Let’s face it, the Holiday Season can be a crazy, cluttered and overwhelming. The secret to thriving through it all is to have a plan and a budget. So when January comes and the bills start rolling in, you’re not starting off the New Year on the wrong foot.
Have a Plan
Find out the gifts that people want. It’s will save you time in the end and you won’t be running around returning things in January.
Have you ever had this happen; it’s Christmas morning and there’s a whole bunch of gifts under the tree, and everyone is rifling through one gift after another like it’s a race? Just when you think the children are going to settle in and play for hours, they run off and play with all their old stuff, and all the new gifts are left piled up in the corner?
The point is, less-is-more when gift giving. Wouldn’t you rather get that special person one thing they really want versus a whole bunch of things that maybe they don’t?
Have a Budget
A lot of the time we get caught up with the season and end up spending way too much money. When we don’t have a plan and we don’t stick to a budget, January ends up being kind of a downer, because we have still have to pay for everything we have purchased on our credit cards. Set a budget per person that is reasonable for your pocketbook.
A Simple & Sweet Gift Giving Strategy
Here is an excellent strategy that a friend shared on social media that I love that keeps gift-giving in perspective and reduces overspending and overwhelm. Plus, it rhymes so it’s easy to remember!
Something you want
Something you need
Something to wear
Something to read
Reduce your Consumption; Clutter-free Gift Giving Ideas
Take it up a notch and consider giving clutter-free gifts. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Lessons
Great for all ages. It could be lessons to learn to play the guitar or the piano. Perhaps attending some kind of class.
Events
There are always lots of music concerts and events. It could be a sports event or a play. Maybe it’s something you can do together. This is always a great option for teenagers; attending their favourite band's concert.
Memberships
This could be a punch card at a gym, a zoo pass or a membership to a theme park if you have one. There are also self-care splurges like a massage, a manicure or pedicure. The latest rage is a hot shave for men which you can get at most hair salons. And who doesn’t want their card detailed; another awesome idea.
Edibles
There are so many specialty food shops that specialize in high-end olive oils and balsamic vinegar pairings. A great alternative to a bottle of wine when invited to someone’s home during the holidays.
Gift Card
A gift cards to your loved one’s favourite place is a sure bet. Especially for teenagers. Whether for food, apparel, books or music, gift cards are always a hit.
Do-it-yourself Gifts
There is nothing quite as thoughtful as a home-made gift. It could be as simple as a gift certificate booklet you create with experiences for your loved one like a massage, foot bath, movie night, dinner out, dinner in which you make, mowing the lawn/shovelling snow, or just about anything that they enjoy but don’t often treat themselves to.
There are so many options for do-it-yourself gifts; check out Pinterest for some inspiration.
When you have a plan and a budget for your gift giving, you can avoid waking up in the New Year with too much stuff, nowhere to put it and mounting credit card bills. That is stressful and with some planning and attention can be avoided.
Enjoy the holiday season. Remember less-is-more when gift giving and that it’s not about the stuff; it’s about the moments. And hey, the greatest present you can give this Holiday Season is your presence so let yourself off the hook.
Happy Holidays!
Leigh Ann makes her home with her family in the Canadian Rocky Mountains where they enjoy a life of balance, simplicity and adventure. Best known as an Intuitive Change-maker and Abundance Coach, Leigh Ann helps women declutter their life on a physical, mental and spiritual level so they can live a life they love! She is the creator of the popular online program, the Declutter Your Life 30 Day Challenge.
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