Take the 'Hectic' Out of Your Holidays

COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwired - Dec 9, 2015) - According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), last year holiday shoppers spent an average of $802 on gifts, decorations, food and more. Although the NRF estimates that holiday sales will increase by 3.7 percent in 2015 -- or roughly $30 -- many consumers are still searching for ways to reduce spending around the holiday season. From organization ideas and gifts, to last-minute home repairs, Elmer's, America's most-trusted glue brand, offers a few solutions to reduce costs and headaches to make the holidays more affordable this year.

Setting a budget before you begin planning your holiday shopping is the key to staying on track. Make a plan for your spending by establishing an amount for each category -- food, decorations and gifts. Compile a list of your upcoming purchases and compare in-store sales, incentives and coupons to ensure you're truly finding the best price. For additional savings, opt for making personalized gifts instead of buying expensive ones. Not only will you save money, but the recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness and the fact that they've received something one-of-a-kind.

Once you've found the perfect gift, your search for the picture-perfect presentation soon begins. Pinterest inspires us with the most-creative gift wrapping ideas but before we know it, we soon find ourselves spending more on ribbons, bows and holiday paper than we intended. Before you purchase your paper goods, take stock of what you already have. Constructing a gift wrapping organization station before you begin will help keep your paper and tools organized. If your budget is tight, repurpose paper grocery bags and get creative with metallic markers and paint.

The Greeting Card Association reports that almost 7 billion greeting cards are purchased each year. With that much paper produced and mailed, why not repurpose holiday cards into meaningful décor? Creating an inexpensive display for your holiday cards brings festivity into any room, while showcasing your appreciation for the sender's merry spirit. With a few inexpensive pieces of wood and some chicken wire, you can re-create this Holiday Card Frame made by Ana White, popular DIY blogger. There's even a chalkboard area for you to include your own season's greetings.

Lastly, if you're hosting the holidays this year, be sure to tackle any repairs around your home before your guests arrive. Often times, the simplest repairs, if caught early, can save you money in the long run. For example, check your windows and doors for drafts -- replacing cracked or worn weather stripping can help keep your home warm and cozy while saving you money on your heating bill. To identify drafts quickly, light an incense stick and hold near the window or door. If the incense smoke moves, you'll know where you need to make the repair. If you are expecting overnight guests, luggage might do a number on your wood trim, especially if it happens to catch a splinter. Apply wood filler to cracked trim and give it a quick stain or paint to keep your guests' luggage -- and your trim -- intact. If you're in a hurry, try Elmer's Carpenter's Color Change Wood Filler. The formula goes on one color when wet, and dries natural or white letting you know when it's time to sand.

To learn more about how Elmer's can help you tackle your last-minute home improvement projects, or for some great do-it-yourself gift ideas, visit www.elmers.com/diy.

About Elmer's^® Products, Inc.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Elmer's Products, Inc., has been providing creative adhesive solutions that support success and turn ideas into reality. By continuing to develop innovative new products, Elmer's has become the trusted brand when it comes to fueling creativity and providing outstanding product performance in the classroom, at home, in the workshop and at the craft table. Elmer's inspires people to create, build and learn for life. For more information, visit www.elmers.com. Follow Elmer's at http://facebook.com/elmers, http://twitter.com/elmers and http://pinterest.com/elmersproducts.