The extra money that we spend is often a worry when holidays come around. Dinners, gifts, and holiday parties often don’t come cheap. What if we just don’t have the extra cash to spend? And what if we don’t want to spend a fortune, but don’t want to put a damper on our holiday cheer?

Fortunately, there are ways that we can keep costs down without feeling as if we’re ruining the holidays for everyone. Here are a few things you can do to keep the holidays from putting the bite on your wallet:

Making Gifts: The holidays aren’t always about who gets the biggest, most expensive gift. Giving and receiving true gifts from those we love is a beautiful thing. Making gifts and giving them away can be more meaningful and touching than a gift bought from a store. When my children were young, we made candy and cookies to give away, because they were inexpensive. Later on, when we could afford to buy gifts, we kept up the practice because the gifts were received with so much pleasure. That increased our pleasure in the holidays, as well.

When you give out home made gifts, presentation is everything. Candy presented in a tissue lined box tied with a ribbon is much better than if it were thrown into a plastic bag or container. It doesn’t taste better, but it looks better, and that makes it a better present.

Doing a Gift Exchange: If you normally buy presents for everyone in your family or circle of friends, why not do a gift exchange? You set a price limit, everyone gets a gift, and you all save money. We do this regularly, and we have a party to exchange them. We have a lovely time, and no one is ever disappointed. We find it increases our holiday cheer instead of decreasing it. It’s really not about the amount of gifts you receive.

Have a holiday party where everyone brings a dish: Instead of having one person front the cost of your holiday party, make it a pot luck. Everyone brings a dish, whether it be candies, cookies, or those yummy meatballs your Aunt Trudy makes. Serve dinner buffet style.

Do you have any ideas for saving money this year during the holidays? Let me know on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.

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It’s always harder for me to buy gifts for the men in my life, and I appreciate any suggestions I get. Just in case you’re the same, I’ve made up a list here of a few things I think the men in your life might appreciate. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be rushing around at the last minute – again – trying to figure out what to get them as a gift. Here are a few ideas for you:

So Clean Men’s Gift Basket looks good. It comes with the following, and I think it’s perfect.

Paul Mitchell Tree Bar Clean & Shaved, 5.3 oz
Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Body Wash, 2.5 oz
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Shampoo, 10.14 oz
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Conditioner, 10.14 oz
American Crew Pomade, 3 oz 1
1 Shaving Brush
1 Paul Mitchell Bamboo Brush
1 Wood/Wicker Decorative Basket

American Crew The Essential Travel Kit Classic. It’s everything you need for your shower and shave, and you can take it when you travel. Who doesn’t like traveling, and American Crew? Win-win. It contains the following five 1.7oz size products and is airport safe.

American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo
American Crew’s Daily Conditioner
Classic Body Wash
Precision Shave Gel
Post-Shave Cooling Lotion

Indulgence Men’s Gift Basket

* TIGI Bed Head for Men Clean Up Peppermint Shampoo, 8.45 oz
* TIGI Bed Head for Men Clean Up Peppermint Conditioner,6.76 oz
* TIGI Bed Head Manipulator, 2 oz
* TIGI Bed Head Men Firm Finish Gel, 6.76 oz
* TIGI Bed Head Men Pure Texture Molding Paste, 3.38 oz
* TIGI Bed Head Hard Head Spray, 10 oz
* 1 Paul Mitchell Bamboo Brush
* 1 Nail Brush
* 1 Wood Wicker Basket with Lid

If you’re on a budget yet still want to get something nice, consider Bumble & Bumble Seaweed Shampoo and Bumble & Bumble Seaweed Conditioner. They’re awesome hair care products at a great price. They have a wonderful fragrance that’s not feminine, and they leave hair soft and lustrous. I get these for my significant other, and he loves them. They leave his hair soft, clean, and in great condition.

Eau Fraiche for Men by Gianni Versace. It’s a light masculine scent of white lemon, rosewood, carambola, tarragon, cedar leaves mixed with sycamore wood. Perfect for daytime wear for the man in your life.

Those are just a few ideas. I’m sure I’ll have some more before the holidays are upon us. Do you know what you’re buying this year? Let me know on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.