If you are like millions of other Americans this year, you are probably strapped for cash. Christmas time is coming and the kids are already salivating over what Santa is going to drop off under their well decorated Christmas Tree. As a parent, you really want to do good by your kids on Christmas, but you are feeling the strain of other financial burdens. There are a few ways to find some nice little gifts for your kids for the holiday so they won’t wake up to a sad empty spot under the tree.
1. Craigslist. Go to craigslist.org and check out your little section of the world. People are forever selling lightly used toddler or kids toys on the cheap because their own little one’s have outgrown them and they now need the space. A lot of people aren’t looking to make big bucks selling their stuff on craigslist, they simply want to free up their house. I found a nice couple of big gifts for my one year old son on craigslist and paid a whopping twenty bucks for something that would cost me about eighty dollars in the store.
2. Hand me Downs. When you’re struggling to make ends meet, you should never be too proud that you can’t accept hand me downs. Besides, your kids might love you for it. Perhaps your sister’s little daughter enjoyed playing dress up when she was little and now your little daughter is into the same deal. Ask your sister if she has any dress up clothing left over and if she wouldn’t mind parting with it. Next thing you know, instant Christmas gift. Your daughter loves you because she unwrapped a Snow White dress on Christmas morning.
3. Amazon.com. Your kids, like everyone else, are into electronics. They love their DVDs and video games. Check out Amazon.com. When you click on one of their product links, you’ll find that not only do they have the new product listed, they have a list of sellers with the same item used. Sometimes you can find incredible deals on games or movies this way. I’ve built up a nice little Wii game library in this way without breaking my bank.
These are just a few things you can try out to help save your budget come Christmastime. It doesn’t even have to be Christmas. It could be your little Princess’ birthday or some other special occasion you would like to reward them with a gift. The key is to be patient, take the time to look and not be too proud to get something lightly used. Chances are your kids don’t care, so long as they get to play with it.