How to buy gifts on a budget!

I love shopping. I like the thrill of finding an item that I have been searching for at a price that I can afford. Therefore sending me out to buy gifts is not a hardship, at least not if I go over my budget.

Budget Woes

If you have young children, then you know that when Teacher’s Day rolls around, they pester you to buy gifts for their favourite teachers. Now I think its wonderful to show appreciation but I often feel dismay by how many teachers they expect  to buy expensive gifts. That feeling usually escalates when I check my budget.

Perhaps you don’t have that particular worry but there are many other occasions when gifts are expected. So how do you afford gifts and not end up in debt?

Preparations

The key to keeping within the budget, is to plan ahead. Calculate how much funds you can allocate from the budget and put it aside long before it is needed. Those extra funds can be used to purchase the gifts you will need.

It is also important to identify gifts before you spend your money. Shop around at different stores before deciding on the one that you can best afford.

Buying an item at the first place you see it can cost you a lot of money. That has happened to me and I really regretted not doing some homework before I bought the item.

If you can buy some gifts and put them aside, this will save you the hassle of running around town trying to find the perfect gift hours before it is needed. Consider too that the items that you think are needed are in reality not necessary. Its best to consult with the person or close friends so as to buy them something they will be able to use.

The best gifts are not always the kind you buy. You could offer to teach the teacher’s class for an hour. This gives the teacher a well deserved break and does not cost anything but your time. Teacher’s just want to feel appreciated, expensive presents are not necessary so allow your children to get involved. They could make decorative cards for their teachers that express their appreciation and affection.

Family members also appreciate cards with original expressions of love or a walk down memory lane complete with pictures. If you put your mind to it there are a number of creative options that you can use when giving gifts.

So how do you save money when shopping for gifts? Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Paisley

Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: budget, Gifts