If you’re anything like a lot of Americans, you still have some Christmas shopping to do. I think I’m done but I have that lingering feeling that I forgot someone. While I go make a list and check it twice, here are some handy-dandy suggestions on how to NOT break the bank when shopping for the holidays!
1. Coupon book. I’m serious. I know it sounds hokey, but hear me out. My sister gave me a coupon for “One weekend of dogsitting for a mutually agreeable weekend” a couple years ago. I know that sounds lame, but the amount of money she actually saved me was about $100, because that’s how much it would cost to hire a dog-sitting service for a weekend.
2. Gifts that look fancy but are actually cheap: Marshalls, TJ Maxx, etc… get someone a nice Polo throw or a luxurious pair of satin slippers for dirt cheap. Just be willing to hunt through the mess.
3. Donations to a charity of their preference in whatever denomination you can afford. Get them a nice card that says, “A donation has been made in your name to xyz charity.” Only a truly tasteless person would say, “And just how exactly much did you donate?”
4. Small but fancy items. A box of Godiva chocolates (4 pieces) is less than $10. And I tell you what, they’re so smooth and delicious, you don’t need more than 4 pieces. It’s the kind of chocolate that’s begging to be savored.
5. Cash for kids. I remember being a kid and getting a tightly rolled up crisp $5 bill tied in a ribbon with a simple ornament. Best. Christmas. Gift. Ever. $5? That’s a lot for a kid!
6. Your time. Give the gift of your time. Spend an afternoon baking cookies with your niece and nephew. Play a game with your grandparents. Offer to rake leaves/shovel snow/clean gutters at your parents’ house (ok that only applies to my brother-in-law who somehow gets stuck with that task every spring)
7. Use your own giftcards to purchase gifts. I sounds depressing because those were supposed to be special treats for you, right? Except a bigger treat is to not have a huge pile of debt come January.
8. See if you can gift exchange the week after Christmas and then hit up all the sales after the big holiday! People often have a lot of obligations on Christmas Day, so this might even be a helpful suggestion so they don’t have to run around too much, and then it extends the holiday just that much longer!
9. For the love of god, don’t buy stuff for yourself. I know the deals seem outrageously awesome and too good to pass up, but now is not the time to be purchasing for yourself. Stay within your budget and if you find something you like, ask for those items for your next birthday. Chances are, the urge will pass.
So, are these tips stingy? Yeah, kind of. But at the end of the day, you’ll have less financial stress which translates to better health and wellness and a better sense of self-worth. That’s worth spending on.
Happy Holidays!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Oooh! I love the gift exchange AFTER the holidays!
Reminds me of our chat about the Shopaholic books at your party:) GREAT TIPS! It’s so easy to give in to the pressure – “I have to buy expensive gifts for everyone!!!!” – but there are smarter ways to do it! I will be trying some of these for sure;)