Christmas time is here! As many celebrate the season in the Caribbean, one can feel overwhelmed by the shopping that needs to get done. Whether fixing up the home or buying presents, it can feel that December’s salary and bonus is being blown into the yuletide wind. What can be done to drive savings and better spending through this time of year?
Here are a few suggestions to keep shoppers out of the red with this season’s shopping budget.
Avoid Too Much Spending during Christmas.
Easier said than done, right? However, we think that a few thoughtful tokens, made and shared from the heart can help shoppers save more coin. Some ideas include:
• Handmade gifts are a very precious option. Getting tots to make cards or craft sentimental trinkets is one of the best gifts that money can’t buy. Tying these homemade gifts to a shared memory the the person receiving the gift will also have a wonderful impact.
• Baked Goodies are always welcomed at Christmas time. But, nix the typical fruit cake and opt for a more exotic nibble of something scrumptious. Try making a traditional goodie from a different ethnic culture and share that with team mates at the office. Huge win!
• Second only to homemade goodies are gifts grown from the heart. Ornamental plants, miniature home gardens, topiaries, et al will often highlight a certain level of thoughtfulness in gift giving. A little research into your person’s favourite succulent, vegetable, or flower can last a lifetime as these gifts are nurtured.
5 Tips to Spend Wisely in Christmas:
It isn’t all about not spending. Some shoppers need only apply a few thoughtful approaches to their buying habits.
1) Checking out store loyalty programmes can be a life saver in times likes these. Shoppers can take advantage of special offers afforded to loyal customers at most stores. Catalogues often list high end items that will be perfect to gift at Christmas.
2) Put a limit to the gifts purchased.This one can have two meanings: Either budget a specific amount per gift, or limit the amount of gifts given. Christmas isn’t just the season of giving but it’s also a time for thoughtfulness. Nowhere does it say that shoppers need to spend a lot to accommodate those sentiments.
3) Shop during sales! Christmas shopping can be stress-free if shoppers keep an eagle eye out for sales throughout the year. Don’t wait till last minute to meet the mad Christmas rush at the store. Being prepared, when and where possible, can eliminate the hassle of shopping very early.
4) Shop smart. Sometimes shoppers would like to give gifts with meaning and with that in mind, it may be better to buy presents that can last. When thinking about this it may do well to focus on what the receiver may need. If someone is having a baby soon it may benefit shoppers to look for baby items that the child may grow into.
5) Group gifts! Shopping for small families can be super cumbersome and expensive if on a budget. So, the best thing to do is buy one gift that the whole family can enjoy together. Think board games, and party packs. Monopoly anyone? Uno cards? Yes, please!
Saving Money Tips
Believe it or not, it is possible to save while spending.
• Shake up the gift giving tradition for family members and host a Secret Santa. This one is ideal for shoppers who come from big families. Secret Santa isn’t just for the office! It is a lot easier for shoppers to buy one present rather than several presents to appease many relatives. This new tradition can be made fun by integrating it into family dinners leading up to Christmas.
• Buying in bulk can especially benefit those looking to make their own Christmas presents. Gifts like cookies, and other sweet treats can be pulled together and presented in nifty little baskets that can be gifted to family members that even grannies would love.
Seasonal Jobs are a Choice to Have an Additional Income
Who wouldn’t want to make a little extra pocket money?
• Christmas time is a busy time for most retailers and they are always on the hunt for extra hands to help meet customer needs. Taking up a small part time job, such as this, can help shoppers pocket extra cash to make Christmas shopping less of a financial burden.
Christmas is a time that most people tend to spend more than they bargain for. However, our creative tips should help shoppers pocket just a little more of their bonus and salary so that it can be saved for a rainy day. Not saying that gifting to loved ones is a frivolous expense, but rather it is an opportunity to show genuine care not lavish spending. Being a little smarter with Christmas spending doesn’t make shoppers Scrooges at all!
