Saving Money on Christmas Gifts

Saving money on Christmas gifts might not be as hard as you would think. Not everything needs to be bought brand new. Gifts can also be made by hand. So, instead of starting this holiday shopping season discouraged, be eager to find or make that perfect gift for just the right price.

Thrift stores are becoming more popular this holiday season. It is surprising how much one can save just by buying gifts from a second hand store. Prices range from AU$1.50 - AU$15 for most items. It is rare to find anything for sale over AU$80. It would be easy to stretch AU$150 to buy for everyone on a list. Thrift stores are a bit misunderstood, sadly. Most people don’t realise that they do not sell only used items. Some items that are donated are brand new or in good condition. Some even carry items that can not be found in regular stores anymore.

Another way to save money on gifts is to buy things that are on sale. With Christmas fast approaching, many retailers are offering special promotions and discounts on some of their best selling items. Also try comparing different stores. Stores like to compete, and they do this by trying to offer lower prices, and or better service than other stores. By shopping around or buying items on sale it’s easy to save AU$15, AU$30, or even AU$80.

One of the best ways to save money on gifts is to make them yourself. Handmade gifts are heartfelt and are usually treasured by those who receive them. They are also very fun to make! Ornaments are especially easy to create and make great gifts. Tie blankets are also especially simple and fun to make. Scarves can also be made in the same fashion. Sewing a gift can be easy. If you have access to a sewing machine a hand made pillow will make a nice accent for a recipient’s couch or sofa. Perhaps if you are skilled, it would be easy to also sew items such as a bag or purse, placemats, scarves, hats, blankets, clothing, etc. Crocheted or Knit things will make a nice gift from those of us that know the craft. Jewelery can be made by hand as well. Try finding beads at a local bead or craft store. It should be easy to find clasps and something to string the beads on there as well.

If buying gifts for the entire family is too much this year, you can suggest a gift exchange. One form of gift exchange that is especially popular is the “secret santa”. Everyone draws names out of a hat. That way everyone can get one person a couple of nicer gifts and not have the stress of trying to find a gift for every person. Another form of gift exchange is the “white elephant” gift exchange. This is based on the “one person’s trash, another person’s treasure” concept. Each person is instructed to bring one gift of any type, usually some sort of gag gift. Then each person draws a number and that is the order in which they pick wrapped gifts. The white elephant gift exchange can also be modified to be a “nice gifts only” exchange so that there are no gag gifts included.

No matter what method you choose, remember it’s the thought that counts.