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The biggest present you can give yourself this holiday season is ensuring you don't break the bank buying for others. Here are some tips from Wells Fargo and other sources on spending less this Christmas.

• Make your list: Budgeting doesn't have to be difficult, especially when some banks offer online budget tools that do the work for you. Wells Fargo's My Spending Report with BudgetWatch itemizes your daily spending, letting you know where you can save on everyday expenses.

• Check your list twice: If you're not using your bank's online statements, now's a good time to start. Look back at last year's holiday spending and determine major places to cut back. If you spent a good deal on entertaining, consider planning a potluck or asking guests to bring their favorite dessert or drink to share.

• Don't plan to spend more, plan to save more: Now that you've determined where you overspent last year, and how much you can really save each month, make a savings plan and stick to it. If you feel like you're depriving yourself now, think about how happy you'll be come the New Year when you can spread joy without spreading yourself thin.

• Keep tabs with bank alerts: Sign up for email or text alerts from your bank. Banks like Wells Fargo offer free, timely alerts to customers about account transactions sent right to your email or wireless device.

• Be an "on-the-go" budgeting gal: Ever been shopping and found a pair of shoes that you can't live without -- and wondered if you had enough money in your account to get them? Try mobile banking, which allows you to log on to your bank to check your balance or make sure you won't be getting an over-the-limit charge with those fabulous pumps.

Other Tips and Tools

• Want to know if that new espresso maker is worth the money? SmartMoney weighs in on some of this season's hottest gifts and gadgets.

• Check out this Holiday Spending Worksheet from Bankrate to keep tabs on everything from wrapping paper to postage.

• Decorate your apartment on a discount with these tips from the Associated Press.

• Review how one frugalista budgeted her holiday spending last year.

• Forbes lets you know where to look for last-minute bargains.

• The Wall Street Journal tells you where you should really put your money this holiday (and it's not under the tree).

Tell us: What are your tips for saving money this holiday?