Yes, even magical Savvy Aunties go through some hard financial times. An essential aspect of loving the children in our lives gives us a natural desire to do one very special thing for them during the holiday season: shop!

I have so many children in my life that I have regularly given holiday gifts to. This is my favorite part of the holiday season; to find the perfect gifts for the kids I adore. I usually start my shopping right after Thanksgiving. I break out my Excel spreadsheet and I’m on my way, either online or to the stores. I won’t rest until I find the gift I know each child will love.

But what’s an Auntie to do when perhaps the regular holiday budget needs to go on a bit of a diet? Gift giving is truly a joy for many people. Not having the means to do what you’ve done in the past during the holiday season can be a bit of a downer. Have no fear, creativity is a Savvy Auntie’s secret weapon! Here is a budget-friendly guide to gift giving when money is tight!

Movie Night! (this works for all ages!)
This is a super fun gift to put together! The best part is that it’s a TWO-part gift with an experience in the future for your and your favorite kid(s)! Whether you find a creative box or bag to stuff your goodies in, try the following:

-    DVD OR Movie Theater Gift Card
-    Box of microwave popcorn (Move Theater Butter Optional!)
-    Boxes of Movie Theater Style Candy

Treasure Trove! (this is great for young children 10 and under!)
This is super fun and it includes a game and an experience that will be sure to please the younger crowd:

-    Hit up the dollar or small gift section of your favorite store
-    Pick out 5-6 small items that have meaning to your gift receiver!
-    Hide the gifts throughout the home of wherever the gift exchange is to take place.
-    Hand draw or on the computer design a Treasure Map with clues as to where the gifts might be revealed.
-    Get creative with poetry, riddles, and pictures.
-    Save one small gift as a reward for when the map is completed!

The Creative Coupon (all ages!)
Yes, this is kind of like a gift giving IOU! Perhaps the new year will bring in an opportunity for you to be able to create an experience with your favorite kid(s). Print out a coupon or certificate detailing your future excursion and purchase a small related gift that goes along with it. A few ideas:

-    “Day at the Museum”
-    Future sports game (include a shirt, hat, or other team related item)
-    Future theater or music event (include a shirt, CD, or other related item)
-    A Full Day with Auntie! (this is super fun and you can involve the child or children in planning it)
-    Sleepover with Auntie! (this can be fun to give some inexpensive pajamas or slippers with some cookie dough or a fun sleepover snack!)
-    Mani/Pedi Day with Auntie! (fill a small gift bag with a few fun colors of nail polish!)

The key is to remember that, above all else, it's our relationships we are celebrating during the holidays. We are not treasured because of our net worth. These children love us because we give love unconditionally. If you find yourself stressed out financially this holiday season, remember that a Savvy Auntie cares for herself so that she might care better for those she loves. Shop within your means and make it an adventure!


Published: December 3, 2014