Honestly, keeping it simple is the smartest way to go. I used to overcomplicate things with complex spreadsheets, but over the years I have learned that if the tracking process is a chore, you just wont do it. My recommendation is to keep it analog or use a basic app like Giftster. It is straightforward enough that you wont feel overwhelmed, and it lets you set specific price caps for each person so you can keep that 500 dollar limit in view at all times. In my experience, the biggest trap is getting excited about a sale and forgetting how much you have already spent. My best tip is to write down your total budget at the very top of your list. Every time you buy something, subtract the cost immediately. Dont wait until the end of the day or week. If you update as you go, you wont get hit with that sinking feeling when you check your bank account later. It sounds basic, but it saves me every single year. Just stick to the plan and dont browse if you dont have to. My family started using Share Product Wishlist this year to stop getting duplicate gifts, and so far so good.