The following excerpt is a bonus chapter from my book 8 (Really Creative) Ways to Save.  For more tips like these, pick up a copy of the book here.

8 Awesome Holiday Savings Hacks

Ready to put more “Ho, Ho, Ho” in your holiday savings this year? Check out these money-saving ideas for the most wonderful time of the year!

1.   Buy all your wrapping paper from the dollar store. They actually have great selections, as long as you get it early (before Halloween!). The longer you wait, the more picked over it will be.

2.    Have Christmas after Christmas. Stuff goes on deep discount on December 26. Yes, you run the risk of lower stock, but you’ll practically have the mall to yourself, and you won’t have to pay full price for many items!

3.     Establish a spending limit with those you exchange gifts with. Have an honest conversation with extended family and friends about what you can all actually afford to spend on gifts for each person. It’s also ok to decide not to exchange gifts and simply enjoy one another’s company.

4.   Visit your favorite thrift stores for decorations and quirky gifts that are one of a kind. Many thrift stores have a full aisle dedicated to holiday decorations. There are treasures and bargains to be found if you look hard enough.

5.      Make a giant batch of holiday cookies and divide them by the dozen to give away to neighbors, teachers, coworkers, people who provide services to you through the year, etc. Most everyone appreciates a box of baked goodness! And even if they can’t eat it, they can surely find someone who can. It’s the thought that counts!

6.     Put your special skills to work by printing and gifting coupons for free services. Whether it’s music lessons, babysitting, or organizing, gift your friends and family with your services and encourage them to use the service!

7.    Set a holiday budget and stick with it! Have a family meeting and make sure everyone knows that you’re going to spend a certain number of dollars and after it’s gone, it’s gone. Brainstorm creative, inexpensive gifts that will mean something to the recipients and set a spending limit for each person on the list.

8.     Shop for the holidays all year long. Always keep some extra cash on hand for buying presents. When you see that item your sister would love go on sale in February, you’ll be able to snatch it up and have a great gift when December arrives.

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I just went shopping over the weekend and used tip #1 at the Dollar Tree with awesome results.  I found some cute character paper to wrap my son's gifts in and he also picked out a roll that he liked.  I got 3 rolls of wrapping paper for $3!

What are some ways you save money for the holidays?  I'd love to hear!