During the holidays money always seems to be tight with all the extra expenses for gifts, food, and even entertainment. I’m always looking for ways my family can cut back just a little and still not take away from our enjoyment of the holiday season.

One expense I really try to keep a handle on this time of year is our food budget. It can get out of hand with all those carry ins and family gatherings where you are asked to bring a dish or two. It can get even more out of hand when you’re the hostess.

Here are just a few ways we save money on our grocery bill during the holidays.

• Check your pantry when you’re making out your grocery list. See what items you have in there that you can build on when you’re making your menu.
• Keep leftovers and perishable items in the front of your refrigerator, so you can use them up instead of pushing them to the back and forgetting about them.
• Stock up on all the baking and cooking staples the grocery stores have on special during the holiday season. Many baking and cooking basics, like spices, flour, and baking mixes are on sale during the holiday season. Stock up on these items now if you can.
• Get together with a few friends and have a cookie swap, then you can bake one type of cookie or candy and come away from the swap with a whole assortment for your holiday entertaining and gift giving.
• Make more of your gifts this year. A well made homemade gift will be cherished and remembered.
• You can find great deals on holiday gifts, and items to help you decorate for the holiday season at Staples Holiday Center.

If you’re looking for more holiday savings tips, or if you’d like to share your own check out other Twitter Moms time and money savings ideas. If you’re one of the first 50 to share your ideas you could win a $25 Staples gift card, and 10 winners receive a $100 Staples gift card.

Deals for Busy Moms This Holiday SeasonCheck out This Week’s Deals!

About this TwitterMoms Blogging Program