Organize Your Holiday Gift List

Organizing your holiday gift list is an effective way to keep track of the purchases you need to make and stick to a budget. The easiest way to do this is to create a spreadsheet either by hand or on the computer. I like to use the computer for the convenience of the calculating function and it is easy to edit information.

Using your spreadsheet, list all the people you want to purchase gifts for in the first column. In the second column, record the maximum amount that you are prepared to spend and remember to account for taxes. If you have a large list, you may want to assign separate columns for family, friends, co-workers, etc.

Calculate the totals from each column to determine your holiday spending amount, and make any adjustments as necessary. Keep this list with you while you are out holiday shopping so that you can review it and stick to your budget.

Creating a gift list will help to make your holiday's less stressful and make a smaller dent in your wallet.