Upromise.

Create a Upromise account. By creating your own account you can earn money for your child's education when you use linked loyalty and transaction cards. Plus you can share your Upromise ID with friends and family and they can choose to connect their cards to your account as well for earnings when they make regular everyday purchases. 

Stock up on good sales.

If there is a clearance sale or summer sale on something you know your kid will be ready for and love next season or next year - buy it now. School supplies are discounted a few months after the big day - stock up. See some great toys or even things for every person - create a gift closet for when you need birthday gifts for your child's friends or your co-workers. BUT don't overdo it.

Take gifts out of card envelopes immediately.

Keep a basket or envelope near any gift openers so these can be immediately stowed for when the event of opening is complete. For thank you card purposes, write the gift that was enclosed on the envelope.

Wrap in Sunday comics!

My mother used both newspaper and comics and I still remember the gifts under the tree to this day. It isn't about the paper, it's about the love being felt. I think she may have done this after years of watching me carefully peel the tape, unravel the gift, and fold the paper away. 

Use reusable gift bags.

 When family all travel to one location, you can even have a box of reusable bags that you've used every year, in a tucked away part of the house. That way people can bring gifts but they don't have to travel with the wrapping paper and bows. This is even more wonderful when families are flying to the location and everything seems to require inspection. 

Give essentials.

 A child might not appreciate getting only socks and underwear but they can definitely be part of the packages under the tree. Personally I like the idea of having a gift arrive at Thanksgiving that is the holiday pajamas for the entire family. That way they are worn throughout the time gearing up to Christmas.

Make your own gifts.

Cookies in a jar, lotions, bath soaps, jewelry, you name it. There are tons of creative things you can make and enjoy making that you can give away. These are also things you could make into a small business solely for the holidays. $3-5 spent for a really thoughtful gift for friends, family, and acquaintances can really cut the budget back when you are buying presents for others.

Give cash or very intentional gift cards to loved ones.

 Often people are not aware of what their true wants and needs are. When asked for gift ideas, ideas can be expressed but the value of cash when needed can inspire very different decisions. If someone works on remodeling their home, cash would be a very good gift because they could choose a feature of their home to upgrade because of your gift. Additionally, gift cards well chosen to frequently used places can be just as good as cash.

Draw names for gifts.

By drawing names at one event, you can limit the amount of gifts any person in the family is obligated to purchase. This can be difficult if a seven-person family draws seven names and a two-person family draws two names.  Discuss this as a group and make a good-hearted agreement.

Buy a cooperative gift.

By going in with a few people better gifts can be purchased with less impact on any individual budget. 

Don't feel obligated to give anyone and everyone gifts.

Your secretary may like a gift. Your budget may not need to pay for her gift. Your child's teacher may like a gift. Your budget may not need to pay for her gift. See what you can do to limit the number of people on your shopping list.