If your holiday shopping budget isn’t going as far this year, you’re not the only one.
The Associated Press reports roughly half of Americans think it’s harder to afford holiday gifts this year.
“Whew, I feel like it gets larger and larger every year,” Geoff Hale of Tulsa said about his budget.
We caught up with some Tulsa parents and grandparents at Kiddlestix Toy Store near 38th and Harvard. They each have different ways of budgeting, but it was top of mind for all.
Maybe you’re in the same boat. As the cost of living reporter for the Flyer, I’m always looking for new ways to talk about money. That’s why we created the series: What’s in your cart?
We’re hoping to provide a glimpse of Tulsa’s cost of living by talking with people in different parts of town about what they’re buying. Or, rather, asking them — what’s in your cart? Check out our previous editions here.
Harriet Derrevere
Holiday budget: $300-$400
Derrevere knew she wanted to buy another gift for her grandchildren in middle school, but when she walked into the store, she hadn’t thought of her budget yet.
“I just wanted something to jump out at me and say, ‘Oh, that would be perfect,’” she said. “Then, I would think: ‘Is that too much?’”
Ideally, she wouldn’t spend more than $30-$40 on this gift or $300-$400 total over the holidays — but she is afraid to add it all up at the end of the season.
Derrevere said presents seemed more expensive this year, so not only was she buying less but she was also thinking about asking her husband not to buy each other gifts at all. At their age, she said, they usually get what they need right away.
Dawn Mancino
Holiday budget: $150-200
Mancino has three grandchildren who are each two years apart. Since they’re close in age, she tries to get one or two nice gifts they can all play with. She prefers gifts that also provide a learning experience.
“Because I’m looking at learning toys, it always tends to be expensive,” Mancino said.
Megan and Geoff Hale
Holiday budget: $400-$600
When they walked in, Megan and Geoff Hale wanted to spend around $50 each for three kids. They ended up spending around $200 total.
The couple would like to spend less than $600 for their 8-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son. But things definitely seemed pricier this year, they said.
“They’re definitely more expensive this year, which means we’re probably spending more money this year, more than we actually budgeted,” Geoff Hale said. “But that’s just we’re trying to make everybody happy as best we can.”
“It is what it is,” Megan Hale added.
David Chandler
Holiday budget: $500
Gifts did seem a little bit pricier than last year, Chandler said, but since he keeps a tight budget, he hasn’t noticed it as much. He’s less worried about the number of gifts for his 3-year-old daughter and more concerned with how long they’ll last.
Overall, Chandler says he’s trying to cut down his spending. He’s even learned how to repair holes in his jeans just to save a few bucks.
“I tend to find myself happier with fewer material things around me — be more happy with what I have than expecting something that I don’t,” Chandler said. “That’s a value I want to instill in my kid as well. So, that’s kind of the idea going into the holiday season, is being grateful for what’s there more so than anxious about what’s not.”
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