday cards – family photo, stamps, etc.
Related Post: 6 Gift Giving Ideas for Holiday Savings
Once you have your list, breakdown the lump sum budget you established above across all your categories. Do this BEFORE you start shopping and stick to it!
One stop shop
Once you have your list, try to knock it out with as few stops as possible. Fewer places to shop saves you tremendous time… but it also saves you a ton of money. The fewer places you go, the less opportunity you’ll have to be tempted by impulse shopping, and the more likely you will be to stick to your list.
Boscov’s makes this totally doable. You’ll be able to knock out everything and everyone on your list. From holiday decor and gift wrap, toys for the kids and even stocking stuffers, you will find it all. In the home decor department, I picked up new garland and battery-powered LED lights for my kitchen window (I’ve had this one on my to do list ever since I saw Nesting with Grace do it last year!). I also stocked up on gift wrap and tape (because I always run out on Christmas Eve!).
In the Jewelry department, I found my oldest a G-shock watch that she’s been begging for. Downstairs in the girls’ department, I found JoJo bows for the girls’ stocking stuffers. And in the toy department, I cleaned up: a stuffed Ty Mater for my son’s stocking, a Mouse Trap game for all the kids, and a LEGO Friends Advent calendar!
Use customer pick-up
I could have knocked even more items off my shopping list at Boscov’s, but I wore out the little guy… Lucky for me, I can finish shopping online and just pull up for customer pick-up!
This is another AMAZING way Boscov’s helps busy families during the hectic holiday season. Shop at night from your couch in your pajamas after the kids are in bed, then the next day just swing by the store and pick it up. It’s all bagged up and out of sight, so you can even use it for surprises you want anyone to see!
Use more store services, like free gift wrapping
Another bonus to shopping at Boscov’s? FREE holiday gift wrapping on all your purchases. I had my toddler with me and was worried his patience might not hold out… but was pleasantly surprised when my two packages were wrapped in just minutes. It was also conveniently located adjacent to the toy department, with a set-up for kids to play while you wait!
One more to-do off my list, at no extra cost!
BONUS TIP: Online Coupons
Be sure to visit Boscov’s online before you shop! I did and found printable coupons I could use in-store!
Learn More About Boscov’s
Boscov’s is brand new to my town, but it is the largest family-owned department store in the country. It’s evident by their awesome customer service that they understand what busy families need – a one-stop store, that is not only affordable but also carries name brands. Their added convenience services, like customer pick-up and free gift wrap, are the icing on the holiday cake! Visit Boscov’s online, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see all that this great family-owned store has to offer.
With these 5 holiday tips, I’m able to make the most of my holiday – spending less time and money on preparations, and more time celebrating with the ones I love. Happy holidays!