Overspending on the holidays

Who doesn’t love buying gifts for the family and loved ones, especially during the holidays? Overspending and the holidays often go hand in hand.

 

To borrow a quote from The Money Coach, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, “Those same consumers who were punch-drunk with spending now have the equivalent of a hangover,” she says, “Except in this case, it’s a financial hangover that’s going to last a really long time.”

 

Some tips to avoid overspending

 

1. Keep an eye on sales.
2. Start buying present’s months in advance.
3. Buy in bulk to get discounts.
4. Limit the gifts to one per person.
5. Avoid name brands.
6. Make personal gifts like scrap books or collages.
7. Buy after the holiday, for the next holiday. Usually all gifts are marked down.
8. Shop online.
9. Give the gift of time.

Online gift stores

Shortly after the advent of the World Wide Web, so came the concept of online shopping. Using online stores to shop for gifts is a great time and money saver.  All gifts and hampers are beautifully presented & personalised with your special message. Online gift stores offer a wide range of gift options, such options you might not have, at one shopping centre.

Most online stores have gift categories to make purchasing a gift very easy.

 

Gift Ideas

 

• Anniversary Gifts
• Bar / Bat Mitzvah Gift Ideas
• Top 10 Romantic Gifts
• Top 10 Birthday Gifts for Women
• Top 10 Birthday Gifts for Women
• Top 10 Birthday Gifts for Children
• 21st Birthday Gifts
• 30th Birthday Gifts
• 40th Birthday Gifts
• 50th Birthday Gifts

 

Using an online store to buy your gifts is a great idea for friends and family overseas. All online stories offer a safe to-your-door delivery service. Happy shopping readers!

 

How to wrap a present

The wrapping and presentation is almost as important as the gift. Gift wrapping is not as impossible as it may appear. You do not have to go to the added expense of getting your gifts wrapped professionally. All you need is to read these tips, be gentle, and patient.

Step one

Remove all price tags. Do so with caution so as to not leave any marks or sticky spots from the price tag. If you cannot remove the sticker, get a black pen and black out the price, or stick something over the price.

Step two

Put the gift in a gift box. This will make the gift a lot easier to wrap. It will also make the wrapping look neat.

Step three

Place the box on top of the roll of wrapping paper and cut. Rather cut too much paper than too little.

Step four

Use a ruler while cutting to keep the paper straight. Fold the paper around the gift and tape it together.

Step five

Add ribbon and a card.

10 top gifts for him

The best you can do is something really original and fun. We suggest buying or making a unique, unusual and personalised present. Buying gifts can be expensive. The average man’s idea of a cool toy is a Humvee.

When shopping for gifts for me, remember that you do have the rest of the month to get through, and there will be another birthday next year.

 

10 gift ideas

1. Beer of the Month Club – buy a 3 month beer voucher at his favourite pub.
2. If he is health conscious – make him a health basket with a variety of energy snacks and fruit bars.
3. A personalised stuffed animal.
4. Personalized BBQ grill
5. If he loves his music – why not get him a new, bigger and better Ipod.
6. If he loves movies get him the box set of his favourite trilogy or favourite TV series.

Buy the perfect gift for your best friend

Wow – the pressure right. Buying the perfect gift for your more than perfect friend is tough. Below are some suggestions to make choosing that special present a walk in the park.

 

1. Ask her what she wants

This is generally a good place to start, especially if you have no idea yourself.

2. Something for the both of you

It sounds selfish, but it’s not really. If she is your best friend, you both must love spending time together. So why not get something you can enjoy together, like concert tickets.

3. A gift basket

Why not make a basket filled with her favourite things.

4. Spa day

Every woman loves to be pampered. Give a gift certificate for a day at a spa, or arrange for a makeover, manicure or pedicure.

5. Something personal

Make a scrapbook with all the photos you’ve taken together over the years.