Gifts are a big part of Christmas for many
families, although not so much for others. There is no right or wrong; however,
this article will focus on elements of gift giving.
If you are crafty and you like to make your
Christmas gifts, now is the time to start thinking about what you are going to
make, the materials you need and start shopping for them. Some gifts may have
to be made closer to the gift giving date; however, for the other gifts, it may
be wise to start making them now.
Many people set a budget for their
Christmas spending. If you do, then it is time to plan what your Christmas
budget is going to be. There are a number of ways to set a Christmas budget.
One is work out how much money you are going to spend at Christmas, then write
down who you will be buying Christmas gifts for and divide the two. Other
people write their list and estimate how much they want to spend on different
people. There are other ways as well. My main point is, it is time to start
thinking about your Christmas budget.
Other factors for your Christmas budge
include clothing, parties you are attending, drinks, and dinners. They all add
up so that come the New Year you may have a bigger debt than you had wanted.
If you have a present box, basket, shelf, cupboard
or draw, it is time to go through it and take stock. See what you have
purchased over the year when you have seen something and add it to the master
gift list.
Take some time to develop a Gifts Ideas
Planner. Write down the people you plan to buy Christmas gifts for, from family
members, to friends, neighbours, teachers, coaches and work colleagues. Think
about what would be a nice gift for them. Another idea is to think about
stocking stuffers if you have young children. You know those small gifts that
add bulk and excitement to the Christmas morning.
One more element that I would love you to
consider is not just buying gifts for the sake of having something to give. Buy
an experience instead. Some suggestions include movie tickets, a day out at a
sporting event, concert tickets, adventure experience. My brother took my
children last year to a cricket match with his children. The tickets were only
$2.50 each yet the experience of spending a whole day with their cousins was
“the best ever” according to the kids.
Once you have done this preparation, it is
time to think about going shopping. If you start shopping now, you are going to
save yourself time. Why? The shops aren’t as crowded, you get served quicker,
you can work more easily, and the shop assistants have time to help you,
getting a car park is easier.
