How to set a gift budget
- Start with cash, not wishes. Look at what you can pay off in full by January β no new credit card debt.
- List everyone β include teachers, mail carriers, gift swaps and office parties.
- Weight by closeness: a big gift counts 3Γ, medium 2Γ, small 1Γ, token Β½Γ.
- Add 10% for extras like wrapping paper, cards, batteries and shipping.
Save on big families: suggest a Secret Santa β everyone buys one nicer gift instead of many small ones.
For typical spending numbers, see our Christmas budget 2026 guide.
Christmas Gift Budget Calculator FAQs
How much do Americans spend on Christmas gifts?
Surveys usually put average holiday gift spending at several hundred to about a thousand dollars per person. Spend what fits your own budget.
How much should I spend on coworkers?
Many people keep coworker gifts to $10β$25, or join an office gift swap.
Is my information saved or sent anywhere?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is sent to a server.