Holiday and special occasion gift giving with all the trimmings can become quite expensive. After the gift has been purchased, the wrapping, tissue paper, bows and cards may cost as much as the gift itself.

Showing that you care about a person does not require that you spend an enormous amount of money.

It is easy to get carried away with all of the excitement during the holiday season. Think, plan and decide in advance how much you will spend on gifts and stick to the budget.

If you can not afford to buy presents for friends and relatives, let them know you are trying to get your financial life going in the right direction. Most people will understand your situation.

Create a gift certificate pledging your commitment to perform some type of service like baby-sitting, yard maintenance, or a home cooked meal.

If you have a large family, have everyone draw names so that it is affordable for everyone. Buy only one gift instead of many gifts.

A modest gift of cash may really help a friend or relative. It is a universal gift that anyone would appreciate,

Bake some goodies and place them in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane topped with a pretty bow.

• Purchasing holiday and special occasion cards at places like Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores can save a bundle of cash!  Usually they offer cards 3 for $1 or a box of cards for one dollar.
• Consider sending eCards when appropriate.  Sending electronic cards does not cost anything.

• Discount stores are a great source for gift-wrap, bags and bows at discount and dollar stores are a fraction of the cost elsewhere.
• The comic section of the newspaper is a fun way to wrap a child’s gift.
• Reuse brown paper bags from the grocery store to wrap gifts.  Finish it off with a pretty bow purchased at a discount store. 
• Recycle gift boxes and bags from gifts received by reusing them.

The most important thing to remember is the true reason for the season and refrain from over-extending yourself and ending up in debt over the holidays. Staying within budget will let you really enjoy this time of year without winding up in debt regret later.