Christmas on a Budget - How Not to Panic Over Gifts

Its that time of year again when you start to feel your purse strings starting to pull. You don't earn enough money, or you are claiming welfare/social. You have been made redundant or you are a pensioner.

Either way the money never goes very far. So buying Birthday or Christmas Presents is a nightmare. The second the word Gifts is mentioned you start to panic.

So what to do?

How on earth are you going to cope with food, gifts, rent and so on at this the coldest time of the year?

Well there is a way, so don't panic.

You just have to juggle a few things.

For a start there are various shops that do cheap but not tacky goods. You just have to look for them.

Over here in England we have a shop called the Pound Shop. Simple title, and it says it all. Of course you want to make sure that whatever you buy is not liable to break, smell bad, or bring someone out in a rash!

So if you are buying perfume I would suggest buying it from a more specialized shop that is maybe doing a sale.

The reason I say this is that a while ago, there was a case in the national newspaper telling of a young lad who was badly burned on holiday because his mother had bought the sun cream from one of the Pound stores. Evidently to put it mildly, it was rubbish!

So you do have to be careful.

Games, Videos and Audio books! Once again too young for my son who is now an adult, but very similar to my cousins little boys first computer.
And yes I had a play with it too!
The great thing about these children's Tablets is that they teach your child in a safe environment, and this Kids Edition Tablet is also a great way for your child to understand how technology works. And most impressive? Its pretty cheap too! It comes with;

1. 2 year Guarantee
2. 8" Display
3. And introducing Spanish Language Content.

And tons more!

For those of us who do have a talent for Craft making then making your own gifts can be an easier option. I have friends that can whip up a lovely jumper, or gingerbread house in a couple of days!

But alas that is not me. I have two fumbling hands that are more likely to ruin it in five minutes than make something special.

But you can of course buy hand made goods that are different, for those who have everything they need. Its a novelty and well worth looking out for craft fairs. Not only are you being simple, but you are putting money into small businesses too!

Ah Memories! I had something very similar when I was a child! And it was wonderful.

For some reason Unicorns are this years most popular toy! All children go through phases where toys are concerned but Unicorns are going to be the number one buy this Christmas.

Imagine waking up on the day to find this. It may be cheap but kids will love it!
The Paint colors include,yellow, pink, green, white and blue.
And the Kit includes a 7 in resin unicorn, i paintbrush, and 5 paint pots!
From 6 years and up. And for adults, (like me!) who love it too!

I was planning on buying this for my sister in law. Trouble was, when I got it home I decided to keep it for myself. Yes I know, now I have to go out and get something else!

Trouble was, its so gorgeous! And my favorite color too.

• Sterling Silver heart gemstone earrings and pendant set. With cubic zirconia.
• Great for your wife, friend or just about anyone else in your family. It comes with an 18" Chain (chain is varied) and free elegant jewelry box
• The great thing is that it has a 60 days money back and 100% satisfaction guarantee!
• Durable and good finished anti allergic, Nickel free.

Like many people these days, I tend to buy most of my stuff online. Obviously Amazon comes to mind, but there are smaller retail outlets that can produce some cheap yet good gifts.

I have a relatively small family, but I know many of you have relatives of relatives so to speak!

Just remember don't do what I always tend to fall into. I rush out and buy rather expensive gifts only to be given back a box of chocolates, socks or smellies!

Yep I know, so not fair.

So be careful who you buy for, and think about the who's and why's before buying.

So what gave me the idea for this article? Well, while I was sitting round a friends the other day, her little girl, 5 years old, came trotting in wearing her mothers shoes, a party dress and yes smothered in mom's lipstick, which was quite funny.

After the initial 'Oh no!' we both started chatting about gifts for Christmas. And my friend told me that she was buying her daughter party dresses. As well as other gifts of course. So, long story short, hence this article.

But it got me thinking, what else do we not really look at as Christmas gifts? So I racked my memory and came up with some of things I had bought for my son and other family members.

Obviously the most popular gifts today are going to be electronic. Whether its Tablets, Computers or Apple Siri. Most of us have some sort of technology. But it doesn't have to be the same old boring thing.

I personally have a sun lamp that gets brighter and brighter as the alarm goes off! But I fancy buying the one below for me, but sadly others come first!

Christmas gifts should be thought about 'outside the box' if you will excuse the pun!

Not everybody wants the same old thing for Christmas. I am happy with a book. But sometimes that's not enough, lol!

On a serious note, my brother has aspergers syndrome. Which is in the autistic spectrum. He loves his gadgets and colors. So this lamp is right up his street!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday time, and don't forget! Gifts can be useful, wonderful and above all else? Cheap!