Low-Cost Christmas Gift Ideas: Surviving the Holidays on a Meager Income

From pricey techno gadgets to other expensive Christmas list items, the holidays can be a virtual nightmare for low-income families, especially those with kids. As a result, many of people become stressed to the point of breaking down. Others suffer from depression or other health issues. In fact, some people (myself included) may start exhibiting bouts of anxiety once the holiday season has officially kicked off.

Picture, if you will huge crowds of crazed shoppers, all vying for the latest gaming programs, mobile phones, and other top-selling products. Whether they can afford these or not doesn't seem to register or even matter, at least not until those past due bills begin rolling in or debt collectors start calling. Certainly, this is enough to set off anyone's stress level, but for low-income families, it can be worse. Holiday shopping can mean the difference between eating a good meal and not having one at all. Over spend and your utilities may be cut off (at a time when you need them most). Even worse, you may have to deal with car repos or home foreclosures. Nobody wants this; yet, for low-income families, this is a real, day-to-day threat, especially during the holidays.

The spirit of giving shouldn't be measured by pricey material objects. Unfortunately, much of society has been led to believe otherwise. However, it doesn't have to be this way. You can still survive the holidays on a meager income as long as you are careful. Take, for example, my own situation. There are five children between my spouse and me. Both of us are independent contractors-he's in the construction field, I'm a freelance writer. Neither of us is rich or even close. In fact, the holidays are probably one of the least profitable times for us work wise. Unfavorable weather limits his time outdoors while unless I'm otherwise involved in various projects elsewhere, garden writing (my specialty) isn't exactly flourishing this time of year either. People are interested in or seeking other venues for occupying their time. Nonetheless, we still have bills to pay, kids to feed, and yes, Christmas lists to fulfill.

Amazingly, we survive, defying the odds and accomplishing all these tasks and more (if we're lucky). You'd be amazed at just how quick one's creative side kicks in when there's little money in those pocketbooks. You find low-cost (and sometimes free) alternatives for gifts. First, you must budget. This means taking inventory and separating the needs from the wants. For instance, we have "X" amount of funds to work with, and this is what we need. Necessities (food, bills, etc.) must always come first. Don't go crazy trying to please the kids by getting everything on their list. Kids don't NEED everything. Allow them instead to create a Christmas list for ONLY their "3 most wanted" items. These will probably be the most expensive; however, aim towards purchasing only one of the three items, based on your finances.

Scour the internet for these items, comparing prices, special sales and discounts. Good research can mean finding a deal, paying your bills, and actually having something left to put in savings. Not only can shopping online save you money but also time. Why spend hours fighting crowds when you can sit at home, work, or anywhere with internet access instead. Did you know that many stores offer significant discounts (on those pricey list items) when purchased online? Oftentimes, this includes free shipping too. Don't sweat the little stuff. Stocking stuffers and other small items can be easily purchased throughout the year or from dollar stores. Stocking stuffers can range from small dollar store trinkets to free samples, which can be collected year round. These freebies can include anything from coloring books, writing supplies, and magnets to toiletry items, make-up, and more.

Focus more on the kids and less on the adults too. In other words, don't worry so much about getting Aunt Jane a pricey sweater or Dad a new golf bag. Most adults aren't that choosy and understand if you can't afford much. In many cases, a simple homemade gift or card will do. Creating gifts is not only fun but also inexpensive, and usually much more appreciated. For instance, I like to make gift baskets, which can be filled with items that relate to the receiver. Baskets of all sizes can be purchased for little money at dollar stores and thrift shops. In fact, you may even have an old one already on hand. Of course, you don't have to depend on baskets. Large containers that work with your overall theme are great too and can also be acquired cheaply.

For example, Aunt Jane might dig gardening. Fill a harvest basket or watering can with seed packets, gloves, hand lotion, etc. Many gardening items can be purchased for less during the off-season too. Perhaps, Dad likes to fish. An inexpensive tackle box filled with some hooks, lures, and fishing line along with a subscription to Field & Stream might catch his attention. Teenage girls appreciate make-up, hair supplies, journals, teen magazines, and CDs. Boys may be more interested in sports or car-related items as well as CDs, and cologne. There are all sorts of small, inexpensive items that can be purchased and personalized for younger children. The possibilities are endless, but don't stop there.

Take pictures, place them in fancy, inexpensive frames (or decorate your own) and give them out as gifts. If you're not techno-savvy, find some old magazines or art books and cut scenes out of these instead. Again, aim towards a specific hobby or interest of the recipient. Create a scrapbook. Design a shadowbox. Learn to make candles and give them out as gifts. Use old canning jars or even soup and coffee cans, which can be easily dressed up. Books make great gifts and are easily found in used bookstores, thrift shops, and libraries at bargain prices. Most are in excellent condition and available in both classic and new titles. Some might even be obtained free through book swaps.

During the holidays, some stress is expected and quite normal, but it should never affect your health or ability to pay bills. With willpower, good budgeting, careful research, and some creativity, it is more than possible to survive the holidays on a meager income.