How to use it
- Type a name for each recipient. Names are optional, but they make the list easier to scan.
- Enter a budget for each person in dollars. Cents are fine, like 42.50.
- When you buy something, add its cost to that person's “Spent” box. Add several purchases by typing the running total.
- Watch the totals at the top. A row turns red and shows how far over you are if you pass its budget.
- Use “Add recipient” for more people, and “Remove” to drop someone.
A simple way to plan
Say you have $300 to spend and ten people to buy for. You could give four close family members $50 each, which uses $200, and six others $15 each, which uses $90, leaving $10 for wrapping and surprises. Seeing the numbers together makes trade-offs obvious: raising one budget by $20 means lowering another. The figures here are made-up round numbers for illustration.
Tips for sticking to a budget
- Decide the total first. Per-person budgets should add up to a number you chose, not the other way around.
- Count everything. Shipping, tax, wrapping and cards all come out of the same pot.
- Update as you buy. The remaining amount is only useful if the Spent box is current.
- Leave a cushion. A small unassigned amount covers a forgotten name or a price that ends up higher than you planned.
Need somewhere to look? Browse gift ideas or see current deals under $25. You can also check the dates for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I set a holiday gift budget?
- Start with the total you can afford without borrowing, then split it across the people on your list. Give closer relationships a larger share if you like, and keep a small amount aside for last-minute gifts and wrapping.
- Should I count shipping and tax in what I have spent?
- Yes, if you want the true total. Enter the amount you actually paid, including shipping and tax, in the Spent box. The planner adds up exactly what you type.
- What happens if I go over a budget?
- The row shows how far over you are, and the total changes to show the amount over budget. Nothing is blocked. You can raise that person's budget or move money from someone else.
- Is my list saved?
- Yes, in your own browser, so it is still there when you come back on the same device. It is never sent to our servers. Clearing your browser data removes it, and the planner still works if your browser blocks saving.