It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas, right? We all know that gift shopping can be overwhelming, but don’t let this stress ruin all the fun this year. Make a well-thought-out plan and stick to it. From shopping lists to Christmas funds, you should start preparing ahead of time, so you can enjoy the Holidays stress-free. With these next seven tips, you’ll be able to buy the right gifts for your loved ones and save money at the same time.
Buy Group Gifts
If you have a big family, Christmas shopping can become an expensive adventure. Tip: try choosing combined gifts this year. If you have siblings, you can all pitch in a little something and buy your parents a present they would both like. You can gift them a voucher for a nice dinner, or tickets to their favourite movie. This trick will help prevent clutter and unnecessary waste from unwanted gifts. It works for kids too. This Christmas, gift your little ones tickets to their favourite adventure and fun parks. They will get excited waiting for the fun day and it will give you a chance to do something together, as a family.
Always Compare Prices
With many retailers offering the same products at different price points, you can always choose where you want to shop. If you are looking for a specific item, don’t buy it from the first place you come across. Instead, do some research and check other stores to compare prices. After all, you can always find cheaper alternatives for expensive items. For example, your mom has been hinting for months that she would love to own elegant pearls. Money-saving tip: opt for a jewellery piece featuring Freshwater pearls instead of saltwater gems – more affordable, same level of chicness. Your mom will love the fact you bought her exactly what she wanted and she won’t have to know how much you spent on her gift.
Repurpose Gift Cards
We’ve all received gift cards to stores we don’t really like, especially from co-workers at Secret Santa parties. It’s not a shame to admit that you are not a huge fan of that particular retailer – but it just so happens that your sister loves it. So why not use your gift card to buy her a great present? You can also find online marketplaces where people sell their unused gift cards and buy them for up to 35 percent off. There are a bunch of them out there and you might even stumble upon some real treasures.
Choose Experiences
It’s hard thinking of new gift ideas each year, especially if you are shopping for the same people. Try something new this Holiday season and save money at the same time. There are many handy websites out there, like Groupon, which offer vouchers for experiences for less than their real value. Things like discounted spa days, lower rates for dinners at different restaurants, day trips and movie tickets can make great and unique gifts. You pay the lower rate online and your loved ones get to fully enjoy the experience. Plus, it’s fun and different and you won’t risk somebody else gifting them the same thing.
Download Coupons and Cash Back Apps
It’s very easy to find sales in your favourite stores, coupons or, why not, get money back on your purchases. Download the apps offered by your favourite retailers in order to get news about discounts and sales. Apps like Rakuten send you points and rewards for the purchases you make from different retailers, while apps like Paribus track your online purchases and reimburse you if that item goes on sale. There is nothing better than free money so why miss out on the opportunity.
Show Off Your Creativity With DIY
If you’ve always loved designing pieces or art and making things with your own hands, why not use your skills and prepare a few creative gifts for your loved ones. A thoughtful handmade gift can be more valuable than any present you might shop in a store. For example, your grandma doesn’t need a new scarf but for sure she would appreciate a batch of delicious homemade cookies – so get to work and start baking some sweet treats. Bonus points if you pack the freshly baked goodies in a cute bag, add a colourful bow and a hand-written note.
Don’t Throw Away Old Wrapping Paper
A hidden cost of Christmas shopping is, you guessed, packaging. Wrapping paper can be expensive, especially around the Holidays. Repurposing your old gift bags can save you a lot of money and we all know that you have a few stashed up in a drawer somewhere. Let your artistic side shine and create your own wrapping paper from scraps that you saved from different gifts. It will be a fun and unique way to wrap your presents and your loved ones will enjoy it.
