Holiday spending adds up fast: gifts, food, decorations, cards, and travel. This free planner helps you set a budget you can live with and keeps a running total as you shop, so January doesn't arrive with a pile of bills.
My Holiday Gift and Budget Planner
A happy holiday without the January bills.
1. My Total Holiday Budget
2. Gifts
| Name | Gift idea | Budget | Spent | Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gift totals |
3. Other Holiday Costs
| Expense | Budget | Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Food and treats | ||
| Decorations | ||
| Cards and postage | ||
| Wrapping | ||
| Travel | ||
| Other |
4. How I'm Doing
Planned in all:
Spent so far:
Budget left:
5. Ideas and Notes
The best gifts are time, kindness, and attention. Chances.org
Tips for a budget-friendly holiday
- Set your total first, then divide it up. It's easier to stick to a number you chose on purpose.
- Don't forget the extras. Food, wrapping, and postage often add up to as much as the gifts.
- Fill in "Spent" as you shop, and watch "Budget left" so there are no surprises.
- Mix in homemade and time-based gifts: cookies, a framed photo, or an afternoon together.
Money tight this year? Read How to Have a Happy Holiday When Money Is Tight, including free toy and meal programs, or see all the tools in The Chances Toolbox.