https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 01 May 2026 23:19:16 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196522 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 08:16:27 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1196522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We budget $500...we divide that amount up by 12 and then save monthly so that by christmas we have that amount set aside. We dont buy gifts for each other, and this year i plan to wrap empty boxes for ll...at 10 months old pretty paper and a cardboard box is way more fun than what comes inside...he doesnt need a thing and i know he will get plenty from his grandparents. We only buy for our immediate families and we try to purchase something for them that we can do together instead of traditional gifts. Our parents enjoy the experience so much more than a random gift. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196513 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 08:05:13 +0000 artsyfartsy 1196513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We can usually get by for about $400 for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196415 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 06:33:27 +0000 lamariniere 1196415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: totally agree! </p> <p>For us, the holidays are really not that big of a deal. We do small gifts for immediate family and that's about it. I like to give food/wine or experience gifts so I'm not loading them up with stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196381 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 04:18:33 +0000 SugarplumsMom 1196381@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do a per person budget. We plan to spend less than half of what we spent last year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196353 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 01:22:08 +0000 googly-eyes 1196353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: Same here!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196351 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 01:21:19 +0000 HLK208 1196351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rainbow Sprinkles: do you buy for all of your siblings?!</p> <p>My presence is my present to my family :) kidding. Kind of. I spend about $300 on our families, $600 on the LO's, and DH and I don't do gifts anymore so that makes it easy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196345 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 01:10:31 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 1196345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Around $1,00 is what I'm guessing we spend, though we don't stick to a budget per say. I just try to get good deals! We have huge families and lots of people to shop for. Before kids we use to spend $300-$400 on each other.....definitely not doing that again this year (or ever again). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196330 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:49:52 +0000 sunny 1196330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think we'll be seeing any family this year so it will be an easier Christmas on our wallets since we don't buy gifts if we aren't seeing people. </p> <p>I'm thinking we'll just spend Christmas with a friend's family in town and we will buy presents for all the kids so our budget will be well under $500 for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1196317 Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:44:11 +0000 808love 1196317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: I'm so like you in this department! I don't know anyone else in real life like this. Everyone else I know loves shopping for gifts. I don't like 'stuff' but love quality experiences instead. That said, I have $360 on the side, not including DH and LO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts/page/2#post-1195121 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:02:17 +0000 regberadaisy 1195121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm hoping to keep it under $800 for 6 nieces and nephews, my mom, LO, daycare teachers, sponsoring a family, elfster exchanges and a few close friends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1195105 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:59:38 +0000 heartonastring 1195105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In a normal year? About $1,000. But this year I'm on mat leave, so...I don't know exactly, but less than $1,000! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1195100 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:58:19 +0000 mlm2934 1195100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have about $850 budgeted including family/friends and then about $150 for DH and I to each spend on each other </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1195085 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:54:52 +0000 raspberries 1195085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a big family Christmas on my side, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., and budget $1200 for everyone, total. (We mainly got that number by deciding to set aside $100 each month for Christmas - 12 months = $1200.) :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1195016 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:33:31 +0000 JerricaBenton 1195016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't budget! I go crazy at Christmas and if I see the perfect gift, I get it! I love giving great gifts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1195010 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:31:35 +0000 Bookish 1195010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have as strict a budget as in years past, but I'm still deal hunting like crazy! I've been spending an average of 25$ a person... that goes all the way down to my nephew who I bought clearance puzzles for for 3$, up to my older nephew who is getting a toy + cash for about 40$. </p> <p>All in all...probably 500$, including what we got for LO and the presents for DH and I. That's 6 nieces + nephews, 1 brother, 3 sisters, 5 parents, one grandparent, and 4 HB babies.</p> <p>I will add that this year, we are putting everything on the credit card to be paid off with DH's bonus, so I'm probably spending more than I should :p </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194992 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:25:14 +0000 cmomma17 1194992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Haven't quite figured it out yet. Waiting to see how much of a bonus DH is getting this Friday and we'll go from there. Budget is very tight. Since starting YNAB I have managed to set aside $145 in the Christmas fund so far so at least we're not starting at $0! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194980 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:19:51 +0000 Mrs D 1194980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't added it up yet so here goes:</p> <p>(FYI DH and I do our families seperately - so only mine will be shown below).</p> <p>DH - $250 to 400 (haven't picked a gift yet)<br /> Mom - $50<br /> Dad - $25 (plus TONS of random golf gifts throughout the year)<br /> Dads GF - $25<br /> Nephew (we dont buy for my sister and her husband)- $75<br /> Niece (same as above, no buying for her parents) - $75<br /> BFF 1 (I buy for her two kids) - $75<br /> BFF 2 - $50<br /> Administrative Assistant - $25 (bath &amp; body works stuff plus gift card for lunch)<br /> Hair Lady - $25 (nice bottle of vodka)<br /> Nail Lady - $25 (nice bottle of vodka)<br /> Dog Walker - $75 (restaurant gift certificate)<br /> Cookie Tins - $150<br /> Mail- $10<br /> Garbage - $25 (they rock...always take our big boxes)</p> <p>Cookie Tins...I make 7 different kinds of cookies at Christmas time (and Khalua Cake) and package them up. I generally make 10-15 gifts this year it will be more. They will go to our cleaning people (3), Daycare (4), work (1 big box), neighbors (3) and they also are my hostess gifts for any parties we go to. I do a big day of baking and keep them around through the season.</p> <p>So thats $950 - $1100 depending on what I spend on DH. EEK! I dont have DD on here - we'll likely only spend $50-75 on her this year as she will only be 3.5 mos! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194975 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:18:24 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1194975@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@deerylou: I did these for teachers last year using frames I found on sale for about $10. </p> [attach=1506/13/mvr46p.300x216.wipe-off-board-teacher-appriciation-gift-300x216-1-.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194936 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:01:00 +0000 Amelieisme 1194936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: Totally share your sentiment. I cannot stand clutter. My IL's always want me to tell them exactly what I want, which is awkward to me. They are super generous and buy me a nice gift, but then gift me lots of clutter as well. I hate shopping in general, for myself or others. I hate others spending money on me, especially if I won't use it and I know its a "waste". I wish we could just spend time together and forgo the whole gift-giving thing. Not that I don't love them and wouldn't love to give them the perfect gift. I just usually don't know what that is! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194935 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:00:40 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1194935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For our holiday, I budget $250 for each set of parents (maybe a keurig and some cups, or some cookware, or some tickets to something) and then about $100 per sibling (that's 8 between the both of us). We don't do gifts for each other, and LO usually gets about $100 gift from us. So, somewhere at 1,300. We get all that back via gifts from my parents (monetary usually) and his, and gifts for LO from all his aunts/uncles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194930 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:59:29 +0000 Adira 1194930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: We don't budget! We just spend money!! *throws money around* It's a bad habit, but that's why I became an engineer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194926 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:58:12 +0000 MamaG 1194926@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Thanks for a great idea! LO does a tumbling bus at school and we will owe for next semester in January. I will recommend to family to contribute to her fees. She really does not need any additional toys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194919 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:56:32 +0000 IRunForFun 1194919@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I chose "less" but I guess I could have chosen "under $500" too. We have budgeted $240 and that's for all of our family members. We decided not to do gifts for each other this year because we are taking a big trip in January. </p> <p>We each have 2 siblings, who are coupled off, plus our parents, and so we plan to spend approximately $40 per couple. I hope we can pull it off! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194915 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:54:34 +0000 lovehoneybee 1194915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a strict budget, but I try to stay at or around $500, give or take $100. I have 10 people on my list plus D and E (who will probably come in at around $100 each). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194905 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:51:28 +0000 deerylou 1194905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Homemade laundry soap is a wonderful gift idea! I have 5 siblings in laws, most of which have families, so we're thinking about doing personalizing chalkboards (<a href="http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2012/11/diy-christmas-gift-5-chalkboard.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2012/11/diy-christmas-gift-5-chalkboard.html</a>), and painting wooden dolls to represent each family. </p> [attach=3544/13/mvr2xs.400x600.Christmas-gift-idea.jpg] [attach=3544/13/mvr2xu.600x450.il_fullxfull.451624511_4q38.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194904 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:51:25 +0000 BananaPancakes 1194904@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're don't usually keep a strict budget, but try to stay between $35-$50 for most people. We actually only gift shop for a couple of kids, and the name draw at my parents and my MIL's, so that cuts out a ton of gifts. We just do stocking stuffers between each other, and will keep it under $200 for our LO. </p> <p>I also have holiday gifts for my eybrow/lip waxer and maid. And then we also do one $200-300 gift for someone in need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194896 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:49:48 +0000 Lindsay05 1194896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I said between 500-750. I would say about 1/3 of that is DH's gifts. We like to purchase gifts that we need but are too expensive otherwise. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194890 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:48:15 +0000 LuLu Mom 1194890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I dont' have a budget (yikes) but I LOVE to shop the deals. I make out a list and stick to it, total will be around 500-750. That is including: </p> <p>2 sets of parents, 5 neices/nephews, 1 Goddaughter, 2 Kid Friends, 1 SIL, 1 BIL, 2 dadycare providers, 1 Secret Santa Friend, 1 cousin. </p> <p>I'm not exchanging with my sisters this year, we decided to focus on kids. However, I will probably make something crafty/homemade so it will cost a little. </p> <p>DH and I are techincally nto exchaning, we already bought concert tickets as our present to each other. And are planning on getting a DSLR on sale. I'm not including this cost since it's techincally a long overdue gift ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194883 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:46:04 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1194883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@deerylou: Please let me know what you find! Last year I did little buckets of homemade laundry soap for co-workers. It came out pretty well. The Dollar store is great for packaging materials! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-estimated-budget-for-christmas-gifts#post-1194878 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 12:45:26 +0000 deerylou 1194878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Oh, I know what you mean. I've been searching the internet for DIY ideas that utilize materials I can buy in bulk, because individual materials can be costly. I also plan on baking and making cranberry lime vodka. ;) </p>