Do you dread holiday shopping every year, but want to do more than just stuff cash in an envelope? Here are some tips to help ease the stress this year - and every year.
- Start early. I actually buy gifts throughout the year for all holidays and birthdays. It helps make it more of a constant budget piece than a huge issue at the end of the year. Plus, you can take advantage of sales without the stress of the mega sales (which aren't always really that much better anyway). And you have less of an issue with sold-out products.
- Give experiences, not things. Especially if you're shopping for someone who has a lot of stuff, it can be hard to think of one more gadget or knick-knack they need. But experiences don't take up space, and research has shown that they are more satisfying than things. Plus, it can make a nice holiday tradition - if your cousin is a theater buff, yearly musical tickets can be a great thing. My parents give us a membership every year, to the museum/community center/etc of our choice, so we can tailor it to what our kids are ready for - and we get to enjoy it year-round.
- If you're stuck on ideas, then try surfing Pinterest boards or FB pages of your friends and relatives to see what they've tagged, pinned, and liked.
- Or, really simplify things. Have one appropriate gift that you can give to a wide variety of people, especially if you exchange gifts with lots of friends, extended family members, and colleagues. I have a friend who crocheted scarves for everyone on her list one year. Another friend selects a different gourmet food product every year.
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