Provided we survive the Mayan apocalypse on December 21 (and we will, I’m pretty positive of that), there’s a chance some of us may not survive the financial beating the holiday season entails. Aside from the many holiday gift choices TV and print media present, lack of planning and the fact that we have “so much to do with very little time” may actually comprise the perfect recipe for a financial disaster.
And since there are now just seven days before the clock strikes twelve on the 25th, here are five ways to ensure your money vessel doesn’t run completely dry when giving gifts to the special people in your life.
Image courtesy of Paul / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
1. Make a list.
“People making lists, buying special gifts …” The Jackson 5 singing about a list has to mean something, right? Create a list of family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances you intend to purchase gifts for this Christmas. Your list should also include events or parties where you would be expected to bring a gift. Be specific about gift ideas.
Recommended reading: 9 Gifts Some People Would Rather Not Receive On Christmas
2. Know your budget.
For each person in the list, write down the maximum amount you intend to spend. The total amount you come up with should be the absolute maximum amount you will be spending. Spending less than this amount is something best kept in mind, too.
3. Purchase products via discount stores and/or online auctions.
Maximize Google search for discount stores and/or online auctions. Group-buying sites can come in handy as well. You have to remember, though, make the necessary verification before making a purchase. Know what you’re in for. Don’t be taken for a fool. Better safe than sorry, yes?
4. Create your own gifts.
If you’ve got time on your hands, home-made gifts do not only scream personal touch, they may be more economical than buying their store-ready counterparts. Here are some suggestions: a shirt with a hand-painted message on it, home-baked cookies in recycled canisters, colorful picture frames made out of cardboard boxes, etc.
5. Recycle old Christmas wrappers.
What did your grandmother say about not ripping those Christmas wrappers to pieces? Well, she was actually trying to get you to save them for the next holiday season. Then again, if you got the warning too late, fret not. You don’t necessarily have to use fancy Christmas wrappers for your gifts. You may use inexpensive and recycled brown paper and colorful ribbons. Really, it’s all a matter of putting your creativity to full use. You even help save the environment.
What about you? How do you plan to save on gifts this Christmas?
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This is a very helpful and timely tips. I’m done with my shopping two weeks ago. I’ll be wrapping them later with my excess wrappers last year. I hate to cram with other shoppers who happen to do last minute shopping.
I didn’t spend much on Christmas gifts either. So I guess my hubby will be proud of me for saving bunch of pennies for us.
lencilicious recently posted…Kare-Kare
I would have to agree that Christmas shopping should be done early. Yesterday, I was out at the mall looking for something I had forgotten to buy weeks prior. Wow, so many shoppers everywhere!
I’m sure your hubby will be very proud. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Len!
Maricel recently posted…What Exactly Is Content Marketing?
Budgeting during Christmas time is hard especially if you have a lolong list of loved ones to give gifts to but remember to just spend what you can afford.
Chubskulit Rose recently posted…Wreck it Ralph
Agree, 100%. Pinoys sometimes have this bad habit of spending more than they have. And then when the new year comes, ayun, butas ang bulsa. 🙂
Maricel recently posted…Monday Reflections: Are You Planting?
I absolutely love your piece of holiday saving tips! Actually, I have been practicing those things because yeah, they work! 🙂
LOL on the world ending on Dec 21st. Of course it won’t! I am positive on it, too! 😀
Rcel recently posted…Cyber Monday Buy: Coach-aholic
Thank goodness they work. Well, they should work, LOL. Thanks for vouching for them, Rcel. 😉
Yeah, I don’t think the world is ending yet, too. Hope you have a fun day on the 21st with your family.
Maricel recently posted…What Exactly Is Content Marketing?
A friend of mine used to buy her Christmas gifts like 6 months before December. She will slowly buy gifts when there is a sale. It avoids her to shell out big amounts during Christmas where everything tends to be expensive.
Cheers
frugal expat recently posted…A Beautiful Rainy Monday in Abu Dhabi…
Cyra, thanks for the visit! I am all for this strategy. This way, you not only ensure everyone you plan to send a gift to gets what you intend for them to get. At the same time, you can take advantage of flash sales, and more importantly, you don’t have to worry about spending a cashless Christmas just because you spent every penny you got for gifts.
Maricel recently posted…What Exactly Is Content Marketing?
If I had precious time in my hands, I love making personalized hand-made gifts but alas time seems to be a rare commodity.
Teresa Martinez recently posted…How Do We Protect Our Children? – Thoughts on the Connecticut School Shooting
Same here, Teresa. Time has been in short supply nowadays that more often than not, no matter how much we want to personalize, we just have to content ourselves with what we can buy from the stores.
Maricel recently posted…Getting More Twitter Shares Has Gotten Easier with EasyRetweet
Just be creative in making those Christmas decor. And for those food at the table, a veggie Christmas dish is something to try instead those magarbo at magastos na traditional Noche Buena dishes. Many will benefit from your tips.
papaleng recently posted…Decorate Your Christmas Tree with Cats!
Great money-saving tips, Papaleng. Veggies, not only for their economic value, are healthy, too. Tama ka. Magarbo and magastos don’t cut the deal. And then after the holidays, oops, no more money in the pockets. Maxed out pa credit cards. 🙁
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I gave food as gifts to groups of people instead of buying individual stuff for every one of them. It’s more affordable for me, especially that shopping for stuff isn’t my strong suit. 😀
Hey, Nomer, thanks for coming over. First off, a very merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! Sometimes, yes, giving people food may be the best option.
Maricel recently posted…Monday Reflections: Are You Planting?