TO GIFT & GET GIFT
Master the Art of Gift
Giving
Gift-giving would be easy and
you would be the hero of each and every occasion.
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 one's skills! So, how to get started on a 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!
| 
GiftsByJinnieTM