With Thanksgiving over and Christmas quickly approaching, here are some tips to save money on presents:
1. Plan the gift list ahead of time
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
Make a simple list on your phone of everyone you have to buy gifts for. This will help you keep track of who you have bought things for and who you still have to shop for. Make sure to check it twice!
2. Set a budget
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Whether you are a broke college student or just someone who needs to save money…SET A BUDGET. Your budget can be for your overall spending or per person. I personally like to give myself an overall budget. Of course, it’s okay if you go a little over because it is the season of giving!
3. DIY
Photo by Nikunj Gupta on Unsplash
Do-it-yourself gifts have taken the world by storm. It is so easy to search a gift idea and have a DIY post from Pinterest pop up in the search. Although some seem hard, with time and practice you can do it! Your giftee will love it.
4. Christmas swap/secret Santa
Photo by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash
Let’s be real, you don’t have enough money to buy every friend a gift this season but you *of course* feel bad if you don’t. This is where a “Christmas swap” comes in handy. This year, my suitemates and I are having a Secret Santa exchange where we put names into a generator with wish lists so that no one finds out who got who until the swap.
We used DrawNames.com
5. Find the best deals
Photo by Yuriy Trubitsyn on Unsplash
Do your research! Before hitting the stores, look up the best deals to allow you to stay within your budget. You might find that same gift somewhere else for less $$$!
Happy saving!