Christmas Shopping on a Budget
How to Find the Best Gifts at the Best Prices During the Holidays
During the holiday season, there are several options available when it comes to Christmas shopping for family and friends. However, the first shopping stop for many holiday gift-givers is the shopping mall—which, usually, is not the best place for a bargain, even when one sticks to clearance racks and Black Friday sales. This how-to guide offers fresh ideas for holiday shopping on a tight budget.
Set a Budget Before You Shop
Often, many shoppers start with a general idea for a budget, but not a concrete number. One might decide to spend roughly $150-$200 on gifts that year; however, such a broad budget allows too much wiggle room. Set a definite number before setting foot in a store. Decide how much will be spent on each person (and whether that amount will differ depending on the person) and how much will be spent in total.
Skip the Mall and Get Creative
Rather than heading to the big-name department stores this holiday season, explore fresh options like online shopping, discount shopping, and thrift shopping.
- With online shopping, gift-givers can compare prices instantly; calculate costs for the same product at chains like Kohl's or Target by simply visiting the stores' official websites. Many chains offer a nearly comprehensive list of products available to buy immediately on the web and several offer additional "online only" products that can't be bought in-store.
- Shopping at discount stores like Walmart and Target for products that are similar to pricier department-store items can save loads in the long run. If shopping for Converse sneakers, for example, Target offers a lower-priced line of Converse-brand shoes while Walmart sells knock-offs that look close to the original. Rather than hitting up the Hickory Farms kiosk at the mall, consider buying a sausage-and-cheese gift set from Walmart or Target for the meat lovers on one's list. Some stores sell Hickory Farms brand gift sets at a lower price than the mall kiosks, while other stores sell an off-brand gift set at a discount rate.
- Thrift shopping affords a number of unique gift options that one might not be able to afford to buy new. For example, most vinyl records can be purchased for a dollar or two at places like Goodwill or local thrift stores. If looking to buy a higher-priced item like a bicycle or furniture, a thrift store offers scratch-and-dent or lightly-used items at a fraction of the cost. If an item, such as a bike, needs sprucing up—it could be more cost-efficient to buy the item used and add a fresh coat of paint.
Give Homemade Gifts
If one is the least bit crafty, homemade presents offer a gift-giving option that is personal at little or no cost.
- Bake loaves of holiday bread (e.g., pumpkin spice or cinnamon swirl) for each family member and wrap in bright, holiday-colored cellophane and tie with a hand-curled ribbon.
- Create affordable gift baskets with a selection of holiday coffees (shop discount stores or dollar stores for lower-priced options) or holiday teas, along with a pair of mugs or teacups.
- Buy an inexpensive, solid-color apron and monogram the name of the person receiving the gift on the front of the apron. The monogrammed name could be embroidered or written in an elegant, cursive script with fabric paint.
- Paint inspirational quotations or proverbs on a thick sheet of paper using a paintbrush with a thin tip. Paint the quotation in a cursive script and frame the sheet of paper in a solid black frame.
Use unique talents to create gifts—if skilled in media production, create DVDs of home movies to share with family. If skilled in music, make a CD of holiday songs to give. The possibilities are endless!
HOL101
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