So with the holiday season being upon us, and Scott being out of work, we've had to GREATLY scale back our Christmas budget this year. We are not exchanging presents with any adults and our giving to our children has been threatened as well. Thankfully, we have lots of wonderful people in our lives who love our children and who are helping to keep the magic of Santa alive, but we still wanted to get a few things for our kids. Last night Scott and I went out on a date and did some Christmas shopping and here's what we did (and how we did):
Applebee's Dinner - $20 gift card from the hotel where I work at that I received on my birthday; roughly $15 out-of-pocket for beverages and tip
GameStop - $20 for 3 Gameboy Advanced games (which is the platform we're moving Katelyn to because the VSmiles have been the WORST purchases ever - not durable whatsoever; got a GBA on gamestop.com for $19.99)
Gap Kids - Matching hoodies and socks for Katelyn and Abigail - $25 gift card from Wachovia Rewards; $3 OOP
JC Penny - Scooby Doo pajamas for Katelyn - $10 coupon from the mail; $4 OOP
Barnes and Noble - Lift the Flap Danny Dozer Christmas book for Abigail - $10 gift card from Wachovia Rewards; $.50 OOP
TOTAL OOP - $42.50 ($62.50 if you add in the GBA from gamestop.com)
I had gone to Goodwill earlier and purchased a Hannah Montana shirt for Katelyn ($2.49) and several books for the kids (ranging in price from $.25-$.75/each).
Also, I made my first Amazon.com referral fees yesterday and have started collecting SwagBucks in hopes of trading them in for gift cards for use in Christmas 2010. We're tapping every resource this year to make sure that, to the best of our abilities, our kids have an awesome visit from Santa!
Great job Jessica!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to learn more about your coupon techniques!!
ReplyDeleteGood job! That is really great!
ReplyDeleteWhether you were in this position or not, we would love to have gifts for the girls when we see you after Christmas (that will still work out, right??). If there is something in particular you wish you could get them, or something in particular that would be a good gift, please let me know! :)
Megan, we plan to be in VA from Dec. 27-Dec. 30 or 31...I would LOVE to come see you, but please don't feel like you have to get anything for the girls :) We just want to hang out! If you really want to get them something though, they are just starting to "play" together, so maybe something they can do together like (washable) finger paint or play makeup or something?
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