8 Ways to Save During and After the Holidays.

TUNIC: c/o Evy's Tree | LEGGINGS: Old, similar HERE | PLAID: TJ Maxx | BLANKET: TJ Maxx | BEDDING: Target | LIPS: MAC Ruby Woo

Who else feel's burned out leading up to the Holidays? I LOVE to give gifts, it's one of the things that bring me the most joy in life. When life gets tough or you have to try and save any way you can, it can sometimes damper the joy that comes with giving. Over the last couple years, I have found ways that have helped me have all the Joy I need to give while also being sure I am staying within my families means and saving where I can.

1. Plan Ahead: I start shopping in September, no joke. I keep my eyes open for good deals on things I know the people on my list will love! One year, I bought everyone's gifts a year in advance...the best spent Christmas ever!
2. Make a List: Keep yourself organized on a list, you won't over-buy for people. We have all been there! Bringing all the bags out to wrap and realize we bought 5 things for Auntie but 3 for everyone else.
3. Budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Shopping over a couple of months helps to stretch that budget so you can get everyone on your list something truly special.
4. Coupons: Use coupons and coupon codes. Retailmenot is my favorite app for this (not sponsored, just love it!). You can look up websites and stores for coupons to show in store or use online.
5. Sales: Take advantage of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday, and stay alert for stores you love when they run promos. This tunic I am wearing is on Pre-Order promo right now at Evy's Tree, this is one of my favorite online stores to shop at because they always have sales on their products that people love!
6. Keep it Simple: If the budget doesn't allow to be extravagant, don't be. Keep it simple. If you still want to give to the ones you love, give them an item they truly need. This blesses people more than you know.
7. Get Creative: I have done a lot of homemade Christmas's when the budget hasn't allowed for shopping. I LOVED getting creative with making everyone something special. Also, you can write letters or cards for them to open that says you are taking them on a date or their gift is a little late (when the budget is opening up in January or you had to wait for the item to go on sale).
8. Understand the True Meaning: Ultimately, this time of year isn't about what we are getting or giving, but the heart. If your heart is set on bringing joy to those around you, that is the best gift you can give this season.

If you need any last minute gift ideas, this Brooke in Electric Blue from Evy's Tree is a great option! It won't ship out in time for Christmas but you can do tip #7, and have a card in the Christmas Tree saying it is late to the party but it's worth it! The waffle thermal knit texture is so incredibly soft, it's lightweight which is perfect for a warm climate or for layering like I have it.

At the end of the day, make sure you aren't sacrificing your joy of Christmas to meet societies expectations. Remember why you love to give in the first place.

Merry Christmas from Topknots and Pearls!

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Thank you Evy's Tree for sponsoring this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Topknots and Pearls possible.