$mart Holiday Shopping – Affordable Gifts
It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of holiday spending. But the holidays don’t have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can shrink your holiday spending to avoid going into debt (and feeling regret)! Here are some tips and ideas!
DIY Gifts
Thoughtful gifts don’t require a big budget or expert crafting. Giving a handmade or personalized gift is a thoughtful way to spread joy without spending a lot of money. Think of gift ideas like handmade jewelry, snack baskets, homemade pastries, customized mugs or water bottles.
Abundance Swap
Many of us have something in our home that we don’t use – a small appliance collecting dust or something that was gifted twice. Host a party where your friends and family bring a quality item, they’d be happy to swap.
The Gift of Time
The holidays are an especially busy time, and caregiving is often a steep hourly expense. Instead of buying gifts, offer cost-free babysitting or pet sitting to someone who could benefit from a date night or weekend away from home.
Opt for Experiences
Gifts aren’t the only way to connect during the holidays. Plan a group experience you can all enjoy together. Whether it’s a holiday performance, snow tubing or sledding, camping, a movie night or a budget-friendly potluck, experiences are so often what make a season memorable.
Volunteer or Donate in Someone’s Name
Is there a loved one on your gift list who is passionate about a charity? Volunteer your time or give a donation on their behalf. Whether raking leaves at a community center, walking the puppies at the Humane Society, delivering Meals on Wheels, or giving a monetary gift, volunteering or donating in someone’s name is a win-win!
Practical Gifts
Does someone on your list have everything and you can’t quite figure out what to give them? Think about giving a practical gift like a kitchen gadget or a car wash gift certificate.
This article was created in partnership with Banzai and GreenPath.