Spending Less on Gifts in 2010

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Like nearly every other budget-conscious American, this year my husband and I have made a commitment to spend less and save more. While often easier said than done, I am most excited about my latest line item to tackle—gifts, gifts and more gifts. From birthdays to baby showers, these fun but all to frequent expenses can add up.

So, I have thought of a few ways to ensure that you and I, the givers, can always be cheerful and our recipients can be delighted even with the most modest of budgets.

Give From the Heart: Adding a personal touch to a gift can be an affordable alternative to an expensive trip to the department store. All it requires is some thought about the person and your relationship to them. Personal gifts like making someone’s favorite dessert or dish is a thoughtful and often unexpected way to say I love you to a family member or friend. I recently made Southern Blackberry Cobbler for my husband during the holidays and it brought back fond memories for him of his deceased grandmother, who would make the dish for him as a child.

Framing a recent picture of you with that special person is also a wonderful keepsake. Include an intimate note of appreciation, detailing how grateful you are for them. Don’t rely on Hallmark to say it for you, say it from the heart and that note will make more of an impression that friend than all of the other gifts from Bloomingdale’s.

Make it Pretty: Making gifts does not have to look any less polished than a purchased gift either. Pretty, decorative and creative packaging can go a long way in complimenting a less expensive homemade gift, especially if the recipient is a woman. We go gah-gah over bows, frilly accents and fun containers. My favorite store for fabulous packaging is The Dollar Store!

Buy in Bulk: Nope, this doesn’t just apply to shopping at Sam’s and Costco. Buying gifts in advance and when you see them on sale is a great way to have gifts on hand for any occasion and to save money. For example, I started a gifts pantry, where I keep a modest inventory of gift-giving items, from lotions to stationary to candles. I find great items at Michael’s, which has fragrant candles, beautiful note cards and fun trinkets like personalized stamps, and decorative journals. Another favorite is buying luxury lotions from Bath and Body Works and Victoria Secrets when they have their 6 for $30 deals. I stock up on all my girlfriends’ favorite scents for their birthdays.

With a little creativity and planning, you can keep your per person gift budget to a minimum, so that when there are occasions where being frugal may be difficult (i.e. wedding registries and baby showers) you have the extra money to go the extra mile.

This is a guest contribution from Karen, a frugal writer.

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