With colorful parols everywhere and jolly jingles that can heard anywhere it is undeniable that Christmas is just around the corner. “‘tis the season to be jolly fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la” or is it really? Gift giving season is coming and so the stress that comes with it. As Filipinos, celebrating Christmas won’t be complete without gift giving especially to our beloved “inaanaks” or godchildren. Aside from planning what gifts to get for your family and friends, it has been a tradition to give gifts to our godchildren. Good for you if you only have few godchildren but if you’re one of those Ninang/Ninong who has a lot of “inaanaks” then I can already feel your panic. You are probably searching for gift ideas already for this holiday season, right? Don’t trip, bestie! We got you! Give thoughtful gifts without spending a fortune. Here are 7 ways to save money in gift giving without appearing cheap.
Read Also: 5 Affordable Ways to Prepare for the Christmas Season
GIFT LIST
Manage your budget by creating a thorough gift list with the names of everyone you intend to buy gifts for. Then, under each person’s name, add bullet points with their interests and passions to help you decide on a gift. List a few potential gifts for each person, as well as the associated costs, so you know how much you’ll spend on each person. Also, one way to avoid spending more than you can afford is to only spend money from a separate account designated for gifts. If you didn’t save ahead of time this year, you can consider doing so next year in a “gift-giving account,” so that when December rolls around, you’ll be prepared and won’t have to dip into your monthly budget.
AVOID OVER-GIVING
Don’t fall into the trap! Don’t be extra because extra usually costs extra. The competition to give the most and the best gifts during the holiday season has somehow gotten in the way of our sense of self-worth. Always refer to your gift list when buying presents to avoid over-giving, and keep the number of recipients and the number of gifts you give each person to a minimum. It is suggested that you use a 1:1 ratio, giving one gift to each person on your list, with exceptions where appropriate. You must learn to separate yourself from the gifts you will be giving and recognize that no matter how much you give, you are still worthy.
CONSIDER ADVANCE SHOPPING
One of the most crucial things you can do to cut costs on presents is perhaps advance shopping. When you don’t plan ahead of time and need to buy a last-minute gift, you often spend the most. You can take your time looking for great deals or shopping during holiday sales weekends if you plan ahead of time. If you do go shopping early, make a list of what you bought and for whom. You don’t want to buy a gift in advance and then forget who it is for.
ACTS OF SERVICE
Consider making your services available as a gift. Consider the tasks you can perform for others. What services do you offer? Perhaps a home-cooked three-course meal for a close friend or family member, a car wash and detail, a haircut or color, organization services, personal training sessions and the list is endless. Consider the person to whom you are giving the gift. Have they ever expressed a desire for you to teach them something or show them how to do something? Or maybe they mentioned wanting highlights but being unable to afford them. Whatever it is, offering your skill or talent as a gift is not only heartfelt and valuable, but it also saves you money.
REMEMBER THY MEMORIES
The gift of a memory is among the best presents you can give someone. This could be a video, slideshow, photo album, scrapbook, or even a framed picture. Take time to revisit your memories with your loved ones through pictures and videos you’ve take the past years together. Consider making a homemade gift- simple yet sentimental. You don’t have to be particularly gifted or artistic—most of the time, it’s the thought that counts. Whatever the size of the gift, it demonstrates thoughtfulness to those you care about the most—not to mention being easier on the wallet.
VISIT BAZAARS
Another tip to save money in gift-giving this holiday season is going to bazaars is an alternative to crowding the malls with millions of people. Although not all stores sell low-cost items, you will still find a lot of high-quality items that are reasonably priced — most of the time, less than the mall’s selling price. A bazaar enthusiast explained that one of the reasons bazaar items are cheaper is that sellers pay less for space rental than those in malls.
DON’T SHY AWAY FROM SAVING OPPORTUNITIES
Take advantage of money-saving opportunities whenever possible during the busy holiday shopping season. Here are a few things you can do to maximize your savings this holiday season, whether it’s a big sale at your favorite retailer or a double cash back offer through an online shopping portal:
- Use online shopping portals: Through cash back or points offers, online shopping portals can help you save on purchases with eligible retailers — and savings can often be even greater during the holidays.
- Shop sales: Look for sale pricing at various retailers to buy more for less, making it easier to check gifts off your list. As holiday season starts, there will be plenty of December deals available, particularly online.
- Compare prices: Before you buy, do some online research and use price comparison tools to see which retailers have the best deals. A price history tool can also assist you in deciding whether to buy it now or wait.
These are just some of the ideas and tips for you so you can save yourself from spending a lot of money this holiday season. It is an open secret that giving Christmas gifts is a huge deal in the Philippines but although tangible gifts are much appreciated, nothing can still beat the time you spend with your family and friends this season of gift-giving. Don’t forget to include family time in your long list of gift ideas because no amount of gits can ever compare the moments you share with them and the memories you create together. These are the gifts that would last you a lifetime and won’t cost you anything at all.
On the other hand, it is nice to make an effort of giving gifts to your loved ones but also, don’t forget to give yourself some loving too! Reward yourself for working so hard all year round. If you have an idea of moving out and finally be living on your own, you can always consider condo-living as there are so many holiday offers of affordable condo units this Christmas season. Or you want to surprise your family with a brand-new house and lot then you can proceed to checking out Bria Homes offer that are surely affordable and worth your money’s cost!
Written By Noelyn Kate O. Cabrera
