Now that you’re on your own, what kind of shopping list will you need to create for this holiday season? In other words, what limits are you going to set to keep from going broke!
No more using the excuse, “I’m just a poor student!” Now you’re all grown up, in the workforce and ready to spend spend spend, right?! Well maybe if you spend right….
This year you can’t piggy-back on your parents gift by writing your name on the gift tag at the last second. You’re an adult and expected to start giving as well as receiving. Of course, consider the fact that most of the people you are buying presents for aren’t expecting the world or anything fancy. They just want to know that they’re appreciated and thought of at least once a year. (Now, if you’re living at home for free, or for a very low price, you might think of doing a little something extra.)
Start off by making a list for everyone that you think you might need to get gifts for: parents, siblings, friends, niece/nephews, grandparents, co-workers, etc. Then decide on a limit for each according to your income. In essence, make sure you can pay for both the gifts and your living expenses. A Christmas Club account would come in handy here; an account that you contribute to throughout the year so you’re not scrambling for cash when the season is near.
Some presents cost nothing but your time. Offering to baby-sit a couple of nights for a niece/nephew or close friend is always greatly appreciated; so is playing bridge with grandpa for a couple of hours. Avoid buying presents just because “you have to”. Those “chincy” singing Elvis santas should be for store entertainment only. And, don’t try giving a homemade cookie-cutout of your hand just like you did when you were 5, to prove you’re growing up. To save money you can always double up—get your parents a gift they can share or chip in with another relative to buy a gift. Don’t be afraid to shop for the deals! Black Friday never hurt anyone, except their checkbook. Wait until Christmas Eve when the deals are to die for! Some of the best stories come from“hunting” for that perfect gift.
In the end, some of the best presents end up being the cheapest! Most of the time price has very little to do with the actual gift. For instance, take a gift coming from your significant other. Would you rather receive a really thoughtful gift that expressed their love, reminded you of an inside joke or a special moment you shared?...or a gift card? You decide. After-all, what touches someone’s heart is the gift that’s remembered and cherished.
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