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Master the Art of Gift Giving
So your brother wants that new X-Box game, your sister is a
freak for sterling silver jewelry and your Dad...? How on earth
are you going to buy him that new sports car he wants! Ah,
wouldn't it be terrific if you could lavish your family,
friends and loved ones with every holiday wish on their list.
Gift-giving would be sooo easy and you would be the hero of
each and every holiday.
Well, the truth is, gift-giving is an art form that doesn't
necessarily require lots and lots of money. What expert gift
giving does require, however, is time, patience and love...and
it wouldn't hurt to brush up on your shopping skills! So, how
do you get started on your road to creative gift-giving? Here
are some helpful hints.
1. Make a List (and check it twice!): The list of people you
will want to buy gifts for and the list of people you actually
can afford to buy gifts for may be very different. Begin by
jotting down the names of those family members and friends you
absolutely must give gifts to. This may include your mother,
father, grandfather, brother, godmother, best friend. On a
separate piece of paper, put down the names of those you would
like to acknowledge this holiday season... a favorite teacher,
friend, aunt or cousin.
2. Create a budget. Only you know how much money you have and
what you can spend on each person. Remember, the cost of your
gift should not be the deciding factor in its success. Gifts
given with love and sincerity are worth more than fancy jewelry
or expensive clothes. Assign a dollar amount to each name on
your list. For example, $10 for your brother, $15 for your
mother or father, $5 on your grandmother. If you plan your
budget ahead of time, you will be better prepared to shop
within your gift-giving means.
3. Start shopping as soon as possible. If you begin shopping
for your gifts in advance, you will have more time to hunt for
sale items, special promotions and interesting products. Begin
to check the local newspapers for sales, coupons and other
incentives. Cut these coupons and sales out of the newspaper
and keep them in a folder. You'll be surprised how much money
you can save if you take advantage of special store offers.
4. Give from the heart. The first rule for any gift-giving guru
is to give a gift you know your recipient will love, not
necessarily a gift you love. For instance, just because you
hate plaid doesn't mean you pass up that terrific plaid purse
your mother has been eyeing in the local accessory shop. Your
mother will love that you paid attention to her desires and
went out of your way to find a gift you know she wanted.
5. Don't impulse buy. Shopping, at any time, can be confusing.
The stores are filled with temptations to make you overspend
and buy items you don't necessarily need. And the holidays are
the perfect time for shopkeepers and department stores to tempt
you even more. Be an educated gift shopper. Don't purchase the
first item you see and definitely compare prices. With today's
overstocked stores, you never need to buy in a hurry.
6. Beware of wrappings. You've heard the phrase, "good things
come in small packages?" Well, that may be true but the
packages don't need to have fancy ribbons, bows and bags, do
they? Watch out for your gift wrapping prices. Boxes, mylar
bags, cards and fancy tape cost a lot of money and can greatly
increase your expenses. Why not wrap your gifts instead in
hand-made bows or recycled bags and boxes? You can make your
own cards on the computer and design your own wrapping
paper.
7. Hand-made gifts still say "I love you." In today's crazy,
trendy world of spending, it is rather refreshing to get a
hand-made gift. Why not create a decoupage picture frame, a
studded t-shirt or headband for your sister or your favorite
aunt. Maybe you want to fill that beautiful cookie tin with
homemade chocolates or pastries for your godmother. And your
dad, he might really enjoy a miniature model of that hot sports
car he's always dreaming about...especially if it's made with
your own two hands. But don't be fooled into thinking that
hand-made gifts are free. Craft products and accessories can
add up so shop wisely for paints, glue and glitter. Check
prices at superstores in your neighborhood.
8. Chip In with a family member or friend. Two heads are better
than one and sometimes so are two pocketbooks. Why not pool
your resources with your brother, father, mother, etc. You can
even go in with a friend on craft supplies and art
products.
Holiday gift giving should be a wonderful, stressless
experience. Be organized this holiday season and you will
emerge as a master! Happy shopping!
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