Plan every gift. Stay on budget.
Set your total, add the people on your list, and watch what's left update as you plan and buy. Private, and saved on this device.
Gift list
| Who | Gift idea | Budget | Actual | Got it |
|---|
Find gift money you're already wasting
Tick the subscriptions you pay for but barely use, and type what each costs you a month.
Tick anything you barely use to see what it adds up to.
MoneyShield: Sub Tracker
MoneyShield shows every subscription you pay for, what it costs a year and what's charging next, then ranks which ones to cancel first. Private, no bank login.
How to set a Christmas gift budget
1. Start with one number. What can you spend and still pay it off by January? That's your total. 2. List everyone. Family, friends, teachers, the mail carrier, office Secret Santa. Forgetting people is how budgets break. 3. Give each person a budget before you look at gifts, so the gift fits the budget instead of the other way round. 4. Add the hidden costs: wrapping, cards, postage, holiday food and travel. 5. Track as you buy, so the number left is always real.
Where people overspend at Christmas
Usually not on the big gifts. It's the small add-ons ("I'll just grab a little something extra"), last-minute shipping, and forgotten costs like stocking stuffers and hosting. Planning a line for each, even a rough one, keeps December from turning into a January surprise.
Questions
How much should I spend on Christmas gifts?
Start from what you can pay in cash by January without touching savings or a credit card balance. Divide that across your list, giving more to the people closest to you, and set a small amount aside for wrapping, cards and postage, which add up quickly.
How do I make a Christmas budget?
Set one total, list everyone you buy for with a budget each, then add other holiday costs like food, decorations and travel. This planner adds it all up and warns you the moment your plans go over your total.
How can I find extra money for Christmas gifts?
Check your subscriptions. Many people pay for streaming services, apps or memberships they rarely use. Cancelling one or two before December often frees up enough for a few gifts. Use the subscription check on this page to see how much.
Is my gift list private?
Yes. Everything stays in this browser on this device. Nothing is uploaded, so nobody on your list can see what you're getting them.
Can I print or export my list?
Yes. Press Print to get a clean gift checklist, or Export to download a CSV you can open in Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets.
When should I start Christmas shopping?
Early enough that shipping doesn't force you into pricier last-minute options. In 2026, Christmas Day is a Friday, so many carriers' cutoff dates for standard shipping fall in mid-December. Check your retailer's exact dates.