How much should you spend on Christmas gifts?
There's no right number for everyone. The amount that works is the one you can pay for without carrying a balance into January. The easiest way to find it is to start with one total for the whole season, then split it, rather than adding up wishes and hoping the total is okay.
Step 1: Pick your total
Look at what you can set aside between now and Christmas, plus anything you've already saved. Put that in Spending limit. The calculator tells you straight away if your list goes over it.
Step 2: Set a gift budget per person
Add each person and how much you'd like to spend on them. Most people find it easier to group them: close family, extended family, friends, and “little thank-yous” for teachers, neighbors or coworkers. Giving everyone in a group the same amount keeps things fair and quick.
Step 3: Don't forget the extras
Food, travel, decorations, cards and wrapping are easy to overlook, and they can add up to as much as the gifts. Add them so your total is the real total.
A quick example
Say you're buying for six people: two at $100, two at $50 and two at $25. That's $350 in gifts. On November 1 there are 7 full weeks until December 25, so you'd save $50 a week, or about $116.67 per paycheck if you're paid every two weeks (there are 3 full two-week stretches left).
How your Christmas budget is worked out
We add up the gift budget for each person, then the extras. If you set a limit, we show how far over or under it you are. The savings plan takes what's left to save and splits it across the full weeks until Christmas Day (or your own date). Per-paycheck amounts assume you're paid every two weeks.
Ways to keep Christmas merry and affordable
- Try a gift swap or Secret Santa for big families or friend groups.
- Agree on a price limit with the other adults. Many people are relieved when someone suggests it.
- Start early. A little each week since fall feels much lighter than one big December.
- Keep receipts and gift receipts together, in case something needs to go back.
Questions people ask
How do I work out a Christmas budget per person?
Start with the total you can afford, take off the extras like food and travel, then split what's left between the people on your list. Grouping people (close family, friends, thank-you gifts) makes it quicker.
What if it's already past Christmas?
From Dec 25 onward, the plan counts down to next Christmas, so you can start saving early for next year.
Can I save toward a different date?
Yes. Pick a date in “Save until”, like a shopping day or Christmas Eve, and the plan uses that instead.
Are my numbers saved?
Yes. Everything you type saves automatically in this browser, so your list is here next time, and nothing is sent anywhere. Private windows and clearing your browsing data don’t keep it, so tap Save or print: Save a copy downloads a small file you can open later, or on another device, with Open a saved copy, and Print / Save as PDF gives you a copy to keep.