With so many loved ones on your holiday gift list, present shopping can become very expensive, very fast. Give great gifts within your budget this year with these holiday gift tips.
Set a Budget
Without a specific plan in place, it’s easy for holiday gifts to add up fast. Avoid credit card bill shock at the end of the month by making a detailed budget before you start your holiday shopping. Make a list of every single person you are going to need to buy a present for this year, including things like hostess gifts, holiday presents for teachers, and a cash bonus for your garbage collector. Determine how much money you want to spend overall, and then do some math to partition out the funds. If you want to put aside a $100 for a cashmere sweater for your grandma, balance it out with a $10 gift for your more distant cousin.
You don’t need to know specifically what you are going to buy for each person, but determine your price limit before you start browsing. Write down your present budget for each person and stick with it. Remember that you can find meaningful gifts at every price point. If you are thoughtful about it, your $15 gift can be even better than an impersonal gift that cost hundreds of dollars.
Do Some Research
Before you make any purchase, make sure you are getting the best price for the item. Check online to see at what price other retailers and websites are selling that item, and comparison shop. Before you hit checkout, make sure you check coupon code collecting websites and install money-saving Chrome extensions which will scour the Internet for special promotion codes that could knock 15% or 20% off your order. When you are shopping online, you can even shop through a rebates website that will give you cash back on purchases from participating online stores.
Find Deals on Social Media
Most brands have social media accounts that are rife with exclusive promotional codes. Check out their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts, and sign up for their email newsletters, as many companies often have secret sales for their followers.
Team Up
Maybe your mom really wants an iPad mini, but you are a little strapped for cash. If you want to get a pricier gift for someone that is out of your budget, consider chipping in for it with a friend or sibling. By going in together on a big budget item, the recipient can get one gift that they really want, instead of two inferior presents.
Get Crafty
If you do it right, a DIY gift can be both thoughtful and economical. Settle down one weekend and whip up a batch of Pinterest inspired presents. A nice tin of homemade toffee or cute zip pouches out of scrap fabric are cute gifts for everyone. Just be realistic about your skill level, as you don’t want your handmade jewelry box to end up as a Pinterest fail .
Give an Experience
Studies show that in the long-term, people remember experiences, not material objects. Scour deals websites for a cool class, fun activity, or a gift card to a new restaurant in town to give the gift of experience. You can also give the gift of spending time together when you buy tickets to a show, movie, or sports event you can attend together.
Remember to Account for Shipping
When you’re planning your holiday budget, don’t forget shipping costs. Do some research to find the most affordable option for each package. Depending on where each item is going, and in what time frame, UPS, FedEx, or the Postal Service’s rates may differ wildly. Don’t get sucked into purchasing marked up packaging supplies at the shipping counter. Buy bubble wrap, peanuts, boxes, and packing tape in bulk and pack your gifts at home.
Save Money Now!
Remember that in the end, it’s the thought, not the dollar amount that counts, if you put care into your gift, your loved ones will always appreciate it. Start planning today and stay under budget on any gifts you buy this year!
Author Bio:
Marian Sparks is a freelance writer from Santa Monica, California. She enjoys publishing informative articles about her passion for all things crafts, gift wrap, and holiday ideas.