Life Centers Guide to a Budget Friendly Christmas

Take back control of your Christmas—celebrate what truly matters, not what costs the most.

This year, make Christmas about Joy, not labels. Discover creative ways to give with dignity, shop smarter, and celebrate the true reason for the season.

Joy, Not Debt

💰 Use the Ohio Holiday Budget Tracker

Christmas giving isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how much love you share.

Don’t believe the lie that love requires a big price tag. A sustainable, thoughtful Christmas is every bit as meaningful as a flashy one—and often more memorable. Whether your gifts are thrifted, handmade, or cooked with care, you’re giving from the heart.

The Truth About

Christmas Spending

1 in 3 families go into debt trying to afford holiday expenses.

Nearly 40% of shoppers say they regret how much they spent.

You don’t have to fall into that trap. Take control of your finances, plan ahead, and keep your focus on what truly matters.

Take Back Your Christmas

Choosing to spend less doesn’t mean giving less—it means giving with purpose. Every handmade card, thrifted find, or home-cooked meal tells a story of love, stewardship, and joy.

This year, let’s rewrite what Christmas looks like. Let’s make it about peace, not pressure.

Listent to The Lazy Genius Podcast: “Thoughtful Gift-Giving When Budgets Are Tight.”

Listen Now

Gift Giving Resources

Local Cincinnati Thrift Shops

  • Recycled Westside

    4153C OH 128, Cleves OH 45002

    We are an upscale, resale clothing boutique that buys and resells clothing, shoes, purses, and jewelry. Our mission is to offer all styles, all sizes, and all generations (teen through retiree).  We strive to be a one-stop shop for our customers

  • Goodwill (Cleves‑Warsaw Pike)
    6096 Cleves Warsaw Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45233 — one of the nearest “Goodwill” donation/thrift shops for Cleves residents.

  • The Salvation Army Thrift Store (Delhi)
    5130 Delhi Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238 — part of the large Salvation Army resale network.

  • St. Vincent de Paul (Colerain Ave)
    8269 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45239 — one of several St. Vincent thrift-store locations in the area

  • St. Vincent de Paul (Este Ave)
    4530 Este Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232 — an alternate location for St. Vincent de Paul thrift shopping.

  • Valley Thrift Store (Evendale / Reading Rd)
    9840 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45214 — a larger thrift store option, often stocked with clothing, household items, electronics, etc

  • Goodwill Outlet (Glendale Rd)
    10633 Glendale Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45215 — Goodwill outlet store where items are often sold by weight or at deep discount.

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Cheviot)
    3970 N Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45211 — a good pick if you’re looking for used furniture, building materials, appliances, or home-improvement items.

  • New Life Furniture Thrift Store
    12037 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH 45241 — more furniture, home goods, and housewares than clothing.

  • Plato's Closet (Colerain Ave)
    9676 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45251 — resale shop for trendy / teen / young adult clothing.

Library Programs, Art Supplies, and Reuse Supplies