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How to Buy Gifts on a Budget

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Le Moyne chapter.

Every year we encounter the same problem of buying gifts on a low budget. This is an issue that not only affects everyone during the holiday season, but all year round due to birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. So the question remains, how do you purchase gifts on a low budget? To tackle this question, we considered the fundamental objectives of what kind of gifts people like to purchase for loved ones. A typical person generally looks for presents that are meaningful for the person receiving the gift, such as buying a cute pair of socks that you knew she needed or a hat and scarf set for your significant other who doesn’t own any winter accessories.

Another factor to consider is creativity, which is very important because it is what first attracts a person to the gift. Think of the colors or design patterns the recipient really likes. If you are thinking about purchasing jewelry, keep in mind whether the other person favors gold over silver. Also, being creative with a gift does not only mean purchasing presents at a boutique. You can make your own gift! Go to an arts and crafts store like Michaels or Pearl Paint and buy some materials to create an original present such as a painting, t-shirt, a decorative jewelry box or scrap book.

A third option to obtaining a perfect gift without breaking your wallet is securing a present that is memorable. Again, this does not mean that you need to buy anything from a store! With this option, you can plan a special day for the person without even dipping into your wallet by keeping in mind what he/she generally likes or enjoys doing. For instance, if you know that he enjoys activities that are set out doors and that are also interactive, you can utilize this gift idea by planning a day full of fun activities such as bike riding on a special trail with a private picnic at the end of the path. Another alternative can be opting to stay indoors, which can still result in having a unique and fun experience such as planning to bake a cake from scratch or making a pizza because you kept in mind her love of cooking and baking.

Following these ideas or coming up with your own will make for a perfect gift because not only will your present be meaningful, creative and memorable, but it will also have authenticity, a trait that none of the store bought options have.
 
 
 

Ivanna Abreu is a junior Communications major at Le Moyne College with a concentration in Advertising and minors in English and Creative Writing. She was born in the Dominican Republic, but was raised in the Bronx, NY. One of her greatest passions in life is the art of communication and how people relate and communicate with each other. Living in New York City only fostered this passion because her whole life she has been surrounded by different cultures and people. Ivanna enjoys writing and reading, specifically about human interest stories. She prides herself in having a great work ethic and unlike some she enjoys constantly being on the move and being busy. In her hands you will always find either her iPhone or coffee (or on a good day both). She also loves all things comedy and is always trying to make someone laugh.