Amanda Peterson
April 26, 2024
• 2 Minute Read
It's Frugal Friday, and you know what that means! It's May, and also the time for graduations, mother's day, and even weddings! Let's talk about Gift Giving and how to remain frugal when shopping for that perfect gift.
Giving gifts is a thoughtful way to show you care, but it can also strain the wallet. CreditSoup has some tips for frugal gifting that will put a smile on someone's face without giving you buyers remorse.
Think outside the box.
Gift giving doesn't always have to be THINGS. Nothing is worse than giving someone a useless gift, or wasting money on something that they really don't need. Try any of these three options instead:
Experiences Over Things: Memories are often more cherished than material possessions. Consider giving an experience like concert tickets, a cooking class, or a museum pass.
The Gift of Your Time: Offer to help someone with a project, like cleaning their house, fixing something around their home, or even mowing the lawn. Your time and effort can be a valuable gift.
Homemade Gifts: Get crafty and make your own gifts! Baked goods, jams, or hand-knitted scarves are thoughtful and personalized presents. A homemade gift shows extra thoughtfulness.
Shop smart.
So you feel the need to at least give SOMETHING. However, you don't need to spend oodles of money to give them "just a little something." These three tips can help alleviate that need.
Hit the Sales: Source out sales and clearance events. Many stores offer deep discounts throughout the year. When you find a great deal on something you know someone would love, snag it and stash it away for later.
And if you're shopping WAY in advance, this is a great trick I use for Christmas gifts too. For example, I like to stock up on Bath & Body Works items to give out to school teachers during the holidays.
Consider Thrift Stores or Online Marketplaces: You can find unique and gently-used items at a fraction of the retail price. Look for vintage clothing, jewelry, books, or home decor items.
Websites like Etsy or local Facebook groups offer unique handcrafted items and vintage finds at competitive prices.
Buy in Bulk: If you're giving the same gift to multiple people, buy in bulk to get a discount. This works well for small gifts like candles, bath soaps, or bags of candy.
A thoughtful gift doesn't have to be expensive.
Set a budget. Decide how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a gift before you start shopping. This will help you avoid impulse purchases.
With a little creativity and planning, you can give a gift that will be cherished without overspending. The most important thing is to show the recipient that you care.
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