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NewsTribune / shawlocal.com/news-tribune • Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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PERU CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Budget-friendly holiday shopping tips
Holiday shopping and entertaining involve a whirlwind of activity to round out the end of the year. The holiday season also tends to be an expensive time of year. According to Capital One Shopping, the average spending for holiday travel, gifts and entertainment expenses is $1,638. The National Retail Federation says American consumers spend an average of $997.73 on gifts and other holiday items each Christmas. For some people, adding an additional $1,000 to their November or December budgets can be challenging, and many individuals seek budget-friendly solutions for their holiday celebrations. The following guidelines can help corral spending this year.
you to take advantage of sales as they come up. Also, you will not fall victim to impulse buys or last-minute purchases because you are under a time crunch.
Track spending
Utilize whatever method works for you to keep apprised of spending. It may be jotting down numbers on a piece of paper or using a budgeting app on a smartphone. Having a clear idea of what you have spent and any dollars remaining will help you keep your overall spending in line with your budgeted amount.
Get coupons
It’s impossible to keep a budget if one is never established in the first place. Determine how much you can comfortably spend on gifts, travel and entertaining, as well as any other holiday expenses. Once the number is calculated, divvy up spending accordingly.
Signing up for stores’ loyalty programs can enable you to receive members-only coupons or digital codes to your phone or email. Compare the discounted final price with other stores’ offers to make sure that you are getting the best deals. Browser extensions also can search automatically for coupons and apply them to the checkout when online shopping.
Plan your list
Use credit cards wisely
Set a budget
Make a list of everyone you need to purchase gifts for, along with gift ideas and estimated costs. Set a dollar amount for each individual, particularly if you will not be spending the same amount on each person. Having numbers in black and white, and comparing them to what you have allocated for gifts, will enable you to see whether you are overspending or on budget.
Credit cards come with various perks, many of which are points or cash back accumulated with each purchase. Utilize a card that works best for your needs, whether it’s to get airline miles or score extra spending money for a particular retailer. Only charge what you can pay in full when the bill arrives; otherwise, the benefits may be negated by high interest rates. Holiday spending can derail financial plans for those who do not establish a Shop early Begin holiday shopping as early as firm budget and commit to spending possible, even months before the holi- wisely towards the end of the year. days arrive. Such an approach enables GG25A198
12 gifts for crafty people 1. Organizers: Craft supply organizers can keep people’s gear neat and tidy in bins or compartmentalized boxes. 2. Gift cards: A spending spree at a nearby craft retailer can help crafters get everything they need. 3. Rotary cutters: While quality scissors are a necessity, a rotary cutter can make fast work of slicing through materials. 4. Cutting mat: A self-healing cutting mat is ideal for model-making, sewing and paper crafts. 5. Cutting machine: A cutting machine, like those offered from Cricut® or Silhouette®, can help people complete a vast number of projects. These machines can cut vinyl, paper, labels, and even fabrics and foam for certain models. 6. Pattern books: Those who enjoy needlework, crocheting or knitting can benefit from books that offer patterns or digital sewing ideas. 7. Yarn and thread: High quality yarns and threads can elevate completed projects.
8. Paper or canvases: Fine artists and painters will need places to display their creative visions. A stock of mixed media paper and canvases means art can be made whenever inspiration strikes. 9. Resin supplies: Resin products have become more popular and crafters who enjoy such projects will benefit from epoxy resin and molds or acrylic pouring kits. 10. Clay: Those who enjoy making clay-based creations can always use more clay in a variety of colors and new clay sculpting tools. 11. Floral supplies: Whether live flowers or artificial, foam, floral tape, stem snips, and ribbons can help people create beautiful designs. 12. Home improvement: Many crafters can benefit from having a dedicated space to engage in their projects. Crafting is a popular hobby with scores of enthusiasts. Catering to their hobbies with special gifts will keep crafters busy and happy throughout the year. GG25A204
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