Recession Holiday Shopping
November 21st, 2009 at 6:47 pm
The economy is a popular topic now, and has been for about a year now - ever since that financial crisis thing. Local news stations, magazines, and blogs cash in on it (as with any current event) by offering related content, and here I am jumping on the bandwagon. I’d like to combine this with another popular topic, holiday shopping! Just to get a few things out of the way, “didn’t we just have Halloween? Already the stores are pushing Christmas!” and also “Black Friday, OMG, stampede at Walmart.”
All the clichés being said, I have been brainstorming some ways to make this a less expensive gift-giving season and would like to share my ideas.
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Baking or cooking
People always need to eat, and good food is a great gift for that recipient to bring home to their family. Trust me, as long as it’s not fruitcake, it will get eaten. You could go simple and bake up a batch of chocolate chip cookies from the recipe on the back of the bag, or go more sentimental: I like to think of things we helped make as children (as gifts for our teachers and classmates for example), things I love that my mom used to make, and foods that comfort me. This year I bought apples in the early autumn, made batches of applesauce and froze them in small containers in anticipation of the holiday season. Other past successes include banana bread and chocolate covered popcorn. Even if you’re not talented in the kitchen, there is something that you can make from a box or simple recipe!
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Make it yourself
Think about what are you good at. Maybe you knit or crochet. Perhaps you have some drawing skills. I make websites. Is there someone on your list that would enjoy the fruits of your talents? Remember, it’s not being cheap, it’s actually more special if you make it yourself!
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Can’t do it yourself? Someone has!
I bet you have that crafty friend. Think about commissioning some of their work (they may even give you a friend discount) for that perfect gift! For an even wider variety of crafts and crafters, check out Etsy.com. Prices are usually reasonable and the selection is great.
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Scale it back
If last year you gave a $25 gift card and you’re looking to save money, think about scaling back to just $20. Maybe you gave someone a larger present and a smaller stocking stuffer – just one of those could be sufficient this year. Generally people won’t even notice the change, and if they do, they’ll understand it’s a rough time for all.
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Group gifts
This strategy can be approached in a couple of ways. First, buddy up with a friend to purchase for another friend. You’ll be able to afford something slightly nicer while still achieving an individual cost savings. Or pool money in the office for a gift for the boss. For loved ones, you might propose a different sort of collaboration: agree that your gift to each other will be one item that benefits you both or the whole household: nicer television, housewares, or a piece of furniture. If approached correctly, it will feel not only like a worthwhile investment, but a real gift to each other (try wrapping the item together, not using it until the holiday, and “opening” it together for best effect).
How are you saving money on the holidays this year? Feel free to share your tips and techniques, or ways you’ve used mine!
Tags: holiday, recession, shopping
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