The holidays are the one time of the year many of us struggle with sticking to our budget. With rising inflation and an unpredictable economy, once again Canadians plan to spend less on the holidays than they did in 2023.
While it may feel satisfying to see a towering pile of presents under the Christmas tree, starting the new year in debt soon takes away that warm glow. Which is where a holiday budget comes in––not just for adults, but for kids and teens, too.
Here are some holiday spending tips to help kids and teens stay within their budget and still enjoy the holiday season.
Why is holiday budgeting important?
If you’re the type of holiday shopper who panic buys at the mall (many of us have been there!), then you probably already know the benefits of budgeting for the holidays. Creating a budget for the holidays is even more important because, without one, you could easily overspend.
Going into battle (or a crowded mall in December) without a plan could be disastrous. Not only does creating a holiday budget help adults, but it’s a great money-management skill to model for our kids and teens.
How much should you budget for the holidays?
The most wonderful time of the year isn’t always so wonderful for our bank balance. Almost half of Canadians plan to cut back this year and on average will spend $900, with an average of $544 going to gifts.
When budgeting for the holidays, financial experts suggest spending between one and 1.5 per cent of your annual salary. While that math might work for adults earning a yearly, salary, teens and kids should choose a dollar amount they feel they can comfortably afford. As the saying goes, “it’s the thought that counts.” Plan on setting a spending limit and stick with it.
Do kids need a Christmas budget?
By the time kids have grown to be teens, they likely have a list of people they want to buy gifts for during the holidays. From matching necklaces for their BFF to the latest Steam game for their Secret Santa to yet another “World’s Best Dad” mug.
But even candy grams and silly stocking stuffers for the family pet can add up, which is why the holidays are an ideal time for kids and teens to practice making and sticking to a budget. This way, they’re empowered to spend their own money how they choose on Christmas gifts for loved ones.
By setting a spending limit, kids and teens get real-world practice at budgeting and deciding where their money goes. Because planning ahead to buy for everyone on your list and still having money left over to see a movie or go skating is a great feeling!
Read more: How to make a budget for kids and teens
How kids can earn extra gift money
Instead of having your kids hit you up for money to buy you your own Christmas present, talk to them ahead of time about how they can make extra money for their holiday spending. If your teen has a part-time job, they may be able to take on some extra shifts leading up to the holidays (especially if they work in retail). Kids and teens can also earn additional money by taking on extra chores or seasonal winter tasks.
The holidays are a busy time for many families, so take advantage of a willing pair of hands to wrap gifts, babysit younger siblings, declutter the family room, or shovel the driveway.
Read more about giving your kids an allowance
How kids and teens can create a holiday budget
Creating a holiday budget doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can even be a fun activity you can do as a family. Here are a few holiday budgeting tips you can share with your kids and teens:
1. Set a spending limit
Every budget needs a dollar amount allocated to it. Kids can check how much they have saved in cash or in their Mydoh account (they can even set a savings goal specifically for the holidays!) and how much of that they want to allocate.
2. Create a gift list
Who do they want to buy for and what? Writing out a list with a dollar amount is one thing, but your kids can also get creative by creating a Pinterst board and pinning items or creating a pictorial list online using Canva.
3. Assign a dollar amount
Determine how much you can afford to spend on each gift or person. Not sure what a gift will cost? Encourage your kids to do some research and compare prices online first.
4. Total your amounts
Simply add the amount for each gift and ensure it doesn’t equal an amount more than your spending limit. If your kid is planning to spend more than they budgeted, see our next point.
5. Adjust accordingly
If your teen has brand name tastes but a no-name budget, they might need to adjust their budget (and their expectations). Is there one area of their budget they can cut down on or could they earn some extra money to boost their holiday spending?
Looking for more holiday budgeting tips for your family? Read our guide to budgeting for kids
7 tips to budget for the holidays as a family
1. Take all your holiday expenses into account
As well as gifts, remember to budget for any other expenses you may have this holiday season. This could include travel plans, get-togethers or family dinners, food, decorations (including the cost of a tree), gift wrapping, stocking stuffers, or teachers’ presents. To help manage expenses, consider hosting a potluck or deciding on a Secret Santa gift swap rather than buying presents for everyone in your extended family.
2. Set your kids’ expectations
While many of us want the holidays to be a magical time for our kids, nothing can blow out the holiday budget more than buying everything on their Christmas wish list. Instead, set expectations early on. Ask your kids to identify a few gifts they really want and let them know how many gifts they might expect. Another approach some parents take is to buy their kids something they want, something they need, something they wear, and something they read. This can apply as well to teens as it does to younger kids.
3. Shop for the best deal
Make your budget stretch further by shopping for the best deal. Maybe your kids’ “must have” gift probably won’t go on sale until after the holidays, but you can still price compare. Flipp and Rebee are two apps that will compare prices on recent flyers, so you can shop for the best deal. If you’re shopping online, don’t forget to factor shipping costs into your budget.
4. Give the gift of time together
Gifts aren’t the only way families can celebrate the holidays. Whether you’re budget conscious this year or not, focus on presence, rather than presents. One of the joys of the festive period is kids spending time as a family. Why not have each person write a certificate for a “gift” they’d like to experience over the holidays. Perhaps it’s a holiday movie marathon with plenty of popcorn, decorating a gingerbread house (or creating teams and turning it into a friendly competition), playing board games, or a walk in the snow followed by hot chocolate. Not only can doing this help create wonderful memories, but it also teaches kids that there’s more to the holidays than simply accumulating a pile of gifts.
Read more: Fun and cheap winter activities for families
5. DIY the holidays
Those pretty baubles and festive wreaths can tap your budget. One way to cut down on expenses is to get crafty and DIY everything from a centrepiece for the dinner table to handmade shortbread for teachers’ gifts to homemade bath bombs. Encourage them to hand make gifts for people on their shopping list and bank some of their money. There’s plenty of #DIYgiftideas inspo available on TikTok.
6. Volunteer
The spirit of the holiday season isn’t about what you get, but about what you give. Teaching kids and teens about managing their money can include being grateful for what you already have. One way to appreciate what you’ve got is to give back to their community. Encourage (or even challenge your kids—and yourself) to find even one small way to volunteer this holiday. It could be donating one gift from their list to a local toy drive, volunteering to distribute gifts or food for a local charity, or as simple as shovelling the driveway of a neighbour.
7. Start saving money early
If you find the holidays often put a strain on your finances, make a resolution to set aside monthly savings for the next year. Make it a teachable moment for your kids and teens and discuss a plan to spread the cost out the following year. Parents can also encourage their kids to save money and think about putting aside a set amount each month. Mydoh makes that easy with our Savings Goals feature in the Mydoh app.
Read more about teaching good money habits
How Mydoh can make budgeting easier for your kids
Holiday shopping and buying gifts for family and friends can be fun! And while you don’t want to rob your kids of that joy, it’s also important for parents to help guide kids in making sound decisions about their money. The Mydoh app and Smart Cash Card allow kids and teens to shop safely and securely this holiday season and, as it’s prepaid, they won’t have to worry about going into the red in the New Year.
Mydoh helps kids and teens “sleigh” their holiday spending! Learn more about about Mydoh.
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.
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