Christmas in July: 5 Holiday Budgeting Tips for Teachers
It might feel early, but July is the perfect time to start thinking about the holiday season — especially if you're a preschool teacher hoping to avoid the December scramble and stretch your paycheck a little further.
At BOOST, we see how much heart preschool teachers put into their work every single day. That’s why we’re offering some simple and savvy strategies to help you prepare early, reduce financial stress, and enjoy a more peaceful holiday season.
1. Make a Holiday Budget (and Stick to It)
Begin by figuring out how much you can realistically spend on gifts, décor, meals, and other holiday extras. Break your total down by category or person and commit to staying within those limits. Whether you use a budgeting app like Mint, Monarch or Goodbudget or keep a running tally in a notebook, tracking as you go can help you make intentional choices and avoid those “How did I spend that much?” moments.
2. Start Now and Spread It Out
Starting your shopping in July gives you five full months to plan and purchase, rather than cramming it all into one hectic month. Buying a few gifts each paycheck not only feels more manageable but also gives you time to compare prices, take advantage of seasonal deals, and avoid credit card debt.
3. Watch for Summer and Back-to-School Sales
Many retailers offer deep discounts in July and August—especially on toys, clothes, electronics, and home goods. Amazon Prime Day, back-to-school clearance events, and other seasonal promotions can be goldmines for early gift-buying. Now is a great time to stock up on items that might cost twice as much in December.
4. Use Price Trackers
Make technology work for you. Tools like CamelCamelCamel (for tracking Amazon prices), Honey, or Rakuten can alert you when prices drop on items you’re watching and even apply coupon codes automatically at checkout. A little planning now can lead to big savings later.
5. Plan Group Gifts or Gift Swaps
Gifting doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Organize a gift swap with friends or coworkers or suggest a shared gift from multiple people for big-ticket items. “Experience gifts” like a shared meal, day out, or DIY craft night can also offer meaningful memories without breaking the bank.
Bonus Tip: BOOST Cheer Can Help!
If this season looks especially tight, BOOST is here to help. Through our BOOST Cheer program, childcare business owners and multi-site managers can nominate private preschool teachers facing financial hardship and submit holiday wish lists valued up to $500 on their behalf. BOOST will work to fulfill the items in time for the holidays—bringing a little extra joy when it’s needed most. Learn more and apply at www.boostbyhinge.org/cheer.
At the end of the day, the most meaningful gifts aren’t the most expensive, they’re the most thoughtful. With a little early planning and some smart shopping strategies, you can celebrate the season with less stress, more joy, and the heart that makes holidays truly special. Merry Christmas in July, from all of us at BOOST!
Want more tips like these? Stay connected with us for practical ideas and real-life resources by following us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach out to our Director of Teacher Success Whitney Carper at wcarper@boostbyhinge.org for more help navigating personal financial challenges.