BUDGETING
Create your budget first. Many people make the mistake of compiling the list of people to buy for and then creating the budget for each person. This often leads to spending more than they'd like. The best way to budget for the holiday season is to come up with a total you can afford spending first and then divide that amount up amongst the names on your list. Also don't forget non-gift items like cards, stamps, decorations, etc.
Draw names. One easy way to pare down the number of people on your gift-giving list is to draw names or participate in a Secret Santa exchange. This will keep your holiday spending down and save you time shopping.
Just buy for the children. Face it; kids are always more fun to buy for than adults. If your sister's family is growing in number, now may be the time to quit buying for the adults and just purchase gifts for the nieces and nephews. Plus adults have a tendency to buy what they need throughout the year and usually have a hard time coming up with holiday gift ideas. Gift giving is always more fun when you focus on the children.
Give family gifts. Forgo purchasing for each family member individually and instead give a family gift. Giving a gift card towards a vacation destination, a gift basket full of goodies, or a fun new game for the whole family to use is a great way to buy for everyone on your list, yet keep your budget in check.
Go in with others. One sure way to get the biggest bang for your buck is to combine your funds with others and get a joint gift. This is especially true for the people on your list that you won't be spending much money on. For example if you and your co-workers all chip in $10 for a gift for your boss you can get one really nice gift versus many smaller ones. No one will come out looking like a cheapskate this way.