TIPS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING
MAKE A LIST: We suggest you make a list of everyone you need to buy a present for. Then you won’t forget anyone. Even write down what you would like to buy for them. Then you can figure out how much money you will need for your holiday shopping.
WHO TO ELIMINATE FROM YOUR LIST: Double check that list. If you haven’t spoken to or interacted with someone on your list for at least a year or two, then you do not need to get them a present. You can still send them a card if you want to be nice but you do not owe them a present. You are not as close as you once were. After five years, then you do not even need to send them a card.
DOWNLOAD SOME OF THE APPS WE SUGGESTED IN OUR APRIL BLOG: This can help you save some money. Some of the apps even help you make money. Flip will help you keep track of sales. Ibotta, Checkout 51, Target, and Walmart will help you save money on your gift list and holiday meal. Don’t forget to download your local supermarket apps. They have coupons and ways to deliver the food to your house.
CHECK THE SHOPPING ADS: You should always check the shopping ads throughout the year, so you know how much items cost. Just because it’s on sale during the holidays, doesn’t mean it’s cheaper. You might be able to get some better deals throughout the year.
HOW TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO GET FOR SOMEONE ON YOUR LIST: If you spend time with this person throughout the year, you should have a clue of what to get them. Pay close attention to them because they might be giving you hints. If not then look around their house when you are there. See what they have in their house. You wouldn't want to give them something they don't need or want. For instance, not everyone likes candles or knickknacks. No everyone wears perfume or cologne. In fact they could be allergic to fragrances. If you have been to their home and you never been served Alcohol then don't buy them a bottle of wine for dinner. They may not drink. Be aware of your friend’s allergies. Do not buy someone peanuts who is allergic to it. Don't just buy them a last minute gift from the cheap section of the store. Paying attention to your family and friends is a good thing. You will get to know them better and know what they could use in their life.
GIFT CARDS ARE A GOOD GIFTS TO GET: In the past, if you bought a gift card people would have thought you were cheap, not anymore. Gift cards are great for those people you don’t have a clue on what to get them. For those people you can get a MasterCard or Visa. This way that person can get what they want, either in a store or online. You can get gift cards for almost anything. If you have someone in your life who has a favorite restaurant then buy them a gift card for that restaurant. It’s the same with anyone on your list who is a Foodie. Buy them a card to their favorite grocery store. If you have children on your list then you can get them ITunes or gift cards for their favorite online game. Someone on your list loves to go shopping to a certain store then get them a gift card for that store. If someone on your list is always shopping on Amazon then you can buy them a gift card for that. You can buy gift cards at your local grocery store and most stores have deals on the gift cards.
HAVE A FEW EXTRA GIFTS FOR PEOPLE WHO SURPRISE YOU AND GET YOU A GIFT: It never hurts to have a few extra gifts in your house just in case you someone who is not on your gift list gets you a gift. You never want to be empty handed. The perfect extra gifts are those box sets you see in the store. The box sets can be scarves, hats and gloves to a hot chocolate with a mug set. These are good standby gifts. You can also get the beauty box sets but make sure the person you are giving it to does not have allergies.
WHO DO I NEED TO GIVE A HOLIDAY TIP TO: It depends on your budget. If you don’t have extra money, then you do not have to give anything. As with your family and friends, anyone else should understand that you can’t give them money this year. You can send them a special note telling them how much you appreciate what they do for you throughout the year. We will share with you some advice from Emily Post, http://emilypost.com/advice/holiday-tipping-guide/ Just know as society says it is proper to give a tip doesn’t mean you have to. Only give tips or gift to people who you see on a regular basis. If you only see that person every six months then you do not owe them anything. You may also want to check with the company that employs the person to see if it is okay to give a holiday tip to. Some companies have strict rules about this. You wouldn’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
YOU ARE BROKE, WHAT DO YOU DO: If you do not have money to buy anyone anything, then we say you do not owe anyone a gift. Your true friends and family will understand. Anyone who gets mad at you should not be in your life. If you want to get them a gift then make up your own gift cards. You can give your friends and family some of your time. If you like to babysit and have friends who have children, then offer to babysit for them. Tell them one day they can go out on a date and you will watch the kids. Anyone who needs helps around the house and you are really good at fixing things, then offer to help them with the small things. If you are great at cooking, them offer to cook a meal for someone. Lastly, there is always the person who needs a hug or a shoulder to cry on. All you need to do is have paper and pen and write up a little booklet of these personalize gift cards.
SENDING HOLIDAY CARDS OR HOLIDAY LETTERS: If you have a big list, then the easiest way to send these out is with labels you make on your computer. Yes, you can handwrite all the addresses but you know it is quicker. When you do your holiday letters, then keep it to one page. If you, your family and friends are on social media, then they know what has been going on in your life. Just keep the letters to the highlights.
HOLIDAY MEAL: If you are hosting a holiday meal or party, then you need to make another list, so you do not forget anything. In fact you should make two lists. One of what you want to invite and the other of what you will be serving. On you invite list keep track of the people who may have allergies or are vegetarians. If you do not know then ask them. Every person that you invite should be able to have something to eat. You should also know that not every vegetarian enjoys Tofurky. You might want to get them Gardein’s Holiday Turkey. Again check with that person before you buy it. Another hint is that any side dish that calls for chicken or beef soup you can substitute vegetable soup so you do not have to make two of the same dishes. As for your guests with a gluten allergy, many products do offer gluten free items. Just read the ingredients before you buy anything. If you are still not sure then ask any of your guest before you go shopping what they can and cannot eat. Now if you do not want to go through all the trouble of cooking yourself, then by all means make it a pot luck party. If you do, there will be another list because you do not want everyone bringing the same thing.
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