Holiday shoppers are expected to spend upward of $980 billion this year, according to a recent calculation by the National Retail Federation. Closer to home, that equates to about $900 spent per shopper.

A recent Gallup poll suggested the per-person spending total is closer to $1,000.

Do either of these tallies fall in line with your list of gift buying?

Do you have a holiday spending plan?

Have you even started Christmas shopping?!

The top reasons for getting an early start on shopping, per the NRF, include the ability to spread out your budget, avoiding the anxiety of last-minute gift buying and the crowds that might go with it and taking advantage of as many price breaks and promotions as possible.

According to a Forbes article titled “12 Tips To Build a Holiday Budget That Won’t Break the Bank,” enjoying the holiday might require some financial planning ahead of time.

“A well-planned holiday budget ensures you can enjoy the festivities without financial stress,” it states. “Setting a realistic holiday spending goal can help you enjoy the season without guilt or overspending.”

This very well might be the key here — a realistic goal. That number is different for each household.

Here is Forbes’ list of suggestions.

1. Set a spending limit for gifts.

Make a list of the people who you want to buy gifts for, as well as a spending cap for each. If you’re challenged by a low dollar limit, perhaps homemade or group gifts will help you stay on track.

2. Take advantage of holiday sales and discounts.

Hopefully, you’ve already gotten some great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Keep watching for more pre-Christmas sales and consider signing up for loyalty programs where you shop most often. Many stores offer special perks to their faithful spenders.

3. Get creative with decorations.

Reuse last year’s or make some new ones. If you’re crafty, Pinterest is overloaded with DIY suggestions.

4. Budget for non-gift expenses.

This spending category might not be included on the standard list but can easily destroy any budget. Does your holiday usually include travel or dinners out? If so, book flights and accommodations as early as possible, and consider hosting a potluck instead of making restaurant reservations. If gifts need to be sent by mail, set aside estimated costs for postage and be mindful of the shipping deadlines.

5. Use a cash-only system.

Withdraw the total amount you plan to spend, then divide it into separate envelopes. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

I’ve used this method repeatedly on vacations. My husband has always been amused by the extra steps I take to keep things under control, but it works. I divide the vacation fund into the number of days we’ll be away and put that cash in individual envelopes. Most often, the envelope isn’t completely empty by day’s end, so the extra is moved into an “extra fun” envelope. I draw from it when it’s needed.

This was more necessary when our kids were younger and vacations included amusement parks and souvenirs. Now, it seems to be a tradition I can’t seem to let go!

6. Focus on experiences over material gifts.

“Memories often mean more than material things, so consider gifting experiences rather than items,” the article states.

Get-togethers like movie nights, ice skating or holiday baking can create special moments among family members or friends.

7. Shop secondhand or thrift for unique gifts.

Thrift stores, whether they are brick and mortar or online, are exceedingly popular right now. Shoppers are often able to find a gently used treasure or repurpose an item using their DIY skills.

8. Earn extra cash during the holidays.

Many retailers are likely still in search of seasonal staff. Side hustles, like babysitting, pet sitting and freelancing, are also good for the bank account. Selling unused items in your own home — unused toys, furniture and electronics, for example — can help bring in some extra cash as well as clear some clutter around the house.

9. Use reward points and cashback offers.

Many credit cards offer bonus rewards on certain purchases like groceries, travel and gas. Consider taking advantage of those perks, but be mindful of the balances, which still carry a hefty interest rate.

10. Host budget-friendly celebrations.

Plan low-cost activities with family and friends — holiday trivia, karaoke and cookie decorating, for example. Potluck dinners are also useful in containing costs. And remember, guests might also enjoy the effort put into this kind of event. You’re not the only one in search of budget-friendly fun.

11. Make a post-holiday plan.

Take a few minutes after the holidays to reflect on your budgeting efforts and note where it went especially right or wrong. That’s good information for next year.

Take advantage of any post-holiday sales on things you’ll need again in 2025 — gift wrap, greeting cards and party supplies, among others.

12. Set aside money throughout the year.

At the risk of dating myself — remember Christmas clubs at local banks? Starting in January, set aside a certain amount of money each month and ease the financial burden of the holidays by having the gift-buying money at the ready come November/December.

The bottom line: “Building a holiday budget doesn’t mean sacrificing joy,” according to Forbes. “By setting limits, planning ahead and prioritizing meaningful purchases, you can celebrate without financial regret.”

Your holiday budget is yours alone. Give yourself plenty of time to find your comfort level. Most often, the stress of shopping stems not from finding the perfect gift but rather from staying in your spending range.

The idea of keeping up with the Joneses should not apply. After all, you might find out too late that the Jones residence is just a house of cards — credit cards, that is.

There’s something to be said for another old adage: It’s the thought that counts.

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press