(BPT) - If you are like most Americans, you will likely spend an average of $764 on gifts alone this holiday season, according to a Gallup survey. When totaling up the cost of gifts with extra trips to the grocery store, dinners out to toast the season and travel costs to visit loved ones, you’re looking at quite a holiday spending spree. While we all recognize that we spend a little extra during the holiday season, there are ways to give yourself a present this season and have your money working for you. With a little savvy planning, families can lessen the burden of holiday expenses on their budgets and earn some added value with their purchases.

“Not everyone has to shop for a family of eight like me, but no matter what size your family, those holiday expenses can quickly add up,” says Colleen Burns, a savings expert, who is also known as ”The Mom on the Run” and Shell spokesperson. “The good news is there are always things you can do to keep your costs down without sacrificing all those fun gifts, meals and travel plans.”

Here are a few tips for keeping your holiday expenses down this year: