Cheap Christmas Gifts, Part 1
Reader Danielle posted this comment on the previous post:
“Do you have any good ideas for cheap Christmas gifts? Christmas is coming quick—and I’m just trying to think of how to be creative and still give a nice gift to everyone on my list from ages 2-52. Any tips or do you know of any good websites that don't just teach you how to make ornaments, candles, and potpourri—that's all I've really found. Any thoughts on the whole Christmas gift thing?”
Great question! Thanks for the prompt, Danielle. Gifts are my dominant love language so I have a few strong opinions in this department.
The first is that that old adage really is true: it’s the thought that counts. Your gift communicates a message to the recipient—make sure it’s one that says: “I care about you,” “I love you” and/or “You are known.” It sounds cheesy, but one of the greatest desires we have is to be known and when you give someone a personal gift that reflects their taste and personality, you are tangibly showing that person you know them and love them for who they are.
With that in mind, there are some practical steps you should consider before letting your emotions get the best of you when you’re shopping for gifts.
1. Make a budget! Hopefully you’ve been putting money aside throughout the year so Christmas gifts don’t take a chunk out of your regular spending. Figure out how much you are willing to spend collectively on gifts (keep in mind any traveling expenses you might need to budget for during the holidays as well).
2. Make your list. Once you have a figure to work with, make a list of those you want to buy gifts for, and those you will have to buy gifts for (like a generic office present, or contributing to a group gift).
3. Assign priorities. Take your list and arrange it according to the level of gifts you’ll be giving. Obviously your mate and your immediate family members will receive more substantial gifts, but you might also want to give something to your coworkers, but the value of those gifts will have to be more economical.
4. Brainstorm gift ideas. Don’t blindly go into a mall looking for something that will fit everyone on your list. I’ve done this in the past and walked out with more presents for myself than those on my list. Pre-plan your gifts so you’re sure to get a meaningful present.
5. Do your homework. Before you start buying (or making) your gifts, research to find the best quality and prices (online or locally). Read online reviews and find out when stores are offering sales prices.
6. Buy. Be intentional about when you buy or create your gifts. Keep in mind shipping dates if you’re ordering online, and make sure you budget time in your schedule to create gifts during the busy holiday season.
7. Package for presenting! A gift is not complete without packaging! Just like your gift, the packaging sends a message to the recipient. But it doesn’t have to be expensive paper and bows. My husband’s favorite way to wrap presents is to use newspaper, but he gets creative and uses pieces that reflect the recipients’ personality (like the sports pages or comics).
In coming posts, I will blog about specific gift ideas for those on a budget. I’ll also tackle homemade gifts and gift wrap ideas. Stay tuned!