Well, today is BLACK FRIDAY. One of the biggest shopping days of the year… Are you shopping today? In-Store or online there is a lot to be considered. I think we all thought we would be Post-Covid and fully back to work by now.
Since we’re not and a second shut down is looming in the background like an awkward unknown photo-bomber in your vacation photos, furloughs and lay-offs are a real concern. Real-life conversations are happening around gift-giving. My family and I keep having the “to gift or not to gift” conversation. We’re still not sure, hopeful we will come up with an answer this weekend.
Budget is a real concern, it’s not a how much can we spend conversation. It’s a should we be spending at all conversation. If you decide to give gifts set a budget and stick to it. There is no shame in that, we all have had to tighten our belts this year.
Deciding the budget is one thing, the big question is how will you be paying for it all? There is nothing worse than Holiday Buyer’s Remorse in January when the bills start rolling in. So if you can use cash do it. Separate your money into Envelopes for each person, write their name and the amount you are spending on them. That way you won’t be tempted to spend the extra 5 or 10 dollars because you won’t be immediately visible.
You can be crafty and organized with this tote,
What do you have at home? Are you crafty? Do you sew? We’re all going to be wearing masks for quite a while. If you have fabric from completed projects fashion them into masks. A homemade Christmas stocking filled with cheap and cheerful stocking stuffers is a great idea. Do you knit or crochet? A scarf, hat, or even a pair of mittens or socks could be a great gift.
If you know someone who is Vegan and Gluten-Free this is a great cookbook.
Not Crafty… okay are you a baker, I’m never mad at Brownies or Christmas cookies. Don’t bake you say. No problems, how about some homemade apple sauce or a fruit and nut bark. Are you a painter? gift a painting. Do you draw? gift a drawing. Make giving easy on yourself and your wallet.
More than ever cost is a consideration and it is just smart to make decisions based on that. We shouldn’t be Cheap Charlies or Lavish Larrys, there is a sweet spot where the giver and receiver can both be happy. How are you making your holiday spending decisions? Please share your ideas or strategies in the comments below.
