You don’t have to spend a fortune to bring joy to loved ones and create memories this holiday season. If this time of year stresses you out and empties your wallet of more cash than you can afford, maybe it’s time to rethink your priorities. After all, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are about celebrating family and loved ones, not how many gifts you give or get.

Luckily, there’s a happy medium. Show your loved ones you care with thoughtful gifts that keep with the spirit of the holidays and don’t cause you financial strain. Here are some money saving ideas to get you started:

Don’t Be a Gift Spendthrift!

Just like it’s not wise to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach, it’s not a good idea to shop for gifts without setting a personal budget first. Decide the total amount you’re willing to spend, make a list of the people you’re buying gifts for and break down how much you’re going to spend on each person. And, most importantly, stick with it! (Learn how to start a personal budget.)

Go Homemade

Home-made gifts are often times the most thoughtful and memorable gifts. Focus on creating value, not on the price tag. Put old photographs in inexpensive frames, create a photo album or scrapbook, or give a personal coupon book full of goodies like a “free back massage” or “3 nights of dish duty without complaint.”

Turn Points into Gifts

If you have a credit card that gives you points for purchases, consider cashing in your points for the holidays. You can pay yourself back for gifts you’ve bought with a cash-back option or you can purchase gift cards and other gifts through your rewards program.

Shop Early and Save

If you give yourself time to shop, you may be able to snag a deal on an item you’re gifting. Take advantage of big sales days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you’re an online shopper, shopping early will also help you to avoid paying big money for last-minute express shipping.

Check Online Coupon Sites

Before you make any purchase online, check sites like RetailMeNot, CurrentCodes, CouponCabin and Dealigg to see if there are any coupons or promotional codes available that you can use to get a discount at checkout.

Put on Your Baker’s Cap

What could be sweeter than a box of sugary treats? Pull out the oven mitts and put on your baker’s cap. Baked goods make the perfect gifts for just about anyone – Friends, family, co-workers, teachers and those who provide valuable services all year round, like your paperboy, hairdresser or mail carrier.

Save up
Instead of paying for those holiday gifts for months after the holidays are over – plus interest to boot – why not save up for the holidays ahead of time? You can opt to pay cash for gifts, or if you charge them, pay off your balance in full so you’re not stretching the bill until the next holiday season. (Learn more about how your credit card habits are affecting your credit score.)

Don’t Fall into the Wrap Trap!

If you’re not careful, you could wind up spending a small fortune on gift wrap. Your presents might look amazing, but the wrap will typically wind up in the trash along with your hard-earned dollars. Think creatively and recycle – Cheap items around the house like empty glass jars, baskets and plain paper bags often provide the perfect receptacles to decorate. You can even make colorful papers at home to use as gift wrap.

Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Has your family grown so large that buying gifts for everyone has become a financial burden? Consider organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange to minimize the stress. Opt to buy one great gift for one great family member instead of gifts for each individual in your family.

Take a Pass, Spoil the Kids

Many families opt to buy gifts for the children, while the adults do without. If you can’t bear to go giftless, consider making a pact with the other adults in your family to make inexpensive homemade gifts for each other and focus the bulk of the gift-buying on the kids.

Get Your Group on!

Give loved ones the gifts they want and save money by buying as a group. Go halfsies with your sibling to buy mom a gift, or get a couple of friends together to buy another pal a memorable present.

Skip Snail Mail

Nix the holiday cards and instead, send personalized emails or make phone calls to loved ones during December. You’ll save on stationary and postage, and far-away family and friends will appreciate hearing your voice. Make sure to make the calls during times when you have unlimited long distance, like nights and weekends.

Instead of Giving Gifts, Give Back

Rather than exchange gifts with cousins, friends or co-workers, plan an outing with the whole gang to help out at a local charity. Not only will you have the chance to spend time together, but you’ll come away feeling good that you helped those who need it most.

Looking for more helpful money saving tips,? The Quizzle Blog’s got you covered:

• Is Peer Pressure and Saving Money a Toxic Mix?
• Free Stuff from the Government
• Planning the Perfect Wedding on the Cheap
• 8 Ways to Stretch Money as a Poor, Broke College Student
• 55 Money Saving Tips (Your Wallet Will Thank You)

For more free tools and information about your home, money and credit, visit Quizzle.com. You’ll get a totally free credit report and free credit score (like really free, no-strings-attached-free), plus other great freebies to help you get your financial life on track and keep it there!

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