Holiday Costs at School Add Up
‘Tis the season to start budgeting for the holidays. This year, I’ll have the added expense of having a child in school. If you already have school-aged kid, you’ll probably relate to these some of these extras:
Last week, a notice came home asking for a donation for the school’s Christmas Fair: $10, plus the purchase of a baby item for a raffle basket.
Soon, the class mom will inform all of the parents about collecting for a holiday gift for the teacher and teacher’s assistant: $20 is usually the standard.
The kindergarten is putting on a holiday performance, and everyone is asked to wear a plain red turtleneck and black jeans… which we, of course, don’t already own.
It’s not mandatory, but goody bags for the class will be distributed if we send them in. My son has 20 classmates. Even if I keep costs low, I’m figuring around $40.
If your kid takes the bus, stays in the after school program, takes piano lessons, or plays soccer, there’s another bunch of Starbucks gift cards to pick up.
Holiday breaks and half days could mean paying for child care on days you must work.
I’m sure there will be more surprises to come (help me out readers — what am I missing?), but in the meantime, I’m on the hunt for money saving and cost cutting tips for the holidays. Here are some of my favorite frugal mom blogs to get me started:
How do you plan on saving a few bucks this holiday season? Share in the comments!
November 10, 2009, 10:49 am
Yes, these are quite a surprise and they sneak up on you!
There’s also the school nurse and the women in the school office who I call all the time… I just read this and I think I will have a truffle-making marathon sometime – maybe early in the month and send in presents early “as a treat for you before the hectic holidays” – http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/11/13/a-do-it-yourself-christmas-34-great-gifts-you-can-make-yourself/
linked here via Motts on twitter, fyi
November 11, 2009, 8:08 am
And let’s not forget about the various fundraisers that always seem to pop up during the holiday! Pointsettias, candy canes, ornaments…if it’s holiday-related and can be sold it’s a good bet your kid will be shilling it (and you’ll be expected to buy some…)
Of course fundraisers don’t really bother me anymore because I’ve completely opted out of all of them. I’d rather just give the school a check than peddle a bunch of overpriced stuff to my friends and family.