Christmas In July FREE Gift List Planner Printable!

Hold on, don't click out yet!! I know what you're thinking- way too early, screw this!
And I agree…sort of.
Here's the thing, I'm on a budget. Tight budget. Pennies to nothing kind of budget. But I love to spoil the people in my life. Over the last couple years my Christmas budget has gone from $200 to $2 for each loved one in a very steep and fast decline. A couple years ago I decided to go all handmade, which ended up okay. The problem was I didn't get around to planning it until after October, and I didn't have any of the materials I needed so it ended up costing quite a lot to go handmade. This year I've decided to go handmade again, but this time I'm doing it right, and I'm inviting you to join me! The best part is, I'm doing this for handmade: you can put the same tips towards your holiday season, handmade or not and use it to save hundreds of dollars (as well as time and stress when it counts)! Now where to start. I know, its crazy to get your mind in a Christmas mood when its 100 degrees outside, but bare with me, if you do this now, you'll save yourself later-stick around for more helpful printables, card templates, DIY projects and stocking stuffers! You know what they say: make a list and check it twice!

The Christmas Gift List

Include anyone and everyone you could imagine putting on that list, include not only specifics (family and friends), but even go as far as co-workers and acquaintances. Why? Because a lot can happen in 6 months. Someone you may not know now; may end up your new best friend. Or unfortunately, opposite. A co-worker could become your new boss, or you get a new job! Put them all on now, and leave room for more later. I include extras like "10 coworkers" or "5 neighbors" and "3 white elephants" (under one category rather than individually) so I remember to grab extra goodies for those individuals-the people you may never talk to, but social etiquette demands gifts be exchanged. Before you get a paper and pencil out, hit print because this handy dandy printable created by yours truly will save the day in more ways than one. Choose from a festive red version, or more calming blue! Click the image to download!

Rules for the download: please, please, PLEASE make sure you subscribe to the blog by GFC, RSS, or bloglovin and share on Facebook or Pinterest to send your friends-Dear Wallet Printables are for followers only! Do not reproduce, or claim as your own, all rights belong to Dear Wallet and Ariana Neala. Thanks so much!

1. Use the list to record names of everyone on your list, print out as many versions as you need until you have everyone labeled! 

2. Below names you will see a sort of interview for each, fill it out as best as you can! 
Describe: try using 3-5 adjectives that describe that person: such as "loyal" or "adventurous"
Hobbies: List any and all hobbies you know about this person, include their career. If you're unsure, that's why starting early is great. Strike up a casual conversation and learn something! They'll never know, and plus this is great information to keep on hand for gifts all year round!
Ideas: List any ideas you may have off the top of your head, for example if you listed your 4 year old nephew as 'adventurous' maybe a play safari costume could be fun! If you don't know yet, that's fine! Leave it blank for now!
Here's an example I did for my friend Emma: (ok that's a lie. I have no friend named Emma, but I'm not going to post a real friend in case they come across this!)

3. Budget. For most of us that word is kind of depressing. But entirely necessary. Choose a realistic number for your gift giving. If your budget is $200, TOTAL-then you need to be realistic with your gift ideas. Put the number you're comfortable with at the top of the page where it says 'Total Gift Budget'. And most importantly: STICK TO IT. Now break it down, next to each name write in your max budget for that person. If your total is $200, and you have 10 people to shop for then you may not be able to go over $20 per person. But keep in mind that an acquaintance will have a different amount than your best friend versus your sister! Use pencil because there will definitely be lots of erasing in this process!

4. Now that you have your budget done, time for fun! Keep this list handy next to the computer or in your purse so you can add notes whenever inspiration strikes! If you see a great item at xzy.com -make a note of it under ideas! Make sure to write the location you found it at and the price so you can go back later! If your budget is smaller this is great for shopping around for the best price! If you come across the best idea ever, you can take the time to look for coupons and discounts that may happen between now and the holidays! Or it may give you time to figure out how to create something handmade similar!

5. Once you've found the perfect gift, and purchased or made it, you can record it under "gift" along with the "cost". This is handy for next year so you don't repeat a gift on accident, and the cost keeps you on budget! When you get near the holidays you can use the boxes on the top "wrapped" and "given" to keep straight whose gifts you have done, and at what step in the process they are!

Sounds easy right? Start now, thinking and brainstorming a little more each day, and save time, money and stress during the holidays! Just think: no more crowded lines, or terribly high priced items! Hit download and make sure you share on pinterest! And remember to hit subscribe because more great printables will be coming to help you keep the holiday season stress free!

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