Create A Yearly Gift-giving Binder In Three Easy Steps

Earlier this month, I wrote a post about giving gifts. In it, I mentioned the idea of stocking up on gift items when you see them at tremendous discounts and having them ready when you need them later in the year.

So, I decided to share with you how I plan our yearly gift budget. You can do it too -  in three easy steps!

Because I love to give things away, I am going to offer you not one, but TWO free downloads to help make your gift-planning even easier and less expensive! Look for them at the end of the post.

Planning your your yearly gift budget in three easy steps.

Step 1: 

 

Make a list of all birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions in the coming year. I like to do this in January. Track it on the computer, your phone, or a physical calendar  (which is what we who are over the age of 50 still think of when someone says the word "calendar").

Step 2: Create a Gift-giving Binder

Here is a handy gift giving form to use when creating your binder. Yep! This is FREE downloadable #1! Make 12 copies, one for each month of the year, and place them in an inexpensive folder. Voila! All your gift information will be available in one easy location!

1.  The first column is for the date

2.  Next, add each name or event.

3.  Pencil in how much you think you will need to spend for each occasion in the third column. 

So, if you plan to spend $40 on a child's birthday, write $40 next to his or her name and birth date. If you spend less, great! Sometimes you find a great deal that is just perfect for them. Just know that you can't go over that amount.

Trust me, when I tell you this is the only way you will stay within budget! Plan ahead how much you can spend. This is not how much you would like to spend. This is how much you can spend. Don't derail your financial goals by spending more money on loved ones that you have available. I understand holiday and birthday guilt. In fact, I dealt with this issue in a post I wrote on guilt trips.

If you know that there is an item in your gift cache that is perfect for that person or occasion, then jot that down in the last column. This way, you'll remember that you already have a gift taken care of and won't needlessly spend money on another gift. Otherwise, use that column to make a notation of what gift you bought, the cost, and where you have it stored. If you buy ahead, it can save money, but only if you don't misplace the gift. 

Bonus idea: Shop your gift cache

I "shop" my well-stocked gift cache in my bedroom for most presents.This area of my closet is populated with items, which I have purchased throughout the year at super-discounted prices. You can save a ton of money on your gift budget by buying ahead and buying in bulk when you see amazing deals!

Step 3: Add it up

Total the "spending column". Then, I add 10% to that final figure to account for any unexpected weddings, showers, or babies. However, for the most part, I keep a pretty good supply of gifts on hand for these occasions. So, that additional 10% can be spent on continuing to stock my closet gift cache with more items. 

Look at the total. Does the final figure look astronomical to you? If it doesn't fit in with the rest of your budget categories, you'll need to either cut and amount you are spending on each gift or cut your list.

One more thought: Don't allow yourself to feel badly about the amount of money you have available to spend on gifts. For many, many years, our gift budget was slim (and that's putting it nicely.) But, it forced us to think outside the box, use a lot of creativity, and learn to trust God. Often, God provided the most amazing and perfect gift at an unbelievable price. So, take heart. Your friends and family certainly appreciate your kind, thoughtful gestures. They won't think less of you because of the size or cost of your gifts to them.

Remember: 

1. Make a list.

2. Keep it organized.

3. Plan your budget.

 4. Don't spend more than you have available.

5. Create space in your home for a gift cache. 

Don't forget your free downloads!

Download #1: Gift-giving binder organizer

Make 12 copies of this handy graphic organizer form, one for each month of the year. Then, assemble them in an inexpensive folder. Voila! All your yearly gift-giving information will be in one handy binder! 

Download #2: Monthly Guide to Discount Gift-giving

 

Don't forget to download your copy of the current Under the Median freebie! The Monthly Guide to Discount Gift-giving is a one-page handy graphic, which lists what types of items are deeply discounted every month of the year! You can download your copy right here! It's absolutely free and my way of thanking you for being an Under the Median reader! 

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Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope