This post may contain affiliate links. Please view my disclosure policy for more information.
I love giving gifts to other people. It’s my love language. I do try to stick to a budget though. If you aren’t careful, buying gifts can be very expensive. How many Christmas, Birthdays, Easter, Teacher Appreciate, Weddings, and Anniversaries gifts do you purchase every year? Use these 10 ways and save on buying all of those gifts.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is the number one way to save on gifts. Make a list of all the people you expect to purchase gifts for throughout the year. By having a plan, you can shop throughout the year instead of at the last minute.
Gift Closet
Do you have a gift closet? You should. No, it doesn’t have to be an actual closet. It just has to be somewhere you stash gifts for future use. When things go on clearance, stock up for future gift giving. Many stores have great sales on toys after Christmas, buy a few extra board games or Lego sets and you are all set for birthday parties that pop up through the year!
Don’t Buy “Extras”
You don’t have to buy fancy ribbons and bows to decorate your gifts. Skip the extras, especially on something that is just going to get thrown away.
Give Practical Gifts
When buying gifts for Easter baskets and Christmas stockings, think about practical gifts. I like to give things like flip flops, bathing suits, beach towels and other warm weather stuff for Easter. For Christmas, socks, underwear, gloves and hats are always needed.
Set A Budget
It’s tempting to overspend on gifts but setting a budget is crucial for your finances.
Use Reward Programs
If you are going to purchase a gift, why not get a few extra dollars back to put back into your gift budget? I use eBates and Swagbucks the most.
Give Non-Traditional Presents
Think outside the box when it comes to presents. That new mom in your life might enjoy a home cooked meal more than another (overpriced) baby outfit. Your brother’s family might enjoy season passes to the Zoo rather than toys. Magazine subscriptions are another cheap gift that I always loved getting.
Use Wish and Aliexpress
There are a few things I will only buy from these two sites now. Barbie Doll clothes and accessories, American Girl Doll outfits and hair accessories are a few. I recently bought 12 Barbie outfits for $1!
Since orders from Wish and Aliexpress come from China, it takes a few weeks to ship. I suggest giving an order a good two months to get to your house.
Secret Santa
Suggest a Secret Santa exchange for your extended family instead of buying for each individual person.
Buy Used
I am not saying that you should buy a pair of worn-out shoes to give to your nephew for his Birthday. But, if you find a really nice, name-brand hoodie in perfect condition, wrap it up! I am always on the hunt for good quality, lightly used items that I can put into my gift closet.
Also, check out thrift stores. I’ve found many items with tags still attached for a fraction of retail value. It’s really just silly not to check there first.
I love giving gifts, especially when I know I didn’t spend more than I can afford. How do you make sure that you don’t spend too much on gifts? Do you keep a set budget for the year or do you take a more relaxed approach?
Leave a Reply