As the holiday season approaches, many families grapple with the rising cost of holiday gifts, but Pennsylvania mother-of-four Jade Wagler has found a creative and budget-friendly solution. Her ‘Thriftmas’ approach, which involves spending only $10,000 on Christmas gifts for her four children, has garnered a viral response on TikTok. In an interview with Fox & Friends First, Wagler discussed her family’s financial priorities, noting their intention to avoid debt and instead allocate funds towards a planned family vacation. The video, posted on November 7th, has amassed over 155,000 likes and 3,000 shares.
Wagler’s budgeting strategy includes shopping at local thrift stores, where she can often find items at significant discounts. She highlighted the importance of being aware of sales and price tags, with some items available at 50% off or even for a dollar instead of the original price. Her video featured several thrift store finds, including an alphabet toy, a musical jewelry box, a book, a unicorn hoodie, an educational game, and a toy shopping cart, totaling $14.50, which left her with $85.50 to spend going forward.
While the video received positive feedback from many users, it also sparked some criticism in the comments section. Some users suggested that Wagler should purchase gifts in increments throughout the year rather than focusing on a single budget. Wagler acknowledged the mixed reactions, noting the emotional impact of negative comments, especially during a challenging economic climate. She shared that her family has faced significant financial strain in the past year, including her four-year-old son’s two surgeries, which have made it difficult to afford a larger Christmas budget.
Wagler’s journey to budgeting creatively for the holidays serves as a reminder of the growing trend of frugality and the importance of mindful consumerism. Her experience resonates with many families who are striving to balance holiday cheer with financial responsibility. As the holiday season progresses, her message of stretching every dollar and making thoughtful choices becomes increasingly relevant in today’s economic landscape.