Practical Gift Giving: Receiving Great Gifts

Idea: Make sure that the gifts you give are wanted by the people that you give them to.

Of course, one of the major issues when it comes to spending money for special occasions is gift giving. And if you have people in your life who really look forward to getting gifts, then this is particularly important to keep in mind. Gifts are wonderful — if the person wants them. Unfortunately, often times the money and time and effort is wasted because you open a gift that was not something that you really wanted in the first place.

Anti-Clutter

There are those in my family, particularly, that love to give gifts. And I love them and I appreciate the gifts. However, I often feel like the money that was spent on them is wasted because they are simply clutter that I don’t need. When I was little, I also began to develop this tendency of accumulating junk, but as I’ve grown older I realize that I feel much better having less stuff and having more money or more vacations or special occasions out and fewer things of nicer quality.

There are up-sides for to being anti-clutter:
1. Having less stuff means there is less to clean, organize, and maintain.
2. Taking more trips creates more memories and gives a way to spend time with loved ones.
3. Getting higher quality means less aggravation, less maintenance, and ultimately a nicer experience with the product.

Translating For Those Around You

Shopping Trips

One of the things that people that love to give you gifts need to know is that they got something that you absolutely love. So, when you are shopping, you might often be frugal, but take the opportunity to go “shopping” a few times a year with those people in your life who are gift-happy. You’ll find various items in your travels that you would never actually buy yourself there on the spot, but that you would actually use and enjoy if you got them as a gift. Drop hints during these trips to ensure that your interests are obvious.

Chores

During your daily life there are many times when you really wish that you had X because it would make your life so much easier or better. You might not be willing to buy it for yourself if you are frugal, although you really think it would be a cool thing to have. Use the experience as a means to tell the story and get in your little “hook” that you want the item.

Keep it Cheap

I find that I don’t want people spending large amounts of money on me, but if they have one or two items that they can buy that are cheap, they will feel satisfied and might not go overboard. Pick cheaper items that are unique or if you want to go big, encourage friends and family to chip in on an expensive item for you. This ties right in to the concept that you wouldn’t buy it yourself.

So wallow in your frugality and use these tips to give yourself a great gift — presents that you actually want for your next special occasion.