1Set one total first
Start from what you can pay from savings and the next two paychecks. Shoppers in NRF's 2025 survey planned about $890 each; your own bills set the real limit.
2Give each person an amount
Write every name on your list with a number next to it. The numbers must add up to your gift total.
3Add the costs that are not gifts
Food, hosting, travel, decorations, cards, wrapping and shipping. In NRF's survey they were close to a third of the total.
4Log every purchase
Write down each gift the day you buy it. When a person's amount runs out, move money from another name or stop.
How to do it in Oaktally
A list gets you through one shop. Oaktally counts every gift against the total until December 25, so you see what is left before you buy.
- Add a Christmas categoryIn Plan, add an expense category, set How often to Once and pick December 25.
- Type your totalLeft to plan counts what the holidays still need, so it fits beside your normal budget.
- Log gifts as you buySay "gift for mom 40" or snap the receipt. The bar shows what is left.
Try it with your numbers
Put your own income and costs into the free worksheet.
Build your monthly planFrequently asked questions
How much should I spend on Christmas?
An amount you can pay off by January. Shoppers in NRF's 2025 survey planned about $890 each, $628 of it on gifts.
How do I save for next Christmas?
Divide this year's total by 12 and save that each month. A $900 Christmas is $75 a month.
Further reading
NRF: 2025 holiday spending survey ↗Consumer.gov: Making a budget ↗Educational examples, not individual financial advice.
