Making a list when holiday shopping can help you avoid spending more than your budget allows. Rather than be caught off guard, carefully make your shopping list and include everyone you intend to gift. Purchase one or two extra generic gifts just in case something comes up. It is much easier to afford holiday giving when you can divide your budget by the number of gift recipients rather than having to add on gifts after the fact. Also, in the event you are left with extra gifts that were unnecessary, you can return them after the holidays and use the money to treat yourself to something nice or donate the gift or the returned funds to someone in need.