It’s officially that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, the semester is coming to an end, and you can no longer escape the Christmas music being played on every local radio station. Although this is typically an exciting and happy time of year, we are once again faced with the dreadful dilemma: What am I going to get people for the holiday and how will I afford to buy the perfect present?
(Image courtesy of Pinterest)
I like to think simple. I try to think of the key one or two things my friend or family members love, and I plan their gift around it. If you have a friend that loves coffee, why not buy them a cute new mug and a new roast of coffee they have been wanting to try?! Whatever you decide to get them, remember not to overthink the gift. The more personalized the present is, the more they will love it.
Plan ahead. Christmas is on December 25th every year. We all know that but we get into a frenzy where we scramble at the last minute to find the right gift at the right cost. This year, try thinking ahead. When you see a gift your friend might like, buy it for them. There is no harm in holding their present for an extra few months until it’s Christmastime.
Set a budget. I know most people probably do this in their head as they are driving to the mall to buy presents. However, how often have we gotten to the mall, saw something we loved for a family member, and bought it without taking the price into consideration? Although there is nothing wrong with spending a little extra on someone, going significantly over budget can take away from the money you were planning on spending on another person. What I like to do before I go shopping is to write the names of the people I am shopping for, a few key gift ideas, and the amount of money I want to spend on them. The amount doesn’t have to be exact, but make it realistic. If you can only afford to spend $10 for your best friend, so be it. They will understand. Know your spending limits and stick to them.
Get crafty. Although this is a struggle for me, as I am the most uncreative person, there are countless DIY Pinterest blogs that can give you step by step directions on how to make a present your friend will love. There are tutorials on how to paint canvas pictures, make personalized wine glasses, and even how to make homemade soaps and body scrubs. Some of my favorite presents I have received are ones my friends have created on their own. It shows me that they took the time and effort to prepare a personalized present that I would enjoy.
Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, who you are buying for, or how much money you have, remember to enjoy yourself. Sometimes we get so caught up in the worrisome process of buying people presents and hopping from one family gathering to the next that it takes away from the real meaning of the holidays. At the end of the day, it is not going to matter what you buy your mom, friend, or significant other. They will still love you. So if you want to spend $100 on them, go for it, but don’t be afraid to be thrifty and get a little creative this year!