From grocery shopping to gift wrapping, get control of your family’s personal spending this season by taking these simple steps to help save money.
Stop gobbling through food budgets.
Create your holiday menus and shopping list in advance, then take that list with you to the grocery store and try to stick to it. Whatever you do, don’t go shopping on an empty stomach! That way, you’ll stay on target and not be seduced by every pretty package on the shelf. (You might also save calories!)
Decorate your own wrap.
Save on expensive wrapping papers by encouraging your children to make their own. Collect stamps, stickers, and crayons, and let them express themselves on brown paper bags. Friends and family will love the personal touch!
Give the gift of a personal promise.
Cut down on shopping time and extravagant spending by giving personal gift certificates. Consider what the recipient would love and personalize it: a back massage, a trip to the movies with Mom, a special seaweed pedicure or a fun-with-me pass for a picnic in the park. Remember that your “presence” in your gifts is priceless.
Give the tree of life.
Research your family tree online and create your personal “Ancestry Tree” as a gift to Mom and Dad or the grandparents.
Food for love.
Type up your favourite cookie recipe, add a personal story and put all the unbaked ingredients in a Ziploc® brand Snap ‘n Seal Holiday Container to be given as a gift. If you don’t have your own cookie recipe, try our delicious Snowdrops recipe .
