Thursday, December 11, 2008

This Christmas Crunch

There seems to be a catching trend. More people are planning to cut cos this year around the holidays. The questions is how do we cut cost and still give gifts that mean so much. Well here are five gift ideas that may help you get the wow factor you are looking for and the saving your budget needs. 

1. A discounted trip to a spa or resort. Most resort or spas offer deep discount during the winter months and make great gift that can be redeemed  at the receiver's convenience.

2. You can always pay someone's subscription to Netflix or a Magazine they love. This way you spend about 14 dollars if that this month and give a great gift. You can put a limit on how many months you will pay for the subscription. Its a great gift that keeps coming back. 

3.  Hand made arts and crafts are always a party favorite. Be sure to keep the quality of the craft up. Make sure your artistic talents are up to par. If necessary use someone else's idea. You don't want you gift to look cheap and uninspired. But hey its the thought that counts anyway right?
 
4. Be the gift yourself. Most people will appreciate an extra hand around the house. You can make coupons or promise bucks to do certain things for a person. Things like mow their lawn or a IOU to cook for them or even do their laundry one weekend when they want to go out. Get creative. You can make up a type of coupon or card to present them with to redeem at a later time. 

5. Last but not least is to skip the whole thing and just celebrate Kwanzaa. That's what I am doing...LOL

No matter what you decide remember the holidays is about replenishing the human spirit and remembering the important things in life. Life is too short to worry about maxing out your credit cards to feed  your and some else's unlimited  material desires.   Be Smart, Be Safe and enjoy this holiday season.