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0 The holiday season is fast approaching and if you are still looking for the perfect gift or two, it might be time to start making a list. But before you start, let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider when deciding how much money to spend.
Don’t Overbuy
This one is obvious but important. When planning your budget, don’t overspend. You don’t want to burn through all your cash in order to buy something that someone else will appreciate more than what you bought them. It also doesn’t help to make their gift unappealing because they have to settle for something less than ideal.
When you’re shopping around for a Christmas gift, you can find yourself faced with an endless array of options. While there are some great deals out there, it’s smart to focus on giving quality and value instead of quantity. Don’t get too excited about getting a lot of toys or electronics for family members this year. Instead, go for unique and thoughtful gifts that really show you care about them. If you are not sure about the gifts you can go to Antena3 for some really interesting ideas.
How Many People Will Be Getting the Gift?
If you know that you will be buying a gift for multiple people, then this is the first thing you need to do. If you are going to buy several gifts, consider purchasing the same item for each person so you aren’t stuck with duplicate presents. This can save you quite a bit of money and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want.
What Are Their Interests?
Think about the interests of the recipient. Some folks enjoy collecting baseball cards while others love video games. Whatever the recipients are into, you should try to match it up with a present that shows you understand their hobbies and passions.
If you are struggling to think of ideas, here are some other gift guides just for you.
Is There an Expiration Date?
If you are planning on giving a gift card as a present, keep in mind that these expire after a certain amount of time has passed. So, if you plan on giving a gift card to a college student who is going off to school next month, it would probably be best not to give them a $100 credit card right now since the gift won’t last long enough.
Does the Recipient Have a Favorite Color/Theme?
If you are sending a gift to someone who is particularly fond of blue and red, for instance, you can find some great options online. Look for items that fit those colors and themes and see if you can track down any products that have similar shades. For example, if you are looking for a gift for someone who loves red and blue, the best option may be to purchase an actual pair of shoes.
Are They Already Buying Something Else?
Sometimes, people already own most of what they need. In this case, you can skip the whole “gift-giving” scenario altogether by simply buying them something themselves. This is especially true if you are going to give them something that falls in the category of “they already own.”
Can You Ask Them What They Want?
One of the best ways to figure out what someone wants for Christmas is to ask them directly. The problem is that many times people will be tempted to tell you what they want, but they forget all about it once they sit down at the mall and start browsing. By asking them, however, you ensure that they actually remember what they wanted in the first place.
You can always ask them if they have any questions or concerns while you are picking out the perfect gift for them. Sometimes, we tend to worry about what our loved ones want so much that we end up forgetting what it is that we ourselves want. Make sure you don’t fall victim to that trap.
Try to Think Outside the Box
There are plenty of places where you can get creative when it comes to finding a gift. Online stores like Amazon and eBay make it easier than ever to browse through thousands of different items. Of course, these sites offer a ton of stuff for everyone on your list, but you can also find some unique items from smaller businesses and individuals. Just search around and you will find something.
Another good idea is to look through local thrift stores and antique shops. These places tend to carry a wide variety of items, ranging from books and toys to clothing and accessories. With a little patience, you can find a treasure for someone special without breaking the bank.
Do They Need Anything Now?
Before you begin to shop, ask yourself the question “do they need anything now?” If you find out that they are already stocked up on everything they could possibly need, then you might want to skip the shopping trip entirely. Instead, you can opt to send them a nice note telling them how much they mean to you.
Or, if you do decide to buy them a present, try to pick something that you know they would actually use. Maybe you could give them a subscription to a magazine that they are interested in. Or maybe you could gift them a new book that they said they were going to read soon.
Will Your Gift Fit Inside the Package?
If you are looking for something specific, then make sure to check out the packaging the item comes in. If the box is very small and flimsy, it’s likely that the item inside won’t fit. You can always open the package and return it if you notice this.
Take Care with Shipping Fees
Many people seem to forget about shipping when they are planning a gift. But you shouldn’t overlook the fact that shipping costs will vary depending on the distance between you and the recipient. Some items are shipped via mail service, while other items require delivery services such as UPS or FedEx.
Most importantly, make sure you factor in delivery charges when determining the total cost of your gift. If you plan on shipping the item yourself, you can usually include shipping fees in the final price tag. Otherwise, add it on when you calculate the total cost of your gift.
