Nine websites to help you spend less on making merry

Every family has to figure out a holiday spending strategy. Negotiate a price limit on gifts, or max out credit cards to be sure everyone’s wish comes true? Make creative homemade gifts, or give open-ended gift cards? Cover holiday costs with a year-end bonus check, or put a little in a savings account each month? Give modestly to family and generously to charity, or vice versa?

No matter how you answer these questions, one thing is certain — everyone is happy about making the holiday budget stretch a little further. Knowing you got the most out of every dollar is a little gift for yourself in December — and in January when the bills come due. Here are nine websites that will help you spend less on making merry — plus a bonus website that will help you keep your budget intact.

Compare prices

You know what you want to buy, but what should it cost? Put any product into Google.com/products and you’ll get a list of how much things cost at local, as well as online, sources. The great thing about this website is that it includes taxes and shipping so there are no surprises at checkout.

Get gift cards at a discount

Sites like Giftcardrescue.com offer discounts of up to 30 percent on gift cards other people didn’t want. Even if you don’t want to re-gift these cards, you can use them for your own shopping. The site also buys unwanted gift cards which might come in handy after the holidays.

Find a coupon

The number of websites offering coupons has exploded — and so has the number of ways to use them. Look for print-and-clip coupons at Coupon.com and check Couponcabin.com for website discount codes. Try Cellfire.com to retrieve on-the-go coupons with your cellphone.

Find local deals

Sign up at Groupon.com to get regular e-mails about discounts available from businesses in your community — everything from laser tag to clothing stores, cupcakes to sushi. The catch is that deals are only activated when a certain number of people sign up, so you may want to share this site with friends. Groupons can also be given as gifts.

Stay loyal

Many stores offer discounts to people who register for a customer card. Shortcuts.com allows you to load coupons directly onto the card. Then, when you’re at the store, you don’t have to search frantically for the diaper coupon that you know you had when you left the house. Discounts appear as soon as you swipe your card.

Sell old to buy new

If the latest tech gadget is the most important thing on your child’s list, consider selling tech gadgets that were the must-have last year or the year before. Wireflytradeins.com tells you exactly how much you can get for old video games, cellphones and other electronic paraphernalia.

Make it your treat

Taking friends and family out for holiday meals is expensive — unless you know about Restaurant.com, a website that offers substantial discounts on restaurant cards. Find local eateries with a zip code search. Cards are discounted as much as 60 percent, though you should read the fine print. Some restaurants have a minimum order. Some exclude specific days or times, and most include a gratuity of 18 percent.

Consider rentals

Whether you are throwing a special party or attending one, you may save if you rent instead of buying what you need. Weartodaygonetomorrow.com rents designer dresses for a fraction of what they cost. Partypop.com has a comprehensive state-by-state directory of rental services — as well as anything else you might need to make a party memorable.

Keep a clear head

One last tip: don’t obsess about getting rock bottom prices on everything. With all the websites offering last chance deals, that’s a sure way to make a crazy season even crazier. Instead, remember that the spending you do at the holidays is never an end in itself. It’s simply one — of many — ways to celebrate a special time of year. Sing your favorite songs. Share your favorite stories. Hug your favorite people. At this time of year, the best things in life really can be free.

Carolyn Jabs, MA, has been writing about families and the Internet for over 15 years. She is the mother of three computer-savvy kids. Other Growing Up Online columns appear on her website www.growing-up-online.com.

@ Copyright, 2010, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

YMCA of Long Island Summer Day Camp

<p><strong>MAKE A SPLASH WITH US THIS SUMMER! YMCA of Long Island Summer Day Camp – locations in Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue</strong></p> <p>As one of the region's largest, most-diverse camps for decades, YMCA Summer Day Camp offers a variety of programs with age-appropriate activities and opportunities to try new things, build confidence, and create memories. </p> <p>At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, we offer the best of adventure, aquatics, sports & games, creative arts, camp traditions, special guests & trips, and summer learning. Our programs for ages 3-15 are designed to meet your child's interests and abilities. </p> <p>Our staff create a safe, fun, welcoming environment where kids can be themselves to enjoy learning, playing, exploring, and socializing. </p> <p><strong>Two-week sessions run July 1-Aug 23.</strong> In-person and virtual open house options. Transportation, lunch and extended schedule options are <strong>CAMP LIFE is the BEST LIFE!</strong></p>

Artistree Performing Arts

<p>Join us for the most incredible summer of musical theater at CAMP ARTISTREE!  If your child loves performing, then Artistree is the place to be.  Each day combines the essential components of putting on a show--acting, singing and dancing--with the fun of a traditional camp atmosphere like games, crafts and time outdoors.  It's a camp experience like no other!  Preschool Camp runs the weeks of June 14th <strong>(Descendants)</strong> and 21st <strong>(Frozen)</strong>.  </p> <p>We then begin our Summer Show Intensives for both Kids, Grades K-4 <strong>(Willy Wonka:  July 6-23 and Jungle Book:  July 26-August 13)</strong> and Tweens/Teens, Grades 5th-10th <strong>(Shrek:  July 6-23 and Into the Woods:  July 26-August 13)</strong>. </p> <p>Teens and Young Adults have their own show <strong>(Rock of Ages--July 6-August 5)</strong> which rehearses in the evenings and is performed at Harbor Island Park in conjunction with the Village of Mamaroneck.  </p> <p>We end the summer with week-long theater intensives the weeks of August 16, 23 and 30.  Mention Westchester Family and get $50 off any camp program!  Enroll now at artistreearts.com.  We can't wait to spend the summer with you at Camp Artistree!</p>

Park Shore Country Day Camp

<p>Get ready for an exciting summer adventure at Park Shore Country Day Camp as the countdown to 2024 begins! Located on a sprawling 15-acre campus in Dix Hills, Park Shore has been offering an epic summer experience for children aged 2-15 since 1959. With a rich history of creating lasting memories, Park Shore is set to make the upcoming summer truly special.</p> <p>At Park Shore, every day is a journey filled with excitement and fun activities. From swim lessons to high ropes, bungee trampoline, and a variety of athletics, children are in for a treat. The camp's dedicated and experienced counselors prioritize safety while ensuring that each child has an enjoyable experience.</p> <p>What sets Park Shore apart are its special events and unique programs that promise to make this summer unforgettable. Park Shore Travel and Extreme STEAM Science Kids are just a glimpse of the diverse and engaging activities awaiting campers. These programs go beyond traditional camp experiences, providing opportunities for exploration and learning in a fun environment.</p> <p>Exciting additions await campers in 2024, including the introduction of a brand-new Gaga Stadium with viewing decks, new Sky Trail elements, a new Spray Park, new Special Events, new Travel Trips, and a new Preschool Water Play Area. These new features are designed to enhance the overall camp experience, offering fresh and thrilling options for campers to enjoy.</p> <p>Park Shore ensures convenience for parents with transportation options, nutritious meals, and a straightforward enrollment process. As you plan for summer, consider making it extraordinary for your child by enrolling them at Park Shore Country Day Camp. Join in the tradition of creating cherished memories and providing your child with a summer they'll talk about for years to come.</p>