40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 11 • Turn Coins Into Christmas Cheer • Everyday Cheapskate

We’ve all been there… scrambling for a little extra cash as the holidays get closer. But what if a few minutes of effort each day could quietly build a stash that makes Christmas shopping (or giving) a whole lot easier? Today’s challenge is simple but surprisingly rewarding: gather your loose change and small bills and turn them into a mini holiday fund.

Day 11: Turn Coins Into Christmas Cheer

Here’s the plan: every time you empty your pockets or wallet at the end of the day, drop your spare change and even those one- and five-dollar bills into one spot. It’s easy to forget how quickly those small amounts add up until you see it for yourself. By December, you’ll not only have a nice surprise waiting but also a sense of calm knowing you planned ahead.

Action Step

Gather all the coins and one- and five-dollar bills you can find in your pockets, purse, or car by day’s end.
Choose a home for your holiday fund (jar, bowl, or box) and have the kids decorate it for a festive touch.
Make it a nightly ritual to add whatever spare change you’ve collected throughout the day.

Want to make it more fun? Turn your search for forgotten cash into a family scavenger hunt! Challenge everyone to find loose change in sneaky spots: under couch cushions, inside winter coat pockets, behind furniture. Offer a small prize or a fun family activity to whoever finds the most. You’ll be amazed what turns up when everyone’s on the lookout.

Ready to start? Download the Hidden Cash Scavenger Hunt Checklist and see how much treasure you can uncover before Christmas →

Why It Matters

Small habits can make a big difference. This one helps you build savings without feeling like you’re “budgeting.” It’s also a great way to get kids excited about saving and giving. Plus, it keeps those stray coins from collecting dust or disappearing into the laundry abyss.

Want to level up? Try these clever ways to find even more hidden cash:

Vending Machines: Check coin return slots, especially in winter when gloved fingers can miss a dropped coin.
Junk Drawer Jackpot: Sort through that drawer of random bits and bobs. Old gift cards? Call the numbers. You might find a few surprise dollars still on them.
Treasure Hunting (Literally): Feeling adventurous? Grab a metal detector and see what you find in your yard or local park. You might score a few coins or at least a funny story. (Rusty spoons count as treasure, right?)

Cashing In Your Efforts

Fast forward a few weeks… your container’s full! What now? Time to roll, sort, and cash it in. It’s easier than you think with a coin-sorting tray or a few paper wrappers. Many banks and credit unions will still take rolled coins for free, so you can keep every penny instead of losing some to Coinstar fees.

MORE: How to Save Loose Change Without the Coinstar Fee

Putting Your Holiday Savings to Good Use

Once the season winds down, use part of your new fund to do something meaningful: donate to a local cause, treat your family to a special outing, or set it aside for a future goal. Whether it’s for giving, saving, or a little post-holiday self-care, you’ll feel good knowing every penny came from small, intentional steps.

More Ways to Participate in #EC40DayChallenge:

Question: How’s your coin hunt going? Have you discovered any unexpected treasures in those forgotten spots?

Bonus: Share a photo of your scavenger hunt loot or your creative coin jar in our Facebook group using #EC40DayChallenge. We’d love to see your finds!