Six Tips For Buying Christmas Gifts on a Budget
We all want to dazzle our family and friends with wonderful gifts, but we don't think about the consequences of overspending until that gift January bill rolls in. The key is to decide on the amount you want to spend for Christmas gifts and stick to it. Don't be tempted to buy expensive gifts that will blow your holiday budget. With careful planning and a little creativity, you can give wonderful gifts without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas:1. Secret Santa: On Thanksgiving day, my family decided to draw names from a hat and set a spending limit to shop for the one whose name you pulled. This was a very cost effective way to purchase a really nice gift for one individual.
2. Shop Online: Virtually anything can be found and purchased online. Not only do find more retailers and products to choose from, you will find great deals. The earlier you shop the easier it will be to shop around for the best deals and get your deliveries on time. Another advantage to shopping online is you save money on gas, avoid traffic, crowded stores and inclement weather, all from the comfort of your home.3. Buy Board Games: Board games and puzzles are still great gift ideas for children, tweens, and adults. Old favorites like Monopoly, UNO, and my personal favorite Scrabble are games that may inspire the recipient to take a break from video games for awhile. These fun games are usually inexpensive and can be purchased at your local discount store or your neighborhood drugstore.4. Buy One Gift for the Whole Family: Instead of trying to figure out what to buy the Mom, Dad, and all of the kids individually, consider buying tickets to a family-friendly show or concert. Also at www.restaurant.com, you can purchase a $25.00 gift certificate for $10.00! You can purchase the gift certificate, customize and either e-mail or print it out, for FREE. This gives mom the added bonus of an evening free from cooking.5. Give the Gift of Time: Do you know someone who is recuperating from an illness or a senior citizen living in a nursing home? Cook a meal or bake a batch of cookies and deliver it to their home. While you're there, offer to make phone calls or change the linens on the bed, or read aloud to her from her favorite book. If he or she is confined to a nursing home or rehabilitation center, check with the nursing staff for any dietary restrictions.
6. Make Personalized Gift Baskets: Sometimes the most thoughtful and inexpensive gifts that you can give are the ones you create. First, purchase an attractive, inexpensive basket, tissue paper and ribbon. Decide on a theme for your recipient, then fill the basket with items he or she will appreciate. For the busy working mom, give pampering soaps, bubble bath and soothing aromatherapy products. For the NFL fanatic, put together a "Superbowl" basket filled with chips, salsa and their favorite beverages.Remember, there's no need to sacrifice class and style just because you're on a tight budget. With careful planning you can give affordable gifts, save lots of cash, and have lots of fun this holiday season.