Creating a budget for the presents that will be bought and separating it from the household expenses is one way to start saving money. Other tips that I picked up here and there include:
- Plan your gifts. Making a list of people and ideas on what to give them would be helpful in knowing what to look for when you scour bazaars and sales.
- Take advantage of upcoming sales. Remember to bring your list with you so you won't end up buying what you don't need.
- Take advantage of the Internet and online shops. When you don't want to brave a sea of people when shopping, doing so in the comforts of your home would be better. You can save on gas and spend it on the shipping costs instead.
- If it's possible, get all or most of what you need from your trusted shop so you'll get more items and just pay for a one time delivery charge. Paying different shipping fees for just one or a few items from different stores can be taxing financially.
- Prizes you won which you haven't used and are in tip-top shape could make great gifts too. I know of a family with kids who attend children's parties and who participate eagerly in games to get as many prizes as they could, and tada! They have a trove of children's gifts for occasions like birthday or Christmas.
- Set aside a day to shop for your gift(s) to yourself. That way, it will be more focused and you won't suddenly want what you're going to give your BFF.
- This isn't related to gifts, but, I like the idea of soliciting your family or even friends (close ones, of course!) for everyday useful stuff that they have in abundance, for example, giveaway pens or umbrellas. I know that, for some reason, my parents have a lot of bath towels so when I ran out, I know who to run to. Heehee!
I just hope I get to follow my own advice on saving. Ha ha! How about you? What things do you do to save while spending?
