Stress-Free Gift Planning, Tracking + Budgeting

Welcome to the Organizing for the Holiday Series! I am so excited to kick off the holiday season. I think we all need a little JOY and something to look forward after the year we’ve had. This series is dedicated to helping you get organized for the holiday season, stay on track, and ensure you actually enjoy the season. Today is PART 1 of the series and I am going to help you plan, track and stay on budget without the overwhelm (its very anti-2020!)

‘Tis the season for gift giving and even if you think “it’s too early,” I encourage you to read on. Today’s chapter isn’t about buying gifts or what to buy, rather it’s about getting organized for the season ahead. A little prep goes a long way when it comes to staying on budget, getting everything done on time and actually enjoying the season.

Ty and I have used this tracker since we got married (almost 10 years!) and it has helped us stay on the same page about what we are giving, who we are giving it to, and how much we are spending.

You can use it too! Just click the button below, download your own copy and save.

Here is exactly how to use this tracker to organize your gifts and plan your budget:

1. Download & Save

2. Identify your total budget for the holiday season FIRST. Input number at bottom of sheet.

3. Once you have identified your total budget (what you can actually afford to spend!), fill in WHO you would like to give to in column A.

TIP: You will also want to account for things like gift wrap, hostess gifts, etc. Use the name column for these things as well. (I already dropped shipping in there for ya!)

4. Now divvy up the funds! Assign a budget for each “name” in column D. This will total at the bottom (line 28). You will be able to see how close to your budget you are and make adjustments until you get it right.
5. Share it with your spouse, SO or whoever you collaborate with on gifts and start filling in the “gift ideas” as they come to you.

“I love using Google Sheets so that I can add things to the list while I am on the go!”

Lastly, as you purchase gifts, make the appropriate notation in columns F & G, as well as the cost.

BONUS: I have added a 20% buffer to help you stay on track. That’s for those gifts we forget, those opportunities to give that come up, and any other unforeseen circumstance.

Stay tuned for what's coming next week in Part 2 of the Organized for the Holiday Series. 

• Part 1: Stress-Free Gift Planning, Tracking, + Budgeting

• Part 2: How to Declutter + Simplify (BEFORE the holidays)

• Part 3: The Ultimate Guide to Clutter-Free Gifting

I hope this helps you get organized and start planning now so you can have a wonderful holiday season. Drop your comments + questions below and share with your friends!

xx

caroline