Not an easy task! There are so many sparkly and shiny things in the stores. I could suggest that you avoid stores and shopping altogether and advise you to make all your gifts however, unless you’re very crafty, it’s not a realistic suggestion.

Here are some ideas:

• Write down your holiday giving budget number
• Note any travel or holiday activity plans
• List the people you plan to give to this season including any parties you will go to
• Jot down some gift ideas including any hostess gifts 
• Estimate the costs of each item and add it up
• Is the total within your budget?

If it is, great! If not, time to do some Internet sleuthing to figure out alternatives and lower cost opportunities (sales and discounts). Doing this before you hit the stores will save you time and money because you won’t be tempted to impulse buy in order to get through your list. Either way, take your list with you (with your budget numbers) so you can keep on track and stick to your plan.

Good luck!