Holiday Gift Giving for the Budget Conscious
Creative Ways to Make the Most of the Holidays
The holidays should not be about who brings the fanciest, priciest gift. Some of the best gifts people receive show an abundance of time and effort and that the giver took time to really know what the receiver likes.
The following ideas are great ways to save both time and money, give unique gifts and have a little fun while doing so.
Get Crafty
Craft store Michael's sells painted resin pendants that one can make necklaces, earrings and bracelets with. They look like the artsy, expensive kind seen at stores like Urban Outfitters for a fraction of the cost- $3.99 a pop. Additionally, MIchael's sells countless ribbon and necklace string to really personalize it.
Make an interactive scrapbook for someone. There are many accoutrements for scrapbooking to ensure it is unique and really treasured. Complete most of the pages in the scrapbook but leave a few blank at the end for the recepient to finish.
Both of these stores also offer weekly coupons in Sunday circulars and accept competitor coupons to get the price even lower.
Or, go to a dollar store and get some dollar wine glasses. Paint unique designs on a set of four, box them up and give them to someone with a decent bottle of wine. Personal, useful and beautiful.
Refurbish
In the same vein, thrift stores can also be a great way to give unique gifts. Buy a five dollar coffee table and refinish or paint it to make a great gift for a child's room or adult's house. Thrift stores often have an abundance of beautiful scarves and pins, too- take a plain, inexpensive shirt or purse and liven it up with a vintage item. It's a guarantee no one else will have that gift!
Secret Santa
Can't afford nice gifts for that huge circle of best friends? Have a Secret Santa party. Set a limit of what is affordable for the group, and draw names so everyone has a "Secret Santa". The point is instead of everyone receving multiple small gifts, each person receives something really nice. Have everyone bring either an appetizer, dessert or wine, and make a night of it.
White Elephant Party
Budget really tight this year? Host White Elephant party. Have everyone bring a food or drink, and as a gift, something they found around their houes (in good condition, of course). It's surprising who will fight over what seemingly useless junk everyone brings! Some ideas: old items of clothing, vases, kitchen appliances, books...
The Gift of Time
This is especially good for the elderly people on the list, or people who are not visited with often. The last thing some people, especially the elderly, want is more stuff. They'd rather a nice lunch out, a trip to a museum or a day spent helping clean the house and yard up. Think about the people on your list who would really benefit from a day out experiencing the world- or a day in getting the help they really need.
Smart Shopping
Some stores offer better deals than others, and when buying a gift is the only option, it's best to know what stores those are. New York and Company offers anywhere from $20-$35 on a $75 purchase every week, and that doubles to $40-$70 off a $150 purchase. Their clothes and accessories are beautiful and affordably priced, too, so it's a great option to pick up multiple gifts. Sign up on their website to receive coupons by mail and email.
Target is known for its good prices, but they offer coupons online, as well. Check their clearance shelves stationed throughout the store. Recently found: Russell Stover International Bavaria Chocolates, $2.08/bag. Squeaky dog toy, $1.98.
Michael's Painted Resin Pendant
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Square Stone Clutch, $9.95
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