Once you have a total, break it down. Write out every person you plan to buy for, from close family to teachers, coworkers and neighbors, and assign each one a specific amount.

This step often reveals just how long a gift list has become. Seeing it on paper can prompt some useful questions. Does everyone need an individual gift, or could a few people share one? Would a heartfelt card be welcome in place of a store-bought item for some acquaintances?

Carry the list with you, on paper or on your phone, and record what you actually spend next to each name. When you find a great deal for one person, you can move the leftover money to someone else instead of letting it disappear. And when you're tempted by an impulse buy, a quick look at the list can help you decide whether it really fits. Keeping a running tally also makes it much harder to lose track during a busy shopping weekend.