- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- article archive
- expert q & a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Easing the Holiday Crunch
Tips to Lighten the Financial Burden
By Kristine Prugh
Lisa, a mother of two in Stamford, Conn., agrees. "I have a Christmas Club that is my saving grace," she says. "It is a payroll deduction so I don't even miss it, but boy am I glad to see the money in October. I still charge everything to get miles on my credit card, but have the cash to immediately pay it off."
If the weather outside is frightful and you would much rather be inside sipping eggnog than battling the crowds at the mall, then shopping early may be the answer for you. Many people benefit from buying gifts throughout the year to avoid the money and time crunch during the holidays. Ellen, a mother of three grown children from Atlanta, makes lots of purchases early. "Most of the time, I'm as happy with my purchases in December as I was in June," she says. "All I have to do is picture the crowds and long lines at the malls to make me very satisfied with all my pre-holiday purchases."
Christina, a consultant and mother of 1-year-old Trevor in Chicago, recommends this approach. "I do this quite a bit, but less to avoid the money crunch (I've actually never thought of it that way) but more because I've found something that I know the individual will love or to not feel overwhelmed with the gift-buying process," she says. "I bought my mom an Italian ceramic Biscotti jar in May because I found it in a store in Boston, and I knew she'd love it." Christina says she's also bought holiday items after the season to use next year. "Two years ago I was in Las Vegas in early January and bought my entire extended family glass-blown ornaments that were 75 percent off," she says. "I knew they would all love them, and I usually buy something small for them. I would not have bought them at full price."
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||