UMB has highlighted holiday costs that households can overlook when building a gift budget, including workplace exchanges, delivery charges, travel and the expenses of attending celebrations.

In a November 12, 2025 guide, the bank recommends considering the full calendar of seasonal activities rather than only the main presents on a shopping list.

Examples include contributions to office gift pools, Secret Santa exchanges, teacher gifts and classroom parties. UMB suggests allowing for these smaller requests within a defined spending category so that several modest purchases do not become an unplanned larger expense.

Food, clothing and entertainment form another group. The guide includes ingredients for gatherings, meals out with friends, clothing for family photographs and tickets, transport or parking associated with events.

Gift delivery can add costs of its own. UMB points to postage for cards, shipping purchases and paying more for delivery before a particular date. It recommends planning what to buy and how much to spend before last-minute pressure narrows the available choices.

The article also discusses charitable requests at shops or local events, proposing that spontaneous giving be tracked alongside an existing annual donation budget.

Travel costs extend beyond the main fare or fuel bill. The checklist includes luggage fees, taxis, rental cars, food during a journey and extra spending caused by delays. For households in colder regions, it also raises utilities, vehicle maintenance and interruptions to work.

UMB presents the categories as prompts for a personal budget, with limits and actual purchases tracked as the season progresses. Its central point is that gift buying, celebrations and getting to them draw on the same household funds.