There’s nothing like the thrill of holiday cheer, the time spent with friends and family, the freedom of winter break, and of course the gift giving. But whether you love gift giving or find it difficult, most of us can agree that money matters. So how can you embrace the holidays and still save money? I’ll show you.
The first step to successful gift giving is creating a list of absolutely everyone you’re planning to get a gift for. This includes parents, siblings, cousins, friends, suitemates, and anyone else you decide on. This will help you keep track of everyone and keep your budget in check. Once you have your list set consider some of the following tips:
1. Team Up
If you have siblings this is an excellent way to combine your resources, especially if you want to get someone a larger gift. You can team up to shop for your mom, dad, grandparents, or even another sibling. Even if you don’t have a sibling though you can still team up with someone. Not only do you get to bounce ideas off of one another but you also save money. Regardless of how you team up and who you shop for, the benefits are worth considering it.
2. Combine
Instead of teaming up with someone else, you combine people to shop for. Perhaps there’s something you know both your parents or your grandparents would love. By combining them, you can save money by getting a specific gift or gifts for two people. This is also another good method if you have a larger gift in mind. Of course if you want to team up with a sibling and combine your parent’s gifts that also works.
3. Use Gift Cards
Most of us have probably received a gift card to a store we don’t like. If it’s still sitting in your wallet you might consider using it. While you could re-gift the gift card, another more personal idea is to use it for someone on your list. I had a gift card to a little boutique that wasn’t my style, but I used it to get a friend of mine a charm bracelet and she loved it. It might not have been my style, but it was hers. Remember, it’s the thought that counts!
4. Yankee Swap
Admittedly, I’ve been to lame Yankee Swaps, but this is still an excellent idea if you have a group of friends you’re shopping for. Not only can you make an event of the swap (hello hot cocoa and dessert parties), but it also allows you to buy just one gift. You can further customize your swap by setting spending limits, making your own rules, establishing a theme, or deciding on only unisex gifts for a mixed group of guys and girls. Either way this is a fun way to save money and create memories.
5. Secret Snowflake
Similar to the Yankee Swap, Secret Snowflake is a great way to have fun and save money. Get your group of friends together, draw names, set a price limit, and shop. Secret Snowflake allows you to focus your efforts (and budget) on one gift, but unlike Yankee Swap, you know exactly who you’re shopping for. Additionally, you can still make a party of the gift exchanging complete with holiday music and maybe even ugly sweaters.
6. Gift in Bulk
If you have a large group of friends who don’t know each other well or don’t want to do group gift giving, you can still save money by making matching gifts. This is also great for coworkers, suitemates, and teams. The choice is up to you, but for example you can purchase holiday gift bags, assorted candies, cookies, and something smaller (like lip gloss, mini lotions, or cute gloves) and make a bag for everyone.
7. Get Creative
Anyone can get creative regardless of artistic talent. If you can record your own music or draw caricatures of your friends, then go for it. If you’re less artistically inclined don’t rule out a visit to your local craft store. Whether it’s decorating a frame for your favorite photo of you and your cousin, knitting a scarf for your mom, or making bracelets for all of your friends there are plenty of ways to save money by getting creative. Don’t forget edibles. Homemade desserts and candies are great gifts. Plus let’s not forget the bountiful ideas of Pinterest.
My ultimate piece of advice for you however is not to get worked up too much over gifts and money. The most important part of the holidays is being with the people you love. But if you do save money using these tips, I’m not complaining. Enjoy, Collegiettes!