These days, going over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house can cost a small fortune. Throw in the expense of multiple gifts, elaborate meals, and endless rolls of shiny, pretty paper, and you may not be feeling so merry. But don’t fret: Money- saving tips from Real Simple readers will help spread, if not the wealth, a generous helping of holiday cheer.

This Month’s Winner

Give Me Five
Years ago, my six sisters and I agreed that we’d spend only $5 on one another. Once our gifts are opened, we have a secret ballot to decide who made or purchased the most creative gift — things like thrift-shop knickknacks or a beautiful vintage towel. The sister with the most votes receives a small prize. It makes the holidays more interesting and fun.
Joanne Chavanne
La Quinta, California
Joanne will receive a copy of Real Simple Meals Made Easy.

Dollars and Sense

I put the money that I plan to spend on each family member into separate envelopes. When I buy a gift, the cash comes from a particular envelope until it’s gone.
Krystal Krenek
Lyford, Texas

Instead of paying full price for clothing for my daughters before Christmas, I take them shopping the day after and pay 50 to 75 percent less for the items they want.
Dale Wicus
Pittsford, New York

Shopping year-round and hitting end-of-season sales are great ways to save. Spending a little money each month is easier on my finances than spending a lot in November and December. As a bonus, I can spend the few weeks before the holidays baking, gift wrapping, relaxing, and reflecting instead of fighting the crowds at the mall.
Rachel Garlinghouse
Collinsville, Illinois

Paying for gifts with cash helps me save when I do my holiday shopping. Rather than aimlessly charging items to my credit card, I withdraw the amount that I intend to spend on that particular shopping visit. This requires extra planning to determine how much money I’ll spend for each person, but it also prohibits me from impulsively buying extra items that eventually add up. In addition, when the holidays are over, everything is paid off, and I have spent only what I could afford to spend.
Sarah Williams
Overland Park, Kansas

I’m trying something new this year: I’m saving all my loose change in a jar to take to the Coinstar machine at the grocery store. Then, instead of paying the fee to convert the total into bills, I’ll select gift cards in that amount. Coinstar waives the fee and offers Amazon.com gift cards, which I’m going to use to order Christmas presents. Since the change just sits in a jar all year, it’s automatic savings for the expensive holiday season.
Nancy Holm
Manalapan, New Jersey

My extended family eliminated large, formal holiday dinners and decided to have a night of appetizers, movies, and board games. Every household shares the financial burden and helps out by bringing a few different hors d’oeuvres, beverages, games, and movies. It helps us to enjoy one another’s company, sample lots of treats, and avoid feeling tied to a kitchen, all without breaking our budgets.
Denise Jeffries
Yakima, Washington

I shop early for plane tickets and rental cars for holiday travel. I post a reminder note right above my desk to check my favorite airlines once a month, and I find much better prices.
Anastasia Roark
Los Angeles, California

I make purchases throughout the year with a debit card linked to my checking account. The card functions like a credit card, and I earn points — one point for each dollar spent. At the end of the year, I cash in the points on my debit card for gift cards for various stores, which I give as presents.
Jerri Gober
Union, New Jersey

As geeky as it sounds, I make a spreadsheet. I plot the gift, to whom it goes, where to find it, and what it costs. And I don’t deviate. My holiday season is more organized and less hectic than it used to be, and once I have the list, I can budget accordingly. It’s my holiday lifesaver.
Rebecca Biddix
Florissant, Missouri

Throughout the year, I shop at thrift stores and yard sales for inexpensive (and often one-of-a-kind) vintage pots and vases. As the holidays near, I purchase bulbs and potting soil, fill all the pots, place them on a windowsill, water them, and wait. When I need a gift, I simply select the pot closest to blooming or already in bloom and wrap some cellophane around it with a ribbon, and off I go with a welcome and inexpensive gift.
Donna Furey
South Pasadena, California