Holiday Shopping Challenge with American Express + $250 Gift Card Giveaway

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The holidays are upon us and people everywhere are purchasing gifts for family and friends in hopes of finding the perfect gift.  American Express offers a way to stretch your budget further with American Express Membership Rewards points.  There are so many items to choose from, including gift cards, electronics, toys, games, and more!

20 years ago, American Express launched the Membership Rewards program as a first of its kind program that overtime has continued to innovate through new partners, categories and features.  The program offers more than a million rewards from over 500 brands and millions Cardmembers have redeemed their points for a variety of merchandise and experiences – from movie tickets to trips to the world’s finest resorts.

Membership Rewards as Social Currency

Membership Rewards has become a kind of social currency for many.  We live in a world where more and more people are connecting online and sharing experiences with one another on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, YouTube and so on.  Membership Rewards are more than just points.  They are a social currency that connect us to the people, experiences and things we love.  Plus, there is a now a dedicated tab for Membership Rewards on the American Express Facebook Page, where Cardmembers can share stories on what they were able to buy with their Membership Rewards points with their communities – another way to share the possibilities with points in a social environment.

Earn Points Easily!

Points are EASY to earn!  You can earn points on everyday items like gas, groceries, phone bills and redeem them for practical items like paying your taxes OR social efforts like donations to charities OR for the things you love – like extraordinary shopping to entertainment to travel rewards – it’s a world of possibilities and the choice is yours!

The great thing is that you don’t need to amass a large amount of reward points before you start to realize the benefits.  Points are only for big-ticket items and trips.  You can use points for everything from gift cards to movie tickets – with redemption opportunities available for relatively few points.  These points can even be redeemed at point of purchase on some retailer’s websites.

Here are some tips on what you need to know to earn more points and enjoy more rewards:

1.Points Don’t Expire

– Membership Rewards are ready when you are – today, tomorrow or whenever – and there’s no limit to how many you can earn.

2.   Rewards at a Few Points

– From Gap to Old Navy to Bath & Body Works, you can find gift cards starting at just 1,000 points.

3.  Travel Your Way

– Use the Pay with Points feature to book flights, hotels, cruises and vacation packages. Fly any airline, anytime without seat restrictions or blackout dates. Use points to pay for all or part of your trip.

4.  Find Great Deals

– At membershiprewards.com/specials, you can save points with great deals on select rewards like electronics, travel, entertainment, home accessories and more. New items are added regularly and we’ll keep you posted on upcoming weekly deals.

– You can also get bonus Membership Rewards points as you shop online with inSite from American Express – it’s a free online shopping tool that automatically notifies you of special offers when you use your Amex Card.

5.  More Choices to Use Points

– You can now link your Membership Rewards account to your Amazon, Zynga and/or Ticketmaster accounts and automatically use your points for purchases when you check out at these sites.

6.  Redeeming is Easy

– Go to membershiprewards.com to explore the variety of options and redeem points. Just check your balance, choose your reward, and click to redeem.

Small Business Saturday

This past Saturday, November 26th, individuals everywhere supported Small Business Saturday by shopping at their local small businesses, in support of their communities.  As part of my holiday shopping challenge, I’ve been given the task of purchasing gifts for 5 of my loved ones.  4 gifts will be purchased through a budgeted amount of American Express Rewards Points and one gift will be purchased from a local small business using a gift card provided to me by American Express.  The Small Business I am going to purchase from is a home business started by a husband and a wife.  They make the yummiest chocolate covered toffee I’ve ever tasted!  I am really excited to purchase one of my gifts from them and support one of our many small businesses in our community.

GIVEAWAY

1 lucky reader on The Mommy-Files will win a $250 American Express Gift Card!!!

WIN IT!!! (MANDATORY ENTRY)

– Tell me in a comment one of your own personal tips for staying within your holiday budget.

EXTRA ENTRIES

– Follow The Mommy-Files on Twitter – 1 ENTRY
– Tweet about the giveaway – 1 ENTRY DAILY
– Become a Fan of The Mommy-Files on Facebook – 1 ENTRY
– Become a Fan of American Express Rewards on Facebook – 1 ENTRY
– Follow me through Google Connect (new on the right side of the blog) – 1 ENTRY
– Subscribe to my blog – 1 ENTRY
– Add my Mommy-Files button to your blog and include the URL – 1 ENTRY
– Comment on any Non-Giveaway post on The Mommy-Files – 1 ENTRY per post comment (no limit)
– Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

RULES

– Contest will close at 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, December 11th, 2011! Any entries after this time will be deleted!
– Contest open to U.S. residents only.

I received compensation from American Express to complete this campaign.  The giveaway is sponsored by American Express.  All opinions expressed on this post are 100% mine.

1,400 thoughts on “Holiday Shopping Challenge with American Express + $250 Gift Card Giveaway”

  1. Meandering Matt

    For us, the number one way to stay within our budget is actually budgeting throughout the year and knowing what we will have to spend. Each month, we set aside $50 for gifts. We hardly touch that throughout the year and when it is time to shop for Christmas gifts, we know exactly what we have to spend. Then, it’s usually a matter of my son’s gifts first and then split the rest evenly among everyone else.

    mattschmunk at gmail dot com

    Reply
  8. amie dennis

    The way we stay in budget is we decide that we are going to only buy presents for the kids. We set our budget at $100 a piece and that will buy them a toy, some clothes and some candy. We have to budget about $50 to be able to send the packages because the kids live in UT and we live in WA. For ourselves for Christmas we go out for a nice dinner and that is our treat.

    Reply
  10. Sylvia

    With my husband out of work, we don’t have a lot of money or credit cards so pretty much we pay our bills and whatever is left over is what we have for gifts. Many gifts will be made by hand and gifts are paid for on sale. The kids give us a list of what they want and we pick a few reasonably priced items out of that list and get them a few things that they need.

    Reply
  19. Elena

    My tip is to make a shopping list and stick to it. And I never buy something I don’t need even if it looks like a good deal.

    Reply
  30. *LyndiLou*

    I find it helps me stay on track with my gift giving and budget for my family is by having them make Christmas lists. I like knowing things that they want, need or would really love instead of just buying whatever random thing I see and possibly over-spending and getting something they don’t want or can’t use.

    Reply
  41. Mariann L. Dyson

    For the last seven years, I’ve done all of my Holiday shopping without the use of credit cards. I purposely started saving for Christmas at the beginning of the year. Throughout the year I added five dollars, twenty dollars there and when it was time to start holiday shopping I was able to use cash. Whatever I didn’t have enough cash to buy, then I just didn’t buy it! I didn’t want to get into debt, so I developed that plan and STUCK TO IT! =)
    Happy Holidays all!

    Reply
  43. Margaret Smith

    We keep a list and amount to spend on each person. I look for items on sale. We make some homemade gifts and throughout the year I look for good buys and put those aside.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply
  46. Margaret Smith

    I’m a Fan of American Express Rewards on Facebook (Margaret E. Smith)
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply
  50. Vanessa M.

    We’re giving our 2 teenagers used gifts (from Craigslist), which are still really nice, and things that were at the top of their list!

    Reply
  56. Mami2jcn

    I make a Christmas list in early September and don’t buy the items until they’re on sale or I have a coupon for them. It takes patience to wait but it’s the best way to get the deals.

    Reply
  68. Elizabeth Scheller

    One way I find to stay within my holiday budget is to shop at local craft shows such as sponsored by area churches. I always find unique items, well crafted, and reasonably priced.

    Reply
  69. Pat

    At our house we stick to our holiday budget buy making a list of names of those dear to us. Beside each name we write a dollar amount to be spent (must include tax, wrapping, shipping, any insurance). Then we shop (preferably at sales during the entire year), using strictly cash. It’s too each to exceed our budget if we use credit cards.

    Reply
  71. Jessie C.

    To say within holiday budget, I have a price book when it comes to something we need and buy so I know the bottom line and won’t fall for all sales signs easily. I also shop with the spreadsheet/list on hand so I won’t lose the focus making impulse buy. For holiday in-store shopping, I pay attention to store policy, such as return and price match, sometimes if pays to ask and get discount you just never know; for online shopping, always search for coupon codes and go through cash back sites to maximize savings.

    Reply
  102. Amber

    My tip is to make handmade gifts for some people who appreciate that kind of thoughtful touch. It can be fun and saves some money, especially if you get the kids involved.

    Reply
  109. Amanda

    I make a list of things I need to get, and I write down a number. I don’t go over that amount at all. If something is too expensive, I get something else that is a little cheaper- whether it be a food item, etc.
    magickalblessings26{at}yahoo.com

    Reply
  115. Theresa Jenkins

    MANDATORY ENTRY>>we have a Christmas club and we shop all yr…this yr the 5 grandkids wanted swimming lessons,with a few small things under the tree …the adults decided to do grabbag.

    Reply
  123. Ann F

    I set a dollar limit for each person before beginning shopping, make a list for each person, and then make sure I stick to it.

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  143. LOIS PAYTON

    I follow everyone on google, and I start buying my next christmas , at the new year, and all year at sales so by the time it comes around I have everything, GOD BLESS AND KEEP YA’LL AND MERRY CHRISTMASS.

    Reply
  149. Mary Beth Elderton

    Besides Christmas, I have two kids with December birthdays. The best way for me to stay on budget is to start early and make a plan!

    Reply
  155. Rebecca G

    To stay within budget for gifts, I shop very early – I buy children’s toys in January when they are on clearance – so I always have a great gift for my child’s classmates’ birthday parties.

    Reply
  181. Lisa Davis

    I just make sure I always have the “Christmas List” in my purse with notes about what i’ve bought or want to buy for each person, helps to curb impulse purchases because if something looks good I make myself refer to the list – if it fits in somewhere (within the budget) then I buy it.

    Reply
  203. Elizabeth Scheller

    Another way I stay within my holiday budget is to shop at local stores who offer holiday sales. Many stores in my area (tourist beach area) offer end of season sales to get rid of the season’s merchandise. Often 1/2 off sales. A great time and place to find Christmas bargains, especially stocking stuffers.

    Reply
  205. Kelly

    Before I leave the house to do ANY Christmas shopping, I scour the internet, my e-mail, and my pile of regular mail for any discounts and coupons. I basically refuse to buy anything at full price, meaning everyone can get more presents in my small budget! 🙂

    Reply
  212. DeeAnn S

    First, I make a list of everyone I will be buying for. Second, I set the dollar amount I will be spending for each person. I’ve been doing this for a number of years and I find it help to stay within my budget. Thanks.

    Reply
  215. kmorghan

    I set aside a certain budget amount per person for gifts and then spend a lot of time researching prices and products online to get great deals on gifts to stay within that budget. I treat getting a great gift at a great price as a bit of a game so it’s more fun.

    Reply
  239. Debra G

    I have a “Christmas Fund” account that I deposit into every paycheck and what is in that account is all I have to spend for Christmas.

    Reply
  270. ellen

    personal tips for staying within your holiday budget.-plan ahead what your budget is and STICK TO IT. Allow a little wiggle room but dont go overboard- Christmas isnt all about the gifts so dont try to give the biggest gift ever- give something thoughtful!

    Reply
  284. geekbearinggifts

    We are on a very limited budget, so I give homemade goodies to people outside our family. It takes much more of my time than my money. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  286. Rebecca Shockley

    One thing I do to stay within my budget is to bring a list with me anytime I go shopping so I don’t randomly spend!

    Reply
  293. Marcia Goss

    I decided months ahead of time what I wanted to buy. I watched the sale ads each week and found everything I wanted on sale. We don’t go overboard like we used to. I try to pay cash for everything.

    Reply
  300. Denise B.

    We focus on the Christmas celebrations and not presents. So, we don’t have to worry about budgets; because we only buy a few small things for our children. We already have everything we need.

    Reply
  308. Suzanne K

    Making my budget out way in advance and shopping year round help. This year I’m giving home made, organic blackberry jam, blackberry liquour and blackberry chipotle sauce as gifts to many, and that helps too!

    Reply
  321. John Stetson

    I try to plan way ahead and start shopping early for those gifts that I’m sure will be what they want by Christmas time.

    Reply
  334. Pat

    At our house we make a list of the people we wish to gift and put a dollar amount beside each name (price includes gift, taxes, shipping–if any). We shop year round looking for sales and coupons. Also, we only use cash when we shop since the temptation to charge on a credit card is great. In the leanest years our core family and extended family draw names.

    Reply
  336. Jacob

    We make a list of everybody we need to get presents for and agree how much we are going to spend and then stick to it. It’s a bit strict but if you do it you can really stay within budget

    Reply
  348. Patrice Pruitte

    If I see nice items on sale or clearance throughout the year, I buy them and put them away for Christmas. I have also cut back on my gift list, after mutally agreeing to do so with some of my friends and family.

    Reply
  349. Joseph Stowell

    The easiest way I found was to go to my bank and get a set-amount debit card and to use it for all of my shopping. When the funds are exhausted, the spending is over. Of couse, it helps to make a list of everything you need (or want) to get and then shop around for the best prices.

    Reply
  359. Judith VanAlphen

    I am on a fixed income so I plan all my expenses carefully. I set money aside all year and that is what I have for Christmas

    Reply
  364. Katie

    One of my tips is to SHOP AROUND! I always research items I want to buy online – a lot of times I can find it cheaper online (using a promo code/free shipping) or I can find a store that stocks the item at a cheaper price.

    Reply
  375. Schmidty

    I get started on my shopping very early in the year and watch for sales and deals, online coupons and discount codes. I stick to my budget pretty faithfully.

    Reply
  403. Shannon Egan

    What I do to stay within the Holiday budget is that I shop ALL year round on and off. If I happen to see an awesome money saving deal, I take it, even if it’s in July! As long as it isn’t perishable that is. lol

    othila1985@msn.com

    Reply
  444. Elizabeth Scheller

    One tool I utilize to stay within my holiday budget is to shop within a couple of hours of closing time. There are no crowds and I don’t get swept up into the mob frenzy of buying.

    Reply
  451. CherylS22

    I stay within my budget by writing everything on a list. I start by figuring out how much I want to spend on each person/item. Then, as I shop, I make sure I write it all on my list so I don’t lose track of what’s done & not done.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  459. Kimberly

    We transfer money to our Christmas savings account all year and then take it all out in cash for shopping. We pay cash for everything & when the cash is gone the shopping is over! This has worked very well for us for the last 20 years and we never go over our budget and we never owe any bills after the holidays. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  473. Geoff K

    One tip I’ve found helpful is to set a spending limit with all of your friends and family so you don’t overdo it and, when possible, go in on a gift together with a person or group to stay on budget. Thanks!

    Reply
  493. T. Lawson

    I make a list of who I am buying for and how much I can spend on each person and I stick to it (or find something for less).

    Reply
  496. Sarah Hirsch

    my tip is that the sale price may look tempting, but if it’s not on your list and you don’t need it, it isn’t a bargain – it’s just spending more money than you were supposed to. so only indulge in those deals when it’s something you were planning on buying

    Reply
  501. Cindy M

    My best tip for Holiday budget: Instead of a fancy restaurant meal, my hubby and I spend Christmas eve at a Truckstop diner- my dad was a trucker- and the food is reasonably inexpensive- it’s simple food, but good!

    Reply
  514. Ellie W

    My tip for staying on budget is to shop throughout the year. I set aside a certain amount a month and when I run across a good deal on something I think a person on my list would like, I buy it and put it up until Christmas.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  521. Amy Zachek

    For staying within my holiday budget, I always make all of my holiday gift lists at least 3 months in advance. This way, I can incorporate the required costs into my budget gradually.

    Reply
  525. Ashley H

    I always use cash when holiday shopping, I put a specific amount of money aside for each family member in an envelope and once I’ve spent all the money out of the envelope I know I can’t buy that person anything else. I never use credit cards! ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com

    Reply
  557. Kathy Rambousek

    I like to save my reward points from my credit card to use toward Christmas. A little saved at a time goes a long ways

    Reply
  569. Glenn Peterson

    My tip for staying within your holiday budget is to start looking for sales throughout the year and then give the items purchased during Christmas

    Reply
  570. Denice P

    I choose one well thought out gift to stay with in my budget for each of my family members. I feel like its more personal and they get something that shows that I care.

    Reply
  603. noelle

    oh.. we are REALLY on a budget this year..
    So- I have a notebook..
    4 boys, you know they look at the number of gifts and the amount spent on each..
    I am writing down what they NEED… they get that first…
    then, mix in with a few wants…
    everyone is happy and so is the bank

    Reply
  617. Katharine D

    I stay on budget by making lists and comparison shopping. Shopping online helps as well as it stops the impulse shopping in stores

    Reply
  635. Jacqueline Griffin

    I’m the biggest bargain shopper ever! I keep coupons in the car and we don’t eat our unless it’s on restaurant.com’s website! I make a list and then go to every website. I then Google online coupons and use my American Express! The points are amazing!
    jacqgrif@yahoo.com
    Thank you so much!
    Happy Holidays! =)

    Reply
  648. Louis

    I shop year round and take advantage of sales whenever I can

    Thank you for hosting this giveaway

    Louis
    pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

    Reply
  685. clarissa

    use cash..not credit…and make the rule when your allotment of cash you start with is gone…you have to be done shopping

    Reply
  704. Eileen

    My tip would be for both spouses to shop together. I would not dream of having my husband do holiday shopping alone. He is a kid at heart and keeps adding to the kid’s lists…he wants them to be wow’d on Christmas morning. Getting better with the economy but spontaneous purchasing is a killer for us…we have little to stretch.

    Reply
  744. Cori Westphal

    Lists! I make lists of what I need, how much it’ll cost and where I need to get it. Then I scour the web the find the best possible price with discounts!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    Reply
  754. Crystal F

    Make a budget and stick with it. If you pick something out for someone and it’s not within your budget, pick out something else. I also wait to really good sales. I don’t buy anything until it goes on sale. Thank you!!

    Reply
  764. Nadine L

    I am a stickler for this ( I drive my family crazy,lol) The day after Xmas I start buying small things on clearance for the next year and I start making a list for each person I buy for. When I find the right thing, I write it down and search weekly for the best deals. when I find each item at a good price, I buy it. whatever is not bought by the first week of December, I buy. I stick to my list, don’t deviate at all and I stay within my budget.

    Reply
  771. wcc

    One of the main things that I do to stay within my holiday budget is to online shop with coupons codes and always trying to take advantage of free shipping. Thanks for the chance! 🙂

    Reply
  779. Mike

    Staying in the budget is easy when you try to win all your presents???

    I have a budget and stick with it, for each person on my list…

    mtdoonmeister at gmail dot com

    Reply
  802. VickieB

    I make a list early on, I set a dollar amount I can afford per person. I start shopping the day after Christmas for certain things.
    vlbsweeps at gmail dot com

    Reply
  805. Erica C.

    I make a list before hand of what I want to buy for each person and how much I can spend per person. I then keep a list of what I buy and how much it cost me. Seeing the amounts on paper makes it more real and keeps me in budget.

    Reply
  838. SnowflakeDay (Audra)

    My tip is to make a list and do your research. I usually buy my gifts online so that I can use online coupon codes and compare prices easily. I do venture out to the actual stores during sales events and seem to find a lot of good deals during that time, especially on clearance racks.

    Reply
  852. Sunshyn V

    Our budget is still very tight after such a long layoff and huge paycut so we’ve arranged to not exchange gifts this year with a few others who are also having monetary problems.

    Reply
  860. Aisling

    I shop all year (particularly for the adults I buy for) and watch for sales on items I know they’ll like. I put aside a specific amount for gifts that need to be purchased closer to the holidays and I just don’t go beyond that.

    Reply
  868. ferriz

    do your research! if possible buy online and use ebates and wait for sales like cyber monday. make a list and stick to it!

    Reply
  873. Hoa Le

    I always make a list and purchase gifts with my budget in hand. I also like to compare prices and look for deals online.

    alittlepieceofheaven777(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  886. Jill Myrick

    I put a set amount back every month beginning in January so that by Christmas I have my budget for Christmas.

    I also pick up several things throughout the year (if I find some really great deals) and put them away for Christmas.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply
  921. Debbie C

    To stay in budget and save time, I shop online using deal sites, point sites and codes to save all I can.

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  927. kalookalei

    I shop throughout the year, this allows me to find the perfect gift so that I don’t overspend to just buy something at the last minute. paglossian at mail dot com

    Reply
  953. kathy pease

    i start buying right after christmas for the next year and all year long look for sales and clearances.by the time christmas rolls around i am pretty much done.so i am not strapped with big bills 🙂

    Reply
  967. Lyndsey R.

    I say make a list. Stick to it. If you shop online, make sure not to pay an arm and a leg for shipping. Look for coupon codes and use Ebates if possible.

    lyndsey.rullman at hotmail dot com

    Reply
  968. Tracy Robertson

    I start shopping for presents in November. That gives me more time to compare prices, look for good deals and stay on budget.

    Reply
  977. Barbara Bee

    This tip may not be appropriate for a credit card sponsored contest, but my tip is not to take the credit card shopping with you. Take a debit card or a prepaid card so you won’t be tempted to spend more than you had planned on spending.

    3oink63moo484@gmail.com

    Reply
  980. Carla

    Start shopping the year ahead with after Christmas sales and shop all year long during sales, then there is hardly anything left to worry about buying.

    Reply
  981. Kylie C

    We give homemade gifts so it ends up spreading the cost of Christmas out over the course of the year since it takes time to make the gifts also we use supplies we have on had and do a lot of upcycling.

    Reply
  1013. Lucy Schwartz

    Pre planning!. Making a list and checking it twice or more. Making decisions of what gifts are wanted in a price range and having a second choice if the first just doesn’t work out.

    Reply
  1020. Lorena Keech

    As soon as the kids were grown, we decided to stick to homemade cookies and candies and an ornament for each person.

    Reply
  1021. Ann Marie Walker

    My tips is its never to early to start. I pick up things all year when they are on sale or clearance and put them away for Christmas. I always shop sells and online I tend to find the best prices and deals. SweepsGirl(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply
  1043. Shirley Hicks

    my tip is to shop all yr….i always have in mind what sizes my grandkids might need when christmas comes …and thats the size i purchase…i use coupons to get deals free or nearly free that i also use for presents and such

    Reply
  1051. Carolyn Daley

    To stay within my holiday budget I shop throughout the year. I love using Amazon to read reviews, price compare, and get free 2-day shipping as part of being an Amazon Prime member. I stash away awesome wins from sweepstakes that I think will make a nice gift and I look for sales throughout the year on particular items certain family members might enjoy.

    Reply
  1054. Rachel S

    I’m staying within my holiday budget by combining sales with member rewards and discounts! I got games for the kids for under $4.

    Reply
  1067. corrie

    my hubby and I save our change thru out the year. and this year we saved $567.00 for 2011. and that is what we spent on the kids and our selves for gifts. just from change that we had in ash trays and purse and what not. then we arent hit with having to put out any of our bank account money for gifts…

    kadia3 at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  1090. Pauline M

    I avoid using credit cards at all (since I know I will get carried away!) and instead will stick to the envelope budget with cash to ensure I stay within my budget! I have a habit of being a spontaneous shopper during the holidays!

    Reply
  1097. Mandala

    Take advantage of sales and coupons, stick to your list and try to pay in cash to avoid impulse buys using credit cards.
    mandalarctic at gmail dot com

    Reply
  1103. michelle kessler

    when you have cash only and not much there to begin with there’s very little chance you’ll go out of the budget just leave ur cards and checks at home and only bring cash

    Reply
  1122. Jamie

    I make a list and stick to it! I also do a lot of shopping online when shipping is free. The temptation to stray off the list is less!

    Reply
  1143. Heather Avery

    I stay under my holiday budget by making lists and ONLY buying what is on that list. Impulse buys are the quickest way to blowing your budget! I also shop deals and use coupons whenever possible.

    Reply
  1150. April V.

    Always, always keep your eyes open. You never know when you’ll run across that perfect something on sale. And if you buy perhaps one gift per month, you can easily stay within your budget.

    Reply
  1152. Tracie

    To save money, whenever I’m shopping online and have found something I like, I check for coupons (using a google search) before finishing my checkout to see if there is a way to save a few extra dollars on the purchase.

    Reply
  1154. SYNDEL VALLE

    How I stay in my holiday budget is I actually withdraw cash and have envelopes with the name of each person I’m buying for. I can only use the money in there and leave my debit card at home with my hubby.

    (I’d looooooooooove to win this!!! Thanks for the giveaway!)

    Farm_mommy3@yahoo.com

    Reply
  1161. Kathryn Costa

    I make a list of everyone that I will be giving a gift to and assign an amount for that particular person. When I am out shopping I stick within that price range that I have assigned to that person and don’t look at anything else out of that price range. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway! katbirdfl (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  1166. Steph A

    To stretch my holiday budget I try to shop the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and use any coupons and gift cards I have.

    Reply
  1182. Janice Cooper

    My personal tip for staying within my budget is using cash and not credit cards. This forces me to not overspend. Another thing I do is stick to my list and look for sales and coupons.

    Reply
  1184. Nicole Larsen

    I sit down and write a detailed list of each person i am shopping for and what i plan to get them . I stick to the list and use coupons and cash back sites when shopping online!

    Reply
  1210. R Hicks

    my tip is 1st make a decision on your budget. Look for sales online and offline to stretch your dollar

    brich22 at earthlink dot net

    Reply
  1229. Carmen

    We have a list of gifts we give every year and set an average goal on each gift. Some end up less and some more but we usually end up pretty close.

    Reply
  1234. R Hicks

    left comment Happy Thanksgiving 2011 – Tasty Tuesday & Thankful Thursday All in One!
    rhicks

    brich22 at earthlink dot net

    Reply
  1236. Joseph

    I know who I have to buy a gift for each year and set a limit, but I also add too additional persons to my list just in case I happen to meet someone or make a new friend.

    Reply
  1240. Christy Schultz

    I buy things I think people will like when they go on sale throughout the year, so I don’t have as much to buy during the holidays.

    Reply
  1241. sheila k.

    I usually begin shopping clearance sales in July so that I am not rushed. Additionally, I search the clearance racks and shelves first, and I am surprised just how many times I find the perfect gift for the person on my list, and I have saved 75 to 90 percent of the list price.

    Reply
  1243. elangomatt

    I think it is important to realize that you probably can’t get everything that everyone on your list wants. I think that people are too worried about the gifts and don’t bother just spending time enjoying the time with family.

    Reply
  1253. Becky S.

    I shop around online even if we’re going to buy in store. I check out prices and reviews so I know what I’m looking for when I go to the store.

    beckytag618 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  1268. Kristi D

    My tip for staying on budget is breaking down a reasonable budget with a spreadsheet before I even start shopping. I make sure the math adds up, so I can see my total and see if I’m comfortable with that.

    Reply
  1300. carol y l

    We decide how much to give each child and stick to it. We don’t go crazy and do not buy each other gifts, either. That really saves. Plus, we don’t exchange presents with neighbors or extended family. Who can afford that?
    spcale at yahoo dot com.

    Reply
  1315. Deborah Wallin

    I set a budget with how much I am spending on each person. If I happen to spend less on any person, that goes in my excess fund. I don’t allow myself to go over my set price on a gift, unless there is money in the excess fund that will make up the difference.
    wallindeb@yahoo.com

    Reply
  1317. cassandra

    I set an amount to what I am going to spend and try to find sales and coupons to make my goal. I make sure to keep my receipts and write down totals of what I am spending to not go over.
    cmarquez482(at)ymail(dot)com

    Reply
  1329. Beverly M

    I only buy gifts for my children and their families and I always spend the same amount on each person, every year, so I always know how much to save during the year and I usually give them gift certificates to their favorite stores. Except for the children, I buy them whatever toys they have on their list.

    Reply
  1331. spirit_kim

    One way I stay within the holiday gift budget is I remind myself we are going to want some special foods as well. If I blow the budget I can’t make that special cheesecake or something of that nature.

    Reply
  1358. Barbara Long

    I stay within my budget by creating a budget for each person I am shopping for and keeping a list of what I have spent on each person so I know when I have reached my limit for that person. I do not spend more than the budget I have planned ahead of time.

    longbarb1@aol.com

    Reply
  1364. heather c

    Always include the stocking stuff in your budget. That small stuff can add up…so if you can’t make it work, you can fill the stocking with apples, oranges, nuts and popcorn balls!

    Reply
  1365. brian e.

    Thanks for the giveaway…we stick to the one Xmas gift / person rule in our family, with a few extra stocking stuffers for the kids; we tend to stick to moderation in the gift giving department because we are tired of the mega over-commercialization of Holidays.

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  1389. Marcy Strahan

    Fan of American Express Rewards on Facebook
    FACEBOOK NAME: ZESTY WONDERLAND

    (I DO Use Prepaid American Express Cards for all my online shopping)

    Reply

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