The short answer: make one row for each person you're buying for, give each person a budget before you think about ideas, and add columns for the gift idea, what you spent and a status such as idea, bought, wrapped and given. Total the budget and spent columns so you can see the whole picture at a glance.
The columns to include
- Person: one row each, including Secret Santa and office collections
- Group: family, friends, kids, work, so you can see where the money goes
- Gift idea: jot ideas down as they come to you through the year
- Budget: the most you want to spend on that person
- Spent: what you actually paid, including postage
- Left: budget minus spent, so overspends stand out
- Status: idea, bought, wrapped, given
- Where from: handy for returns, gift receipts and delivery tracking
A worked example
| Person | Budget | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | £100 | Bought |
| Mum | £50 | Wrapped |
| Dad | £50 | Idea |
| Sister | £40 | Bought |
| Two nephews (£30 each) | £60 | Idea |
| Best friend | £30 | Idea |
| Work Secret Santa | £10 | Bought |
| Total | £340 |
Made-up example.
Tips that make it work
Set the budget before the idea
Deciding the amount first keeps you from falling for a gift that's twice what you meant to spend.
Keep last year's list
Saving each year's list means you won't repeat a present, and you can see how your spending has changed over time.
Include the hidden costs
Postage, gift wrap and batteries all add up. Putting them in the Spent column keeps your totals true.
Update the status as you go
A quick glance at who's still on "idea" in early December tells you exactly what shopping is left.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a gift list spreadsheet on my phone?
Yes. If you open it in Google Sheets you can update it on your phone while you shop.
How do I share the list with a partner?
Uploading it to Google Sheets and sharing it lets you both see who's been bought for, so nobody doubles up.
Keep reading
- How to budget for Christmas: plan the whole Christmas budget, not just gifts.
- Sinking funds: how to plan for irregular costs: start saving for next Christmas in January.
Use a ready-made gift list
The Christmas Budget Planner includes a gift list for up to 60 people, with a budget, spend and status for each, and it feeds straight into your overall Christmas budget alongside food and extras.
Important: This article is general information to help you organise your money. It is not financial advice and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Any figures are made-up examples. For free, impartial guidance, visit MoneyHelper. If you're worried about debt, contact StepChange or Citizens Advice.