It is that time of the year: buy the decorations, buy the food, buy the presents. Nevertheless, there are some ways of giving great gifts without spending your savings. Here, we propose a guide through some examples of affordable things to put under the tree and look your best this Christmas.
Some tips to buy presents on a budget
Crowds, filled markets, promotions, and overall mess. Here are some tips to avoid the season madness:
Avoid last-minute shopping
Shopping for everything the week before can be stressful and lead to overspending. If you already know what you want to buy, try looking out for sales during the year. This way, you will get rid of the confusion and make the best out of every promotion and cheap promotional products. Through this strategy, you will also be able to keep in mind what you really want to buy. It is also useful for tracing how much you are spending, which is something difficult to do if you are shopping in a rush.
Price limits
It does not matter whether you are shopping with friends, family or colleagues: agreeing on a price limit makes choosing the perfect gift much easier. It is also advisable to have a list of people or a Secret Santa system so nobody gets more gifts and nobody gets left behind.
Online shopping
If you choose to avoid crowds and shops overall, you do online shopping from platforms that have a wide range of products, like Amazon, Macy’s, among others. This way, you can choose the perfect gift and have it delivered from the comfort of your sofa. To make the best out of it, you can combine several orders in one to have just one delivery so that you can either save money or not spend money on delivery at all (some stores offer free delivery for those who spent a minimum). Also, if you purchase early, you are likely to avoid rush order costs.
Cards
From old gift cards you never use because they are from a shop that has no products that interest you to loyalty cards (gaining points for spending on the long run on your favorite stores), you can make the best of unused cards this Christmas season.
Great gifts for little money. Low budget? Do not worry, you can still get a bunch of spectacular presents. Here are some ideas.
For home
Bath salts, plants, fragrances, diffusers, and candles: the tiny details that make any room feel cozier and the perfect gift for any situation.
Kitchen world
From actual food or drinks to house appliances and sets (waffle makers, slicers, cocktail or sushi making sets and kits, and many others) without missing out on things like plastic bottles or cups to take with you everywhere, the kitchen catalogs have original products that are versatile and low-cost. A recipe book is also an all-ages, all-interests kind of gift.
Make up (and others)
You can try objects like mirrors or bijou for the hair (or not: bracelets, necklaces and earrings also come in a wide, accessible variety), but you can also have a go at cream, balm, lipstick, eye shadows –either just one or a full set.
Art
A notebook or a journal is a very adaptable present. You can choose from a wide variety of materials and combine it with different art sets (from pencil sets to brushes) or objects to make it the perfect sketchbook.
Accessories
Case covers, leather cases and even case wallets: the tech department can always look cooler with small details that make life trendier and easier. You can also have a look at the wide range of keychains, stress-relievers, tote bags and multi-use pens.
Some other ideas
Yes, you can buy the gift, but you can also give an experience (from a meal to a special activity) or a memory (photo printing and its frame are both very accessible). You can also make sweets or cook Christmas cookies or brownies and wrap them. Even more, there are always more presents that you can make yourself.
Do not let Christmas stress you out. Plan beforehand and get the perfect gift while avoiding crowds. It is not necessary to spend much to get the best Christmas season.
