Start planning for Christmas now! This printable holiday gift planner will help you track everyone on your shopping list, create a budget, and plan the perfect gifts.
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, Keri Houchin earns a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Planning ahead is the key to holiday budget success. Do you often start the new year with a credit card bill or a tight budget? Holiday gift-giving should be fun, not stressful. This free printable holiday gift planner can help you map out your holiday shopping so that you can budget, plan ahead, and not overspend.
Looking for a bigger planner that covers more than just your gift list? You might like the printable holiday planner.
Gift planning tips
Shopping for friends and relatives
Everyone plans for the holidays in different ways. And of course, every person’s budget is different. Find what works for you. Here are a few ideas to get started.
- Write out the names of everyone you need to shop for first.
- If you have a long list, consider buying in bulk and giving gift baskets to some.
- Create a total spending budget and then divide from there to decide how much you can spend on each person.
- Include a budget range for each person so you can be flexible if you find the perfect gift, but it’s $5 more than you planned.
- Keep your list handy so you can jot down ideas or pick up something on sale.
- Handmade gifts can be less expensive but may take more time. Make sure it is something the person will appreciate!
- Start early. Those hard-to-shop-for people get harder the closer it gets to December. When you panic, you’ll spend more.
Above all, remember that it is the thought that counts. You don’t have to spend a lot on anyone or spend the same on everyone to give a gift that comes from the heart and reflects your relationship.
Shopping for kids
If you struggle with making Christmas “fair” for the kids in your family, we have tried a popular trick for simplifying gifts.
Each person gets something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. This is the perfect balance between fun and practical. I’ve also mixed it up and picked different categories. Swap something to read for something to play (games).
Plus, when each person gets four gifts, it feels a bit more “fair” without parents feeling like they need to spend an equal amount on each child.
Holiday gift planner
I’m a list person, so most years I just scribble on a scrap of paper as I get ideas… and then lose it before I’m finished shopping and crafting.
You can print this planner and post it on the bulletin board – or hide it in your purse/wallet so that you always know where it is.
This holiday gift planner is simple. It includes space for the gift recipient, a budget for that person, and ideas for what you might give them. I like the ability to write in a few ideas, both store-bought and handmade.
Get the printable
This printable is a single page and prints on regular 8.5×11-inch paper. All printables are for personal use only.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
This is such a good idea, especially adding in the budget for each gift. That’s always the hard part, staying within the budget!
Thanks! Budgeting is definitely hard. And no matter how “good” I am, I usually have to change things up a bunch.
This will come in handy, thanks for sharing!
I always love giving gift baskets 🙂 So fun to make!
And thank you for linking up! #fridayfrivolity
I love giving gift baskets too. They’re fun to shop for because you can get really creative with complimentary items.
Thanks for the freebie! Good tips too… I have a few more folks on my list I’m still trying to figure out! Thanks for linking up at Friday Frivolity!
You’re welcome! I’m actually only about halfway through my list… 🙂