What would you do with $730 billion? That’s what Americans are forecast to spend on the holiday season this year. The gift-giving category tends to rank high on the expense and stress scale, so today we’ll look at ways to restore the joy of giving. With less than four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there’s no time like the present to plan your presents.
Timely Tips - to restore the joy of giving
Schedule
The following ideas might be appealing, but unless you schedule time for them, you’ll likely succumb to the holiday craze and by-pass these stress reducers. Schedule time on your calendar to budget, plan, shop (online/in-store), wrap, ship, etc.
Over-all Budget
Don’t feel pressured to spend your share of the $730 billion. I don’t know anyone who has ever regretted living within their means.
Calculate what you can afford to spend on gifts this year without going into debt. This may not reduce your December stress, but come January you’ll be much more joyful!
For extra accountability, cash out the amount you’ve designated and stop shopping when it’s gone.
List
Create a list of the people you’re giving gifts to, such as: family, friends, staff, co-workers, bosses, neighbors, hostess and party gifts, teachers, service providers, a couple generic gifts for unexpected or overlooked recipients. (Don't feel obligated to include ALL of these!)
Store your list on your phone or carry a paper copy in your purse or car, so you have it with you and can refer to and update it as needed.
As gift ideas pop into your head, record them on your list.
Click here for list template from Real Simple
Person-specific Budget
Based on your Over-all Budget set a maximum amount for each recipient and record it next to each name.
As you purchase gifts record the amount spent.
Store/Wrap/Ship
Designate a specific place to store gifts until they’re wrapped, so you don’t lose or forget to give one.
Create a wrap station (even if it’s temporary) for your wrap, gift bags, ribbon, scissors, tape, gift tags, pen, and shipping boxes.
Schedule a couple wrap sessions, since it often takes longer than expected, or wrap gifts as they’re purchased. It’s much easier to do that when the supplies are handy.
Prioritize the gifts you need to ship and make December 15th your "ship by" date.
Shop Smart
Try Wednesdays and weekday mornings for shopping with less crowds.
Map your route before you go, based on your list.
Ask for gift receipts to put with your gifts and save your paper receipts in an envelope.
Create an email folder to store electronic receipts.
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Ways to Save
Consider drawing names instead of giving to everyone in the family or at the office.
Go together on gifts for parents, bosses, etc.
Use the Honey Browser Extension to find and apply promo codes to your online purchases.
Join Amazon Prime
Watch for free shipping and price-matching offers from major stores’ websites.
Give Respectfully
The people I work with don’t want more stuff. Unless it’s maybe a label maker. The Baby Boomers are trying to get rid of stuff and young families are drowning in toys.
Be aware of and respect your recipients’ desires.
Invite the people on your list to share their Amazon “wish lists” with you or use Pinterest.com or Clipix.com to save and share gift ideas online with friends and family.
Consider these non-cluttering gifts: a donation to a charity in honor of the recipient, a gift certificate (massage, yard care, etc.), concert or event tickets, zoo passes, or restaurant and movie gift cards.
Consider a de-cluttering gift-- Organized By Choice Gift Certificate.
Let your presence be your present. My sister and I give each other “Lunch and Labor” gifts. The recipient gets to choose a project to work on together (sort photos, organize attic, clean light fixtures, etc.).
One gift that is always a winner is a photo book. It doesn’t take up much space, it preserves treasured memories, and it brings a smile to the recipient’s face.