Bizzimommi's Gift Giving Thoughts and Ideas for the 2009 Holiday Season
Nov 05 '09
The Bottom Line Its easy to save money while purchasing the perfect presents for your family just by using some of these tips!
The crisp autumn breeze has begun to blow in my sleepy little Ohio town and November is knocking out the door. Somehow every year the months seem to fly by faster and before we know it, it’s the Holiday Season once again. Don’t get me wrong, I love this time of year with all the decorating, entertaining, shopping and wrapping, family fun time and more. My family does it big! But with our big Holiday season comes big Holiday expense, which can cause some added stress.
The economy still has quite a ways to come for a recovery. Jobs are still hard to find and with many people who are working living paycheck to paycheck or worse this year, the holidays are going to be a difficult time. So these are some of my own ideas for shopping this Holiday Season. Instead of trying to give out gift ideas for the loved ones in your life, I would rather share with you how to buy all your gifts this year while saving your precious time and money. Save some cash while getting great gifts and perfect presents to put under your Christmas tree this year and every year to come!
Make a list and check it twice! - Just like Santa does! Who’s been naughty or nice this year? Its important that you layout your list of people you plan to buy for so no one is forgotten. If you have to do some last minute frantic shopping for your Great Uncle Fred, you’ll more than likely end up spending more than you intend and end up with a present that might not be so fitting. Every year I keep a small notebook in my purse with all the people I plan to buy for and it helps to keep me on track. (More uses for this notebook below as well!)
Set up a budget- I’m sure this is not your first go round with Holiday shopping so you probably know what you plan to spend. Break that budget down into how much you plan to spend on each person you shop for and put it in writing! You are more likely to stick to the budget if you see it in black and white.
Play Santa’s elf- Talk to your family. Find out what they most want or need this year. With money tight for many families this year make sure that what you purchase for your loved ones is something they can use, they want or they need! There is no need to waste your hard-earned money on frivolous gifts just to be tossed aside.
Watch the store flyers- Be sure to check the Sunday paper for your local ads. Looking through the ads can give you new gift ideas and is great for comparing prices between stores without leaving your home. Watch for must have items to go on sale before buying.
Buy Gift Cards from stores with Free Fuel offers- If you plan on giving gift cards to friends and family this year be sure to do a little research first! Buying these through retailers who offer gas discounts for purchases including gift cards to various stores can quickly add up to a free tank of gas. Many of my local grocery stores are offering various promotions where you can earn up to .20 off a gallon for every $50 worth of gift cards purchased. If you are certain to be shopping at your favorite retailers this season, pre-purchase gift cards to use at these stores for your holiday shopping giving you even more free gasoline for all your travel this season.
Keep notes- In the notebook I mentioned above, I write down everything that I purchase for the people on my gift list. During the Holiday season this notebook stays in my purse at all times. Keeping all my shopping info organized in a notebook saves me from over buying or leaving anyone out. I also attach all receipts to this notebook that way if an item needs to be exchanged. If you don’t carry a purse, keep a notebook in your glove box and write down your gift info before carrying your goodies inside at home.
Take advantage of Free Shipping and coupon codes online- Many online stores this year are offering free shipping on any order. If you can find what you are looking for online at a good price, save your gas and time and beat the crowds. If you search the Internet you can find some great coupon codes that might apply to your order that can save you money too. It’s worth the effort!
Use price matching- Instead of running from store to store, check out which of your local stores offer price match guarantees. For instance Wal-Mart with match the price of any competitors identical sale items mentioned in the ad. Another great way to save precious time and money this season.
Join the Christmas Club at your local Financial Institution- Most banks offer these types of programs, and while its obviously too late to join this year, this is a wonderful way to save money for the Holiday Season so your not feeling the burden all at once. Each week add $20 of your pay to your Christmas account and most banks will let you cash it out in October to begin your shopping. This is a program that I wish someone would have explained to me MANY years ago!
Remember to treat yourself- While you are out shopping for everyone else, make sure to take care of yourself too! Indulge in something that you’ve talked yourself out of buying all year. With all the stress of the season, you deserve a treat too!
Give Back- No matter what your financial situation this year; find a way to give back to the community. Drop your change in a Salvation Army Bucket. Purchase a toy or two for Toys for Tots. Volunteer your time to a great cause this season. Giving back is a sure way to brighten your Holiday and make you appreciate everything you have and all the blessings in your life.
These are some of my ideas for gift giving for the 2009 Holiday Season. Save your money while still getting everyone the perfect present. Shop wisely and make a game out of getting the best bargain for your buck.
Wishing you a safe and Happy Holiday Season!
Bizzimommi
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my epi-friends!
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