Before you use this worksheet, look over your finances. If you have a household budget, how much will you be able to save for holiday expenses each month? Each year? Use this number to guide your choices as you fill out the worksheet. If you don’t have a budget, learn more now about budgeting.

To complete this worksheet, follow these 4 steps:

1. Decide how much you can afford to spend for each item listed in column 1 of the worksheet. Enter this amount in column 2. At the bottom of the worksheet, enter the total you can afford to spend for the holidays. Make sure this number is realistic, based on your household budget.
2. Track your spending as you shop. Each time you make a purchase, record it in column 3. Write down everything – even the stamps you use to mail holiday cards.
3. See how well you are sticking to your budget. Compare your final numbers in column 2 and 3. Use column 4 to record how much you are over or under budget.
4. If you overspend in any area, don’t give up. Just cut back your spending in another area to make up for it. Your goal is to make the total dollars that you can afford to spend match the total you actually spend.

You may also want to download your own gift giving worksheet and budget so you can add and delete things that make sense for you. We've created an gift and special occasion excel spreadsheet that you can use to organize your gift giving and events.