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Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.

Sweetmama Survival Guide: Holiday Giving on a Budget

canada (Dec.05.08)    


I usually write these blog posts after the kiddos go to bed, but last night I passed out mid-story, so I apologize for my tardiness here. (I need a SM Survival Guide for staying up past 8 o'clock...)

All this talk of recession makes this Sweetmama (and her credit card company) sad. But a challenge only invigorates my shopping mojo. So how does one try to be frugal, while remaining fabulous and festive? It's more about changing our mindset from "more" to "merrier." Here's how you can have a fantastic Festivus without hitting a financial foul.

1. Buy quality not quantity. When I was growing up we got one present Christmas morning. ONE. It was the one thing we waited for all year; the one thing we begged Santa for, and getting it was so rewarding. Given the way the world is headed, I think it's prudent to start limiting both expectations and the amount of stuff we bring into our homes -- especially those things that are throwaway in nature and won't hold value in a child's eyes for long. Get one item, preferably made of sturdy, natural materials that will last for generations.

2. Choose items that are multi-purpose. The best toys will capture the attention and imagination of multiple age-levels.  My children are fairly close in age (less than three years apart) but I'm often amazed at how something intended for my toddler has my preschooler begging for a turn. I also love toys that hit many developmental areas, from imagination to motor skills for example.

3. Give second hand toys to kids that are too small to know better. I think that until about four, kids don't have a real concept of "the box that it came with." We all have those toys that were barely touched, no matter how cool they were. Many quality wooden toys are easily washable and stand the test of time, looking virtually brand new. Host a toy swap with your moms' group. Give that toy a second life by giving it a new home.

4. Have a bake n' trade party. Get your Sweetmamas together, let the kids go nuts in the playroom and then bake a bunch of cookies together. (The most important ingredient to have on hand is a bottle of wine, of course.) Wrap them decoratively, then everyone has hostess gifts or coworker gifts on hand. Who doesn't like getting cookies?

5. Buy in bulk and take advantage of holiday specials. Many cosmetic companies package things up cheaply and attractively for the season. Split up that pack of lip glosses and give to three friends. People just want to be thought of -- it's not about how much you give them, but about something lovely that says, "You're important to me."

6. Consider consumables. The first thing to go when times are hard is the lavish things that make life great. A bottle of champagne, that luxurious body lotion, that decadent fair-trade organic hot chocolate. Giving things that can truly be used while bringing a little joy into the everyday is what the holidays are all about.

7. Visit trade shows. The One of a Kind Show is on right now in Toronto. Many schools and places of worship hold holiday bazaars and craft sales. Check your local classifieds or sign up for local craft alerts. These are great places to buy local (save on shipping!) and support your arts community. Plus, it's the ideal place to get items as unique as your gift getter is!

We always get a clementine in the toe of our stockings. I love this tradition, because it reminds me of days gone by when oranges were a hard-to-come-by treat, not a year-round fruit. As a civilization, we've moved forward at lightening speed. I think it's time to put some old school ideals back into the holidays. It'll save your wallet and the spirit of the season.


Tags:  holidays, holidays on a budget, nadine silverthorne, christmas shopping, saving strategies, cheap, budget, frugal, festive, sweetmama survival guide



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