Save on the Holidays by Planning Ahead

You can save money over the holidays by planning ahead. This could involve re-using decorations, or purchasing decorations cheaply at yard sales when families are clearing out their old things. For party food, buy in bulk at Walmart or Costco to get great savings.

Better yet, have a potluck party and get guests to bring a dish each. This gets you variety at a fraction of the price. If you have friends of different ethniticies or cultures, it could make for an even memorable experience if you ask that they bring distinctive foods from their own cultures. Not sure what to bring? Check this book out Campbell's Potluck for All Occasions

As for gifts, homemade gifts are a great idea. They can be arts and crafts items like handmade photoframes, with a print of the guests at the party included, or cell phone charms, or other small, personalizable, inexpensive items.

Food gifts could be perfect if you like to cook. You don't have to limit yourself to cookies or baked goods. For example, candied walnuts in mason jars are easy and inexpensive. For a more adult touch, cherries preserved in booze like vodka require minimal work and expense. And you can make them in huge batches to give away at a fraction of the price of store-bought gifts.

Photo courtesy of Roland from flickr.com