As much as we'd like to believe we don't go on a spending frenzy as soon as the Thanksgiving leftovers are covered in foil and plopped in the fridge, the facts don't lie. Retail sales by the nation's department stores see more than a 50 percent jump in sales in December, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2004, shopping totaled $31.9 billion in December alone, and from the looks of those old credit card bills, you managed to put a dent in that dollar amount.
When individuals give, on average, $15 billion each month in charitable contributions, according to Giving USA, we're definitely spending more than we're giving. As the holiday season stretches even the best-planned budgets thin, try these less-than-costly ways to give.
What to hand down
The worst part of buying the newest Tickle Me Elmo is knowing that, in a few months, it'll be all played out and your tug-of-war at the toy store will have been for naught. Then comes the joy of a younger child on whom you can, well, pawn off those used playthings.
Of course, younger siblings shouldn't get the short end of the stick by only getting what their older brother or sister happened to like. Appropriate hand-me-down toys should match a child's age, stage of development, interests and skill level.
Know the history of secondhand toys, even if you owned them firsthand. When your child stops playing with a toy, find out why. It might not be working correctly, a crucial part might have been misplaced or the toy might not be any fun. Look for safety hazards, such as staples or pins in stuffed dolls and removable parts, and check battery-operated toys to be sure batteries have not burst or leaked. Be sure to remove the batteries if you are planning to pack away toys until they become age-appropriate for the next kid in line.
What to hand out
Hand-me-downs might not be an option — either you've exhausted your remaining secondhand toys on your youngest tot or you just can't stand looking at the same Tonka truck for another year — so to make room for those brand-new buys, try hand-it-outs instead.
If you plan to donate, check with local charities beforehand to see what they need most. The holiday season has always been a very successful time of year for nonprofit groups such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, but it is also their busiest. Some would rather wait to accept certain items in lieu of ones that most families in need seek during the winter months, such as coats and toys. Others, however, might have plenty in stock but be in desperate need of, say, children's books.
