Stay-at-Home Dads Don't Have to Break the Bank on Holiday Spending

It’s hard not to spoil the children during the holidays, what with those pretty blue eyes looking up at you, pleading for Santa to give her just about the entire toy store. But times can be tough, and it may be necessary for a stay-at-home dad and his family to take a stand on how much is spent during the holidays.

Especially with the constraints of a single income, stay-at-home families should be extra diligent during the season of giving. It may seem like a difficult task, but it is possible to cut back on how much loot is purchased while still offering an enjoyable season.

Budget

Very early, before you even start thinking about shopping or wish lists or even decorating the tree, think about how much you want to spend on gifts this season. Then figure out how much the family can afford to spend.

Use the latter number as the absolute most money you will hand over at the mall or online (include shipping charges and taxes). Then make a goal to fall below that number.

The holidays shouldn’t be a time to blow the family budget and wreck the finances in the name of seasonal cheer. The budget should be treated no differently than the regular budget. Get creative if you feel the need by taking funds earmarked for entertainment, say, and move them over to holiday funds.

Just don’t break the bank for one day out of the entire year.

Make a List, Stick to It

With an idea about how much you want to spend, start making a list for what you are going to get your friends and family. Figure out gifts that would make everyone happy and fall within the budget.

Like the budget, don’t stray from that list. It’s easy to lose yourself in holiday shopping and forget that you may be paying off that new and improved Xbox for the next seven years.

It will be most difficult to be disciplined while shopping for the kids. But, we all know kids lose interest in many toys and gadgets soon after they get them. No sense dropping $200 on that mechanical tractor, which will be collecting dust by Dec. 29.

You know your kids and what they like and appreciate. Find one main item for each of them and then supplement a few smaller gifts after that. No kid needs 15 presents under the tree from his parents alone.

Skimp on Yourself

The season can be exciting for everyone in the family, but the adults don’t need to be greedy.

Even as grownups, it’s nice to have a treat or two waiting for you on Christmas morning, but, really, what do you need that you don’t already have? And do you have a lot of time for new toys anyway?

Get with your spouse and come up with a pact to not go crazy on adult gadgets or jewelry. Maybe find something you can get combined for the both of you instead of separate gifts for each other. Or consider smaller, but more thought out, gifts to your significant other.

And use the savings on the kids. It is much more satisfying to see their glowing faces when they get what they want, rather than looking in the mirror to see your own glowing face.

It really is better to give than to receive.

Find Deals

And, like anything else when working on budget constraints, look for the best deals. With spending likely to be down during tough economic times, there certainly will be good buys to be had at most stores.

Even if it may take more work, shop around. Study those day-after-Thanksgiving deals. Look for last-second discounts. There may even be a gift idea or two where you could go with a like brand that costs less. Really, who is going to know the difference?

Then take home the gifts, wrap them up, sit by the fire and enjoy the fact you didn’t break the bank making sure Santa makes everyone happy.