5 Ways to Save on Birthday Gifts

I’m not sure about you, but these days I feel like I chauffer my two oldest to birthday parties almost every, single, weekend.

That is great, but sometimes it’s a really big budget buster ~ I try so hard to find a medium between a nice (realistic) gift that the child will find useful and fun, without going over the top, without being a party pooper at the same time.

Here are some tips to help you SAVE on birthday gifts …

1. Check your Budget or Set A Budget

Easier said than done -right? Some of you may find this harder than others – but let me tell you a secret:  Stop worrying about what other people think and you will/may save some SERIOUS cash.  Focus on what you can afford, and spend that, and only that.

2. Stock Up through the Year

We are always talking about a gift closet ~ use that to the max potential. When you have several children, chances are you will have birthday parties ALL the time – have a designated spot in the house that you can make your “Gift Closet”.

Scope out sales, Amazon Deals and online deals ALL year long – buy toys when they are cheap, or at a significant discount, and throw them in the closet. Try to find a spot that the kids don’t know about (which is important if you have kids like I do…)

Having a stockpile of gifts is always helpful  — it’ll prevent you from running out last minute and paying more.

3.  Stash the Basics

Toys are fun, but most kids will continue to come back to the Stickers, Crayons, Perler Beads or even Drawing Pads more than anything else. 

So take advantage of those Back to School clearance sales, stockpile the crayons, markers and notepads, and put those together with inexpensive DVDs and books for a frugal gift idea. 

4.  Have a List

Write ALL the birthdays down – keep them on a calendar, put them in your phone – something… to help you plan ahead. If you have a list of birthdays you are less likely to forget and have to run out at the last minute to buy items.

Are you great on the computer? Set up a Calendar for yourself, start a spreadsheet or use PicMonkey to put a design together.

5. Shop the $.99 Store

Sure, you may not find the gift there, but it IS the place to go for Gift Wrap, Tissue, Bows, Tape (3 Rolls for $.99!), and Ribbon.  You really can’t go wrong … the Gift Bags are ONLY $.99 and they have a HUGE aisle dedicated to gift giving supplies.

Why get wrap or tissue elsewhere when you can pick up at the $.99 (without coupons?)