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giftsbyjinnieTM
FESTIVAL GIFT PORTAL
Master the Art of
Gift Giving
So your brother
wants that new X-Box game, your sister is a freak for sterling
silver jewelry and your Dad...? How on earth are you going to
buy him that new sports car he wants! Ah, wouldn't it be
terrific if you could lavish your family, friends and loved
ones with every holiday wish on their list. Gift-giving would
be so easy and you would be the hero of each and every
holiday.
Well, the truth is, gift-giving is an
art form that doesn't necessarily require lots and lots of money.
What expert gift giving does require, however, is time,
patience and love...and it wouldn't hurt to brush up on your shopping skills!
So, how do you get started on your road to
creative gift-giving?
Here are some
helpful hints.
1. Make a List
(and check it twice!): The list of people you will want to buy
gifts for and the list of people you actually can afford to
buy gifts for may be very different. Begin by jotting down the
names of those family members and friends you absolutely must
give gifts to. This may include your mother, father,
grandfather, brother, godmother, best friend. On a separate
piece of paper, put down the names of those you would like to
acknowledge this holiday season... a favorite teacher, friend,
aunt or cousin.
2. Create a
budget. Only you know how much money you have and what you can
spend on each person. Remember, the cost of your gift should
not be the deciding factor in its success. Gifts given with
love and sincerity are worth more than fancy jewelry or
expensive clothes. Assign a dollar amount to each name on your
list. For example, $10 for your brother or sister, $15 for
your mother or father, $5 on your grandmother. If you plan
your budget ahead of time, you will be better prepared to shop
within your gift-giving means.
3. Start shopping
as soon as possible. If you begin shopping for your gifts in
advance, you will have more time to hunt for sale items,
special promotions and interesting products. Begin to check
the local newspapers for sales, coupons and other incentives.
Cut these coupons and sales out of the newspaper and keep them
in a folder. You'll be surprised how much money you can save
if you take advantage of special store offers.
4. Give from the
heart. The first rule for any gift-giving guru is to give a
gift you know your recipient will love, not necessarily a gift
you love. For instance, just because you hate plaid doesn't
mean you pass up that terrific plaid purse your mother has
been eyeing in the local accessory shop. Your mother will love
that you paid attention to her desires and went out of your
way to find a gift you know she wanted.
5. Don't impulse
buy. Shopping, at any time, can be confusing. The stores are
filled with temptations to make you overspend and buy items
you don't necessarily need. And the holidays are the perfect
time for shopkeepers and department stores to tempt you even
more. Be an educated gift shopper. Don't purchase the first
item you see and definitely compare prices. With today's
overstocked stores, you never need to buy in a
hurry.
6. Beware of
wrappings. You've heard the phrase, "good things come in small
packages?" Well, that may be true but the packages don't need
to have fancy ribbons, bows and bags, do they? Watch out for
your gift wrapping prices. Boxes, bags, cards and fancy tape
cost a lot of money and can greatly increase your expenses.
Why not wrap your gifts instead in hand-made bows or recycled
bags and boxes? You can make your own cards on the computer
and design your own wrapping paper.
7. Hand-made gifts
still say "I love you." In today's crazy, trendy world of
spending, it is rather refreshing to get a hand-made gift. Why
not create a
picture frame, a studded T-shirt or
headband for your sister or your favorite friend. Maybe you
want to fill that beautiful cookie tin with homemade
chocolates or pastries for your godmother. And your dad, he
might really enjoy a miniature model of that hot sports car
he's always dreaming about...especially if it's made with your
own two hands. But don't be fooled into thinking that
hand-made gifts are free. Craft products and accessories can
add up so shop wisely for paints, glue and glitter. Check
prices at superstores in your neighborhood.
8. Chip In with a
family member or friend. Two heads are better than one and
sometimes so are two pocketbooks. Why not pool your resources
with your brother, father, mother, etc. You can even go in
with a friend on craft supplies and art products.
Holiday gift giving should be a
wonderful, stressless experience. Be organized this holiday
season and you will emerge as a master! Happy
shopping!
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FESTIVAL
GIFTS