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November 8, 2024
Another year is almost over, and we are less than two months away from Christmas! With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are already getting a head start on our present shopping. You may find yourself stumped as to what gifts you can give that are meaningful without taking a sizeable chunk out of your bank account. I'd like to share some helpful hints that will make your gift-giving this holiday season pleasurable and affordable.
Budgeting for Gifts
The first step in planning your gift giving is deciding who your recipients will be. Start by compiling a list of every person you intend to buy gifts for, including children, spouses, siblings, parents, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. The earlier you put together this list of gift recipients, the more time you have to brainstorm gift ideas for each one.
Next, you want to set a budget. Determine how much you're willing to spend, then place a dollar amount next to each name on your gift list and calculate the total. Adjust the dollar amounts up or down depending on whether you're over or under your intended budget. This gives you a clear idea of how much you can spend on each person on your list.
Now it's time to decide on what to give.
Brainstorming Gift Ideas
Don't be afraid to ask your giftees what they would want (or need) for a present. As much as it's nice to surprise your friends and family with an unexpected gift, you don't always know what they actually want. By asking, you are insuring you gift them something they will enjoy or actually use.
Get creative! You can make any gift thoughtful with a bit of effort. Even for less expensive items, such as a bottle of wine or a box of your spouse’s favorite chocolates, you can make your gift that much more special with minimal work by adding a bit of decoration like a cute ribbon or gift tag.
Think about the practicality of your gift: is this something the recipient will use? For example, if your mom loves to spend her free time in the kitchen baking, you could create a personalized "baking basket" filled with baking supplies such as a mixing bowl, cookie mixes, measuring cups, and anything else you think a hobbyist baker might use. To help stay within your budget, you can purchase most of these supplies at a dollar store or wait for your local shops to put these items on sale.
Make sure you take advantage of sales and coupons. A lot of stores now offer digital coupons through apps, which is a great way to help you save when holiday gift shopping.
Create a Coupon Book
A great free option is to give a coupon for an act of service. The gift of free time can be more meaningful than anything money could buy.
Maybe you have a son and daughter-in-law with young kids who haven't had a night out in several months; you could give them a coupon for a free night of babysitting. Perhaps your grandfather doesn't like shoveling snow; gift him a coupon for snow removal. Are you a great cook? Offer a friend or family member a coupon for a homecooked meal.
There are plenty of examples of these kind of "gift coupon books" online to help inspire you, and you can customize them to the needs of the gift recipient. This gift is great because it shows thoughtfulness about the gift recipient while also not costing you any money, instead you're giving the gift of your own time. Plus, you can get as creative as you want DIYing the coupons and putting together a fun, festive coupon book.
No matter what gift idea you come up with, remember it's the thought that counts. You don't need expensive or extravagant gifts to let someone know you care.
Beth-Ann May is an Assistant Branch Manager at New Tripoli Bank and has been working for the Bank for over seven years. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter.
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