During the holiday season, we are encouraged to give gifts to our friends and loved ones to show them how much we appreciate all that they have done throughout the year. Unfortunately, giving holiday gifts can become very expensive very fast. Retailers want you to spend as much as you can during the holiday season so it will help their bottom line, but draining your bank account for holiday gifts is not the way you want to start the new year. Here are some tips that will help you give great holiday gifts without breaking the bank.
Choose Gifts Related To Their Interests
Every person has specific things that they are interested in and tailoring the holiday gift to fit these interests is an inexpensive way to get that person a holiday gift that they will truly enjoy. There are many ways to choose this type of gift, including giving gift certificates to specialty retailers to replenish consumables and supplies for their hobbies or giving them items that will help them enjoy their interests more, like cookbooks for aspiring cooks or camping gear for those who enjoy the outdoors. This method of choosing holiday gifts ensures that the gift will be practical and ensures that you are giving the person something that they would actually use.
Give Holiday Gifts That Are Homemade
If you have a knack for making things, do not be afraid to give holiday gifts that are homemade. Most people appreciate homemade gifts, especially if it is something that they cannot make themselves. Many families have a tradition of giving friends and loved ones fresh baked goods using special recipes that are unique to that particular tradition. The recipients look forward to the holidays each year because they know they will be getting a treat that they cannot get at any other time. You can also give items crafted out of yarn, handmade pottery, or any other items that you like to make. While the work involved may be substantial, the cost of materials will be lower than purchasing something premade.
Give Gift Cards
If you are on a strict holiday budget and know that you can only afford to spend so much on holiday gifts for each person, give them each a gift card for your budgeted amount and allow them to choose their own gift. The gift card can be for their favorite store, a good restaurant, or an all-purpose gift card that can be used anywhere. Before purchasing the gift card, make sure that the balance on the card does not expire and that there are no additional fees associated with the gift card that will drain the balance over time.