While you are making your holiday shopping rounds, do your budget a favor and keep in mind that it is better to give than to receive. With Black Friday just around the corner keep this in mind:

• While the amount the average shopper intends to spend for holiday gifts ($70418) is slightly down from last year, 59% of shoppers surveyed said they intend to take advantage of the sales and promotions to buy a little something for themselves. An average of $130.43 in little somethings for themselves. (National Retail Federation's 2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey)
• That means 16% of what we are spending for the holidays is being spent on ourselves.
• Much of the spending directed at ourselves will be impulsive. Just make sure before you buy that the item is a need and not a want. Even at a deep discount, if the item is not a necessity, it's no bargain for your budget.

To reduce the amount of impulse purchases, follow Santa's lead: Make a list and check it twice!

• Do an internet search of the words "shopping without a list" and you will see that every advisor and expert in every field will tell you never to do this. It doesn't matter if it's groceries, clothes, office supplies, or heavy equipment. Make a list!
• Your list should contain the who, what, where and how much of gift buying.
• Review the names on your list to make certain it represents those you want to include.
• Look at the amount you have budgeted to cover all of your holiday shopping. Assign amounts to names (Aunt Betty) or groups (co-workers) and stick to the budgeted amount.
• Make notes about possible ideas so that you are not going to the stores with a blank slate. Take advantage of the internet and personal electronic devices that allow you to comparison shop.