Stretch Your Holiday Gift Budget with Resourceful Gifts

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Added: Wed. Nov 28, 2012 11:21am
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The Christmas season often adds financial strain to your already stretched budget. Especially if you’re living on a fixed income, you might question your ability to buy gifts for your loved ones this year. This year, stretch your gift giving budget with a variety of creative, resourceful and affordable gifts that shows your love but doesn’t break your budget.

For the Fashionista

Whether you keep up with the latest fashions or not, you can give gifts the fashionista on your list will love.

• Handmade bracelets fashioned from buttons, beads, thread or twine
• A new watch that fits your budget and matches the recipient’s style
• Gift cards for her favorite clothing or jewelry store
• Heirloom jewelry from her great grandmother

For the Handyman

Instead of asking the handyman for help fixing your house, give him gifts that make him smile all year.

• A multi-tool includes items like a corkscrew, screwdriver, pliers and knife, and it’s a necessity for every handyman.
• New tool box from Freecycle or Craigslist
• Gift card for tools and accessories from a local tool retailer
• Subscription to a DIY magazine

For the Cook

Creating homemade meals is an art form. Surprise the cook on your list with affordable cooking related gifts.

• Replacement spatulas or other kitchen utensils that get a lot of wear
• Recipe notebook or folder with family recipes and pretty recipe cards
• Gift card from a local ethnic grocery store
• Homemade cookies, cupcakes or candy packed in an affordable canister

For the Wine Enthusiast

Who doesn’t like a good glass of wine? The wine enthusiast on your list will appreciate inexpensive gifts that accompany wine.

• A delicious box of wine poured into a decorative flask
• Handmade painted wine glasses that you purchase from the Dollar Store or Goodwill and then paint with acrylic paint
• Cheese and crackers on a decorative plate

For the Musician

Music lovers enjoy listening to or playing music. Consider these musician friendly gifts.

• New or gently used CDs from their favorite artist or a new release
• Homemade mixed tape with meaningful songs
• iTunes gift card
• Instrumental lessons

For the Gardener

Digging in the dirt and watching plants grow can be therapeutic and productive. Several thrifty gifts are perfect for gardeners.

• Handmade wooden window boxes or planters from the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store
• Materials to build a greenhouse
• Gift cards or coupons for the local garden center or a seed catalog
• Handwritten gift certificates offering free summer weeding

Gift Giving Etiquette

While looking for ways to stretch your money, remember a few etiquette rules.

• Avoid re-gifting unless you’re sure the recipient will love the gift and isn’t in the same social circle as the person who gave the gift to you.
• Take the price tags off the gifts, and don’t brag about the affordable price.
• Buy used gifts only if the recipient buys secondhand items.
• Create a beautiful and affordable presentation when you embellish the plain side of brown paper grocery bags with stickers, markers or ribbon.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to give thoughtful gifts to everyone on your list. With limited cash in your pocket and a long list of gift recipients, look for creative and affordable ways to give everyone a gift they will love and use. You’ll feel less stressed and more joyful as you exercise resourcefulness and stretch your Christmas budget.

Bio: Holly is an Indianapolis native with a knack for saving money. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses.