Holiday Shopping Evolved!

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Be Thrifty and Be Smart During Your Holiday Shopping!

You may have waited till the last minute or that paycheck just didn't come soon enough. The holidays can be stressful but why make it more stressful than it has to be? I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be and I'll tell you why and how to put your holidays at ease!

We all know that a huge factor when coming to the stress of the holidays if money; and things can get expensive really fast! Also, the expectations of your gift recipients can add to that bucket of anxiety as well. The bad news unfortunately is that gift recipients forgot that this is the season for giving and the thought really counts. Hopefully, you surround yourself around people who are open minded and hold on to this traditional way of thinking.

So how do I start saving money and satisfying my friends and family? (Here comes the fluff. Skip to easy mode?)

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Well there is a lot that can be done to save you money and get the much needed satisfying results you want! This will range between knowing where to shop and being smart with your budget. Let's take this one step at a time. ;-)

First steps. List, Budget, get ready to spend! (Skip this step?)

Create a list!

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The first thing you want to do is create a list and well, ... check it twice! Although you may or may not be checking who's naughty or nice it is important to see who you WANT shop for and who you actually NEED to shop for. 

First you really want to list the people you NEED to shop for. These people would be the priority. I would start with your nuclear family or those who live under the same roof (wife, mom, dad, brother, sister, dog, etc.). Then, if applicable, your girlfriend or in-laws as well as close uncles, aunts, grandparents. Lastly, maybe throw in a few close or best friends.

Next list the people you WANT to shop for. These would be family members who live far or aren't so close or friends. You can even add some co-workers to the mix that you're close to or respect. People who should (definitely should!) completely understand if your unable to provide them a gift. If they don't, then they aren't your true friends or family! ;-) (Sorry, dropping some truth for you to think about!!!) 

Create a budget.

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This could be pretty difficult because, at least in my case, I would want to get everyone and anyone a gift if I could. Sadly and realistically, this isn't practical or may not be possible for most people. 

First think about how much you want to spend or how much you are able to spend. Factor in rent and expenses; what you need to survive! Get that total number and put it at the top of your list you've just made. 

Lastly, divvy up the budget number you just made between your NEED list first. Next anything left over goes toward the WANT list. Now your set to start shopping. 

Prioritize what you will be paying with.

This is super important and the following is just suggestions. In no way am I pressuring you to go with either.

1. Paycheck: First of all I would suggest using your good ol' paycheck to fund your budget. This also forces to stay within budget as going over can cause overdraft or lack of rent. It is the safest way to go

2. Don't rely on your Christmas bonus: This could be a dangerous bet. Christmas bonuses can come at random and are never guaranteed. They are based on how well the company is doing, how well they like your performance, and if they decided to provide it or not.

3. Digging a credit grave: I hate to sounds pessimistic but credit is usually not a good option to go with when setting a budget and doing holiday shopping. The funds add up fast and it feels like you are getting "free" infinite cash. Sadly, it isn't infinite and it isn't free. IF you are planning to go down this route at least consider the following:

1. Store restricted card only: Some stores like Target, Sears, and even Walmart offer credit or credit cards that you can use in their store only. This credit is especially nice because they usually have promotional discounts and continuous discounts (i.e. Target has 5% off any purchase). Another nice thing about these cards is that you can't use them anywhere else most of the time. This limits you from spending everywhere and digging that credit hole.
2. Credit with cash back: Find a card with a good background, low interest, and cash back rewards. A lot of cards like this type will provide incentive cash bonus for spending a certain amount within a month or so. Cash back is nice because ideally you would be putting it back toward paying off the card. I've really enjoyed the Chase Freedom Unlimited card for this and would recommend it to anyone. They allow you to earn a $200 cash back and 1.5% cash back on all purchases (subject to change). 
3. Take out a personal loan: I would advise against this. The great thing about a loan is cash hits your bank almost like a bonus or paycheck would. Another nice thing is that you aren't tempted to spend it like a credit card because it only becomes available once. On the huge downside you are possibly paying for years, the interest rates are usually pretty high, and you'll most likely be paying about $100 or more to your expenses every year for the next 3+ years. 

Next Steps. Gathering supplies and wrapping ideas. (Skip this step?)

Gift wrapping ideas

You can be as creative as you like when it comes to wrapping gifts. As simple as putting on a bow to a full fledged Matroshka doll (Russian stacking/nesting doll) of boxes and paper to surprise your recipient. But, your not reading this for fancy idea; your reading this for thrifty ideas ;-)

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1. Gift wrapping easy mode: One word: BAGS! That's right, gift bags. This by far the easiest way to "wrap" a gift, it doesn't cost much, and you can get it done super fast. All you need is the bag, some tissue paper to cover up that treasure, and a sticker or small card. Some bags even come with a tag which kills two birds with one stone.
2. The standard: Well, wrapping paper. 

Gathering the supplies

In my opinion this would be the hard part because supplies cost money and going to the crowded stores can be a hassle. Luckily I have a little list of how I prioritize getting supplies!

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1. Recyclables: That's right! You can get creative and use old newspaper, magazines, or paper grocery/department store bags as gift wrapping ideas. If you have a sense of humor you can be more specific with these ;-). You can even make your own gift bags with these materials which is great! Learn how to make those fancy paper bags at Wikihow!
2. Grandma/storage: The most affordable way to get wrapping supplies is if you save your leftovers from last year. Now for some, like in my case, we just don't have the space to hold on to these supplies. If that is the case, it may be pretty likely that good ol' granny has them horded away somewhere!
3. The thrift store: So grandma decided to get rid of her stash of 30 years worth of wrapping paper and gift bags, but where did it all go? The thrift store! Yup, most thrift stores will carry wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, decorations, and just about anything you need. They sell them used maybe missing 1 out of the 6 in the bow package or even some places will sell them brand new! At a fraction of the price and just getting what you need is convenient and inexpensive. Also, these places aren't packed like every other store surrounding them which is a huge plus!
4. Dollar/discount stores: Dollar tree, 99 cent store, dollar general, etc.; these places carry everything you need and at a good price. The only downside is that these places will be a bit more crowded for the last minute shopper and you may be left with some excess when your done.
5. Last resort; the department store: Not the affordable option :-( So, I really don't suggest going to these places. Too crowded and way to expensive.

Last Steps! Shopping time!(Skip to easy mode?)

Open! Open! Open! Yup! It's time to shop! So grab yo your keys and grab you wallet because we're going on an adventure into the department store jungle! The big question now is where should I shop to stay in budget and what can I get that anyone would be satisfied with? Well here are some suggestions for both that I hope will help!

Where to shop.

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1. The internet: This may be a no-brainer to most nowadays but at the same time, it isn't very practical for last minute shoppers. If you do happen to be one of those early shoppers the most affordable gifts, at least from what I can suggest, would be from Amazon, E-bay, or other similar apps. Most apps or online stores now offer free shipping for any amount or over a small amount. If you aren't one of those responsible early shoppers you're not completely out of luck. If you have Amazon Prime you can get free expedited shipping with many orders. Also, a lot of retail stores like Walmart and Target have expedited shipping and even drop ship (deliver to your local store) options that allow you to pick up directly from the store itself. 

   

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2. The thrift store: This sounds a bit tacky but if you have some open minded friends and family or members who simply are just happy to get a gift in general, a second hand store may be great for you. For young children this place can solve all your holiday shopping as most of them won't care 100% about the quality of toy and just be satisfied that the item they received IS a toy! On the grown ups side of the shopping list, if you search hard enough some of these stores carry second hand designer items or even brand new (that's right; 100% new!) items at affordable pricing. I've bought stuff horribly miss-labeled for super low prices with brand such as Ambercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Nike, Michael Kors, and Coach. How do I know these are legitimate? The answer, most of them came with their certificate of authenticity and well some research online before I bought it. Another huge upside is that most people shopping are at your general retailer so the crowds aren't exactly swarming here. If all else fails, at least you have some good white elephant gifts lined up! ;-)
3. The mall or retailer: Instant gratification and pretty much always being able to find what 

   

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   you are looking for is always nice and why most go to a standard retailer or mall. Sadly, these places are jam packed, fight (literally -_-) or flight for parking, and just way too expensive. This would be a last resort. Luckily, there's hope. There are a lot of stores that offer affordable goodies. If you're in the mall stores such as Forever 21, Old Navy, and JC Penny have many affordable options that even have the second hand stores beat! If you're at a Walmart, Target, or similar; these always have average to affordable options but not nearly as good as the first two places on this list. The nice thing about most retailers (not the mall) now is that they have a parking lot pickup where they bring your items to your car after you've made the purchase on your app so you can beat rubbing elbows with your fellow shoppers.

Now what should I buy?

In most cases you'll receive a list, already have an idea of what that special someone likes, or just have an idea of what you feel like you want to get that person. Some of us have no clue and are panicking like crazy! Here are some nice ideas that can pass and that I know most people would like.

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1. Jewelry: Not the most affordable gift but you really can't go wrong, especially for that special someone. Diamonds are a girls best friend but did you know that men love jewelry too? Get your lady some nice sparklies or hook your man up with a rad time piece! Kids love ANY kind of jewelry too and you can find these at affordable prices anywhere. Some shiny plastic can go a long way for your little one! ;-)
2. Money: Good ol' fashion hard earned cash! It may be impersonal but who can say no! Find a nice card, write something fun, and slip in that $20, $50, well...the sky is the limit. Even kids love it!
3. Gift cards: Slightly less impersonal but still gets the same trick done. Not to mention if you have a bunch of people with all the same interests, you can buy a ton of these to start handing out and be done with your shopping in minutes! Also, kids love em' too!
4. Date night basket: Grab some movie tickets from Costco and a whole lot of snacks from the Dollar tree, 99 cent store, or similar and you got yourself a nice goodie basket for that couple you wanted to shop for. ALSO....dare I say it...the kids would love it too!!!
5. Just, a basket of goodies: The nice thing about a basket o' goodies from s Dollar tree, 99 cent store, or similar is that you recipient gets A. A coffer of loot and B. Something anyone and everyone can enjoy. Who can turn down a nice arrangement of snacks, candy, wine, etc.? Not to mention this could be quirky and cute! And you guessed it, the kids would love this too!

In closing...

I sincerely hope this guide was helpful to you and I truly wish the best of luck for you adventure shoppers out there! Remember don't rush, try to keep your cool, and don't break your bank!

You've made it to easy mode! (To Top)

So you decided to skip the fluff huh? I don't blame you! Here's what I got for you!

First Steps:

1. Make a list: Start from most important to not nearly as important (but still important). Start with immediate family then work your way down to friends.
2. Budget: Find out what your budget is and how much you can spare to survive the month.
3. Prioritize that budget: Allocate the most to people your closer to and least to those who are not so close. You can even limit purchase from those who you may see at a later date.
4. Spending power: Rely on saving or your paycheck. Don't depend on that delicious Christmas bonus. Try your best not to dig yourself a credit grave!

Next steps:

1. Easiest way to gift wrap: Gift bags!
2. Second easiest/common:  You guessed it; good old fashion wrapping paper.
3. Save some money and get your wrapping supplies here: Make it yourself, recycled material like newspaper, storage from last year, thrift store, dollar discount stores, or as a last resort; retail.

Final steps:

1. Where to shop? Start on the internet (easiest and normally cheapest), thrift stores (for the open minded), and the last resort would be retail or the mall.
2. Ideas of what to buy that everyone can enjoy: Jewelry, money, gift cards, date night basket, or a goodie basket!