Items You Can Get Away with Not Buying for the Holidays

Before you begin the shopping season, consider what items you can get away with not buying for the holidays. Cutting back on smaller, unnecessary purchases could save you loads of cash by the end of the season. Large purchases do not surprise us; it is the accumulation of smaller purchases that deliver the biggest after-Christmas punch. Get a grip on your wallet by skipping the extras this year, or at least finding some inexpensive alternatives.

Gift Tags

Topping the list of Items you can get away with not buying for the holidays is gift tags. While one pack is not super-expensive, when packaging many gifts it can get pricey. Try some crafty alternatives to the store bought gift tags you usually purchase. Recycle old Christmas cards and use them as gift tags. Cut the decorative fronts of the cards from the backs. Cut the card front into four even squares or rectangles. Fold them in half and use them as gift tags. Just add a name and tape the tag in place.

New Lights

It is tempting to buy new lights every year just to avoid the unwinding of a tangled mess. New lights are not a must-have unless yours are absolutely shot. Replace burned out light bulbs before you give up on a string of lights. Of course, safety first - toss away lights that have exposed wiring.

Stocking Stuffers

Ask yourself, "Are stocking stuffers really necessary?" This year adhere to the original tradition of stuffing stockings with fruit and nuts rather than handheld toys and expensive pieces of jewelry. If you do not have small children, skip the stockings to save a little money. Alternatively, you could shop at dollar stores for $1 decks of cards and small toys.

Christmas Cards

Buying the perfect card may be a family tradition, but it could be an expensive one. Christmas cards ranks near the top of our list of items you can get away with not buying for the holidays. Postage can ring up tally too. This year go virtual and send free e-cards to friends and family. You may wish to skip cards all together to save a little money.

Wrapping Paper

It is fun to wrap gifts according to a theme or a holiday color scheme, but all your eye for detail could cost you. This year, abandon the wrapping paper and use comic papers instead. Brown-paper grocery bags and paper you already have on hand like cardstock would be perfect, and you can decorate it yourself for a personal touch. Skip the fancy printed paper and save money.

Christmas CDs

It is tempting to pick up the latest holiday compilations, but resist temptation. Instead, tune in to the radio via your computer or home entertainment system. Save money and get the holiday tunes you love.

Keep your holiday spirit and your cash by skimping on necessary purchases this year.