With the holidays just around the corner it is easy to get sucked into a gift-giving rut, giving people the same tired, boring gifts because we just do not know what else to get them. To make up for our lack of creativity, we just purchase a nicer version of that gift so we do not look cheap.
If you need some better gift giving ideas that do not include pre-wrapped scarf and mitten sets from a department store, we’ll go over a few ideas in this article.
Here are the top three tips for staying on budget for holiday gifts:
1 – Give An Experience
While it is nice to open a big, fancy box with a giant glittering bow on it, sometimes delaying the fun is even better. Give a gift card for a paint and wine night or prepay for cooking classes, both of which would be even more enjoyable if you went too!
Giving your friend or family member the gift of your time and an experience to enjoy together is exponentially greater than the monetary value of the gift. This is a great idea if you are looking for a gift for a couple as well- find a gift card for a great restaurant in their area and a two movie tickets and you have given them an entire date night!
2 – Cold, Hard Cash Is Always In Fashion
You simply cannot go wrong with the gift of cash, no matter how generic it is. Make it a little more personal by adding a note suggesting ways you hope they may use the money. For example, if you are giving the gift to a cousin who has told you she wishes she could take voice lessons but just does not want to spend the money, tell her you hope this can help her to follow her singing dreams.
If you are giving the gift to a young couple with an apartment they are outgrowing, suggest adding the money to their stash for a down payment on a house. If they are overseas, you could even use a remittance service to make sending money safer and easier.
3 – Consider Offering Services Over Gifts
One thing we never have enough of and can never get more of is time, so why not give them some of yours? Give your friends of family members a “voucher” for your time to complete a service for them or just spend time with them.
This could take many forms depending on your personal strengths. If you are looking for a gift for a friend with children, offer to babysit for a few hours one evening to give the parents some time to themselves- something far more precious than a new candle!
Staying On Budget For The Holidays
No matter what holidays you celebrate and whom you are celebrating with, finding the right gift to show everyone on your list your love and appreciation is difficult. Stay clear of the commercially packaged box sets and opt for something a little more unique. Your friends and family will appreciate it!
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