Saving Money on Christmas Gifts
Christmas is just around the corner and if you are like most people the thought of all the money you will spend on gifts can be stressful. If you have not planned ahead for the gift buying season, it is okay. Take a deep breath and follow these guidelines to help you save some money on Christmas gifts this year.
Shop the Day After Thanksgiving
If you can handle the crowds, consider shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday offers some of the best prices on items that will surely be on your list of things to buy. While the crowds are a nightmare, the benefit is that you can get all of your shopping done early. This can lead to a relaxing a few weeks before Christmas without the worry of buying gifts.
Shop Second-Hand
Shopping at second-hand stores is a great way to save money on Christmas Gifts. Most stores of this type offer unique items at a deeply discounted price. While it may seem a bit tacky to buy something used for another person, most of the items in these stores are in great shape and the person will never know. Another positive thing about shopping second-hand is that these stores have a wide variety of items to choose from giving you the opportunity to find that one of a kind gift.
Make Your Own Christmas Gifts
Homemade gifts offer a wonderful way to add a personal touch to a gift without breaking the bank. There are tons of different homemade gift ideas to use that will be greatly appreciated by anyone who receives them. If you have the time, it is worth putting a bit of thought into making items for the people who you love.
Avoid Buying for Yourself
Do not buy yourself or your spouse a present. Make a pact with your husband or wife to skip giving each other gifts this year to use that money for something else. The average person spends at least $100 on themselves during the holidays. Put this money in a vacation fund, or use it for gifts for someone else.
Plan Ahead
It might be too late for this year, but for next year a bit of planning won’t hurt. Shopping year round for Christmas presents is a great way to save money. Not only can you buy items when you find a good deal on them, but you also will not have that extra spending all at once at the end of the year.
Saving money on Christmas gifts takes a bit of planning and creative thinking. It will be important to shop around and find the best prices on the items that you want to buy. If money is extremely tight it is okay to buy less this year. Most of the time people tend to over buy during this time of year. Make the most of what you have and remember the true spirit of Christmas. The holidays should be about being with the ones you love, not the amount of presents you give or receive.
