Though the COVID-19 has upended the economy as a whole, the tradition of gift-giving is something that we should strive to sustain to keep the holiday spirit alive. After all, it is an occasion that only happens once a year. Especially at a time where uncertainty abounds, sending out gifts is one way to kindle hope and kindness. From sending out personalized Christmas ornaments to DIY gifts, there are different ways wherein we can express our love and give back.
In this article, we have compiled nine gift-buying tips to help you save money during these financially challenging times.
Be a keen observer. The secret in giving heart-tugging gifts (even if they’re not expensive) is thoughtfulness. Observe your recipients’ behavior and needs. If they love to collect holiday ornaments, personalized Christmas ornaments — complete with sweet, meaningful messages — are the perfect gift for them.
Set aside a gift budget. Yes, there is such a thing as a gift budget. Because there are other holiday expenses, you need to make sure that you allocate a chunk of the pie for your gifts. You also have to make an effort to stick with it, which brings us to our next bullet.
Make a list. To make sure all are accounted for — and you won’t have to do costly (and stressful) last-minute shopping — make a list early on. Include the recipients, your gift ideas (including alternatives), and projected costs. This “tracker” can help you monitor your expenses and which gifts you’ve already bought.
Don’t be an emotional spender. When you shop even on e-commerce platforms, there’s a high chance that you will see a previous, pricey item — something that seems to be too good to pass on. Think twice. Because more often than not, it’s something that the recipient wouldn’t necessarily need or appreciate.
Research the best deals. Now that the COVID pandemic has made many of us diligent online shoppers, many e-commerce sites are offering sales and deals more frequently. Take the time to do your research and weigh your options first before adding things to the cart.
Don’t be afraid to DIY. If you’re really on a tight budget, don’t be afraid to send out DIY gifts to the right recipients. There are people who tend to appreciate handmade items more than store-bought ones.
Prepare extra holiday gifts. As mentioned, last-minute shopping can ruin your gift-buying budget strategy. The best way to avoid it? Include it in your plan! Set aside a budget for two to three extra holiday gifts. If you don’t want it to be too generic, you can opt for personalized Christmas ornaments that can be appropriate no matter who the recipient is.
Do Christmas gift exchanges. This fun tradition can actually help you a significant amount of money. Instead of buying too many gifts, you can focus your attention and budget on just one.
Send a gift to someone in need. With or without pandemic, the holiday season is the perfect time to spread hope and charity. This year, make it a point to include donating to charity or sending out gifts to the less fortunate in your area. After all, isn’t it better to give than to receive?
