I know this is a bit of a no-brainer tip but people just don’t do it! This can save you hundreds of dollars a year and really isn’t that hard. Birthdays and Christmas gifts can really add up if you aren’t careful. I know some people don’t buy gifts and just make them or skip the whole thing altogether but that is seriously just not fun. I love giving gifts immensely. I love shopping for other people. I love seeing the expression on people’s faces when you’ve given them the gift. I also remember how exciting Birthdays and Christmas was as a kid and I don’t want to deprive Keira of that.
So how can you give generously and not break your bank?
1) Set a budget. For Christmas and Birthdays I’ll set a budget of $60 for each person in my own family and slightly more for my other half and daughter. I never go over that amount. Ever.
2) Shop all year. This is the key. I keep my eyes open year-round for great deals and clearance on items I know will be loved by the receiver. This does mean avoiding clothing as gifts since you will not be able to return them. This is the most important way to save money on gifts!
3) To make sure you don’t go over budget just make a simple list of what you have bought and for how much.
4) For children you can even buy clothes for them off season. I already have Keira’s entire next summers wardrobe waiting in my closet to be wrapped up and gifted for either her first Birthday or Christmas. Thanks to shopping the end of season sales I received savings of nearly 70% on everything I purchased.
Do you have any Frugal Gift Giving Tips?
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
Jodi Shaw
Thursday 6th of September 2012
We so need to follow a budget this year. I'm hoping to take my gst and get most of my christmas shopping done lol :) Great tips!
Mama Ash
Wednesday 5th of September 2012
Great tips! I guess regifting isn't frugal :P Just kidding!
Elizabeth FrugalMomEh
Wednesday 5th of September 2012
You have NO idea how close I was to adding a separate list of Tacky and Cheap gift ideas to avoid. That would have been on it. lol!
Wendy S
Wednesday 5th of September 2012
I like buying gifts on sale and tucking them away until needed. I do that with cards too...with the buy 3 get 3 free...I buy ahead and store them in a card calendar.
~ The Country Mouse ~
Wednesday 5th of September 2012
I love shopping for end of season clearance, yet, often I just can't find the cash to do so. But, great tips!
~Shannon~
Tuesday 4th of September 2012
I always forget to hit the sales in the summer. I am great at remembering during Boxing Week -- stock up on jeans for the next year!