This is the time of year when a lot of us get into financial trouble buying presents for all the people we care about. That's why it's so critical to set a budget and stick to it. As difficult as that may seem, I recommend keeping the following in mind to help you stay on budget:
- Expensive gifts for people other than immediate family can make the recipient feel uncomfortable, which is probably not what you would want. Instead, purchase a bulk pack of inexpensive but nice quality gifts for those people. Holiday crackers are always a safe festive bet. Also consider discount books from places like Chapters, where there's plenty of good reads that cost less than $10. Multi-packs of items like decks of playing cards can also make fun individual gifts.
- Go for quality, not quantity. Get to know the person you're shopping for. Are they a fan of a particular show? Sites like amazon.ca
have lots of popular television show-related items in a wide range of prices. Remember, it means more to those you care about to show them how tuned in to them you are, rather than how much money you want to spend on them.
- If you're creative and have the time, why not make something for those you care about? I enjoy taking photographs and videos through the year of various family events, and some years I've brought it all together to create a DVD of memories. It's a gift paid for by my time and efforts throughout the year.
- Take your time when shopping. If you can't find just the right gift, then don't buy anything until you do. Spend more time getting to know the person you're buying for; talk to their friends and others who know them; you might find out something about them you never knew, and the perfect gift might come to mind. Buying a gift just for the sakes of buying a gift can often be a waste of money.
- Perhaps the person you're buying for is really nostalgic for a certain period. Nothing wrong with a used relic from that era that's still in great condition to bring a smile to their face!
- Sometimes there's a less expensive option; for example, the person may have expressed interest in an iPad, but they might be just as pleased with a low-priced Android tablet. Play it safe and get a gift receipt just in case, so if they really have their heart set on the more expensive option, at least you've contributed financially to their goal, creating a win-win situation.
- Thinking of getting someone a cell phone? Avoid the contracts at all costs, unless the recipient has explicitly expressed interest in this. Rather, find out who the recipient likes as a carrier, then get them an unlocked or prepaid phone for that carrier, and give the gift with no strings attached.
Keeping on budget is key to long-term happiness beyond the holidays, and giving gifts that really show you care rather than showing how much money you're willing to spend will make the holiday season a delight for everyone. I hope your holiday season is full of love and happiness, and if you can't have that, I hope it's at least free of regret and disappointment.
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