Plan and spend wisely during the festive season
When shopping for gifts during this festive period, shop for value rather than just looking at the brand name or giving something expensive. TODAY File Photo
It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of activities around the year-end holidays, with people around you talking about what to buy or going shopping.
Presents for family, holiday foods and more are part of making the season special.
However, it is important to spend wisely and selectively this period. This means planning in advance, even if it is only a few weeks beforehand.
Otherwise, you may end up in a last-minute panic and buy whatever is most convenient, even if it is more expensive and unnecessary.
Start by making a list of who you want to give to and what they would like.
It is helpful to have a budget, too, so that you can take control of your spending. Shop for value rather than just looking at the brand name or giving something expensive.
This should help avoid debts that you’ll rue in January.
Even Cosmopolitan magazine suggested that “taking pride in buying presents is no bad thing, but don’t feel like you’re going to be judged entirely on the price tag of whatever you’re gifting — sometimes the best presents are homemade, thoughtful things that remind you of each other.”
PERSONALISED, HANDMADE GIFTS
Once you have put your lists together, it is better to think about what to give rather than just what to buy.
While you may still buy presents off the shelves, this new perspective opens wider horizons for gifting.
It’s easy to give homemade gifts, for instance, and they are greatly appreciated.
Instagram coasters, a picture album of friends or family, a personalised calendar, or a Christmas cake are just a few of many wonderful gifts. You can also use your skill or hobby to give someone a gift, whether it is to fix a computer problem or prepare a homemade dinner or something else.
For children, consider giving them a voucher that is valid for a day at the zoo or another special activity.
Giving experiences rather than objects can also be more meaningful, and the recipient may well remember them longer. While objects are often put away and forgotten, memories last forever.
A ticket to a concert, an outing together, a special meal, or some other experience that the person would not ordinarily do can be wonderful.
When you do shop, buying from small local merchants can save you money, and you get to support homegrown entrepreneurs. Go online to find gifts that people have made in their homes or small business, which can also be less expensive than brand-name gifts.
And when you are buying presents for children, many parents follow the well-known adage of buying something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.
SHOP SMART
It pays to be a smart shopper, and chances are, you can find plenty of good deals online. It is good, though, to compare prices across various sites. Some applications can automate the process for comparison.
If you add an item to your cart and do not buy it immediately, some stores will reach out soon afterwards to offer a discount.
Even if you delete email promotions and throw away store flyers most of the year, looking at them in December or signing up for email notifications temporarily or to be part of a “voucher site” can let you know when there are sales.
Apps such as DEALert lets you know when there are bargains, Groupon can send daily specials, and apps from retailers can keep you in the loop about sales they are holding.
When you do go to a store, realise that businesses compete to attract you there. Some stores offer a 50 per cent discount just to lure you in, while others beat competitors’ deals, so compare the offers when you shop.
Buy the less expensive gifts first to help you keep the focus on good prices and to stick with your budget.
Using the right credit card or debit card can also save you plenty of money. Along with reward points or miles, some cards give discounts when you shop online or at particular merchants, while others give cash back for purchases that amount to 10 per cent or more.
When the gift is in hand, do away with the expensive wrapping paper, which will be tossed aside when the package is opened anyway. Instead, wrap your gifts in recycled paper, brown paper or whatever else you have available.
Gifting is a part of the festive season. Rather than just doing what you have always done and spending too much or giving presents that will be forgotten, spend time planning and consider doing more hands-on work yourself to make it more memorable
