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Holiday Gift Guide - Frugal, But Not Cheap!
This holiday season, try to create most of your gifts by yourself. Not only does making your own gifts save you money, but when you receive a homemade gift from someone, you know that the person gave from their heart. Although that person might have been able to afford something store-bought, they were willing to spend some extra time to create something just for you.
Because it is very convenient to just go shopping and buy gifts, people miss out on the true meaning of what giving gifts is all about. Giving a gift to someone should not be a "have to do", but instead, something that you would like to do.
Keeping that thought in mind, limit your gift giving only to family members, relatives, and really close friends. If you feel obligated to give gifts to anyone else, make up a batch of cookies, throw them in a mason jar or pretty container, and tie a bow on it. Everyone loves homemade cookies!
You could take the "Secret Santa" approach at your office. Everyone writes down their own name and throws it into a hat. Whoever's name you draw out, you are that person's Secret Santa. This way, everyone only has one gift to give.
When looking for craft ideas, don't be afraid to copy. Look through your favorite magazines for ideas, and modify the ideas to fit your budget. While looking for ideas from other resources, you are bound to come up with a few ideas of your own.
You might consider keeping 3x5 index cards with you at all times to write down any craft or gift ideas that you like. Keep them in an index card box and over the years, you'll have a whole box full of your favorite gift ideas. Remember to do this for every holiday...not just Christmas.
I know that many of you do not have time to create gifts. With a full time job, a list of household chores a mile long, and kids who deserve and demand your undivided attention, having the time to create something other than dinner just isn't going to become a reality.
If you do decide to buy your gifts this year, be sure to shop around. Whether you buy gifts on the Web or at your local department store, make sure that you are getting a good deal on whatever you buy.
When shopping online, always check for online coupons for the products you are going to purchase. You can visit:
http://www.thatscheap.com
http://www.dealofday.com
http://www.flamingoworld.com
to find the best online coupons. Many times, you will be able to purchase some gifts just for the price of shipping! Be on the constant watch for good deals, and when you find one, act quickly. Good deals go quick.
Stock up! If you happen to find great gifts for pennies, that are not Christmas-themed, get a bunch. Those gifts will be great for giving people throughout the year. If they are gifts that were intended only for the Christmas holiday season, save them for next year's gifts.
Choose sensible gifts that won't become outdated, outgrown, or disliked quickly. Try to stay away from the electronic and clothing gift items, and stick with food, games, figurines of that person's favorite characters, books, household decorations, blankets, crafts, candles, and so on.
Most of all, remember that more is less. The more love and time you put into your gifts, the less money you are going to have to spend to make your gifts seem thoughtful.
About the Author
Suzanne Michelle is the Webmaster and editor of FrugalSuz.com, the "Frugal Living Online Resource Center dedicated to helping families make the most out of every dollar." She is the editor of a free bi-weekly newsletter called "Diving for Dollar$", and provides a public question and answer column about living frugally.
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