Free-for-all Friday: Gifts Galore!

I LOVE TO SHOP! Ask anyone that knows me. This is one "talent" that I feel has really forced me to stick with a budget especially when it comes to clothes and gifts because gifts are the sneaky expenses on which you can never count.

I find that since I love to shop, it is so rewarding for me to shop for others through out the year and not always myself. I have been able to deliver wonderful gifts at bargain prices at Christmas and people can not get over the deals that I get.

Galatians 6:10 says "As we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." I feel that this service of giving gifts can allow us the opportunity to share God's love to others. I know that when I receive gifts, if brings joy to my life that someone spent their effort, time and money on something for me.

Here are a couple of hints for gift shopping success with a budget:

First - At the beginning of each year, make a list of gifts you will need to give for the whole year. Beside each name, list the dollar amount you would like the gift to be. Example: For both my sisters, I like to give gifts worth $50 at Christmas and $25 at birthdays. This is not the actual amount I spend but deciding this amount limits your spending. You will see how in a minute.

Second - Shop all year long for these gifts beginning w/ the after Christmas sales from the previous year. This allows you to put thought into good gifts at a great price. It is really amazing the deals you can find for the special people in your life.

When you go on vacation in the summer, there are usually outlets located around major vacation destinations. I may not have the ability to spend a ton of money on myself, but what a great time it is going on this treasure hunt for others at outlet prices. For example, last year in Hilton Head, I got both my sisters Coach clutches on sale for $25 each. Now these were normally $50 at the outlet and even more in the stores. So, I saved $50 and had them both checked off my list for the year. When you go back to your list you will see that you listed a $50 gift and only spent $25. Do not let this deter you into thinking you need another $25 gift because I feel this discounts the nice gift you already purchased.

Also, I have a two year old son and he has a group of friends for whom I know we will go to parties throughout the year. After Christmas, Walmart puts their craft boxes on sale for 75% off. I wanted to spend around $15 for each present and got these boxes for $5. I saved $60 and the kids will love these presents.

Third - You need to have a gift box and wrapper storage.

If you have a gift box this allows for you not to forget what you have purchased. Also, keep a copy of this list you made in step one in the box so you do not double buy for one person. If you have been given a gift that you will not use, you can put it in the box to give to others (might wanna write who gave it to you on there so you don't regift it...EMBARRASSING!).

Wrapper storage allows for you to always have these supplies at hand because you will spend around $5 for a bag and paper at your local stores if you are in a hurry for wrapping. If you prepare, you can spend as little as $5 a year at the dollar store on wrapping and bows. You will also have a place for bags to reuse at the appropriate time.

Fourth - You will need a box to organize cards that you will send through the year. Cards can run almost $5 a piece at the grocery store and other stores. Hallmark has .99 cards, Walmart has .49 cards, and your dollar store has .50 cards. This way, you do not get stuck spending this $5 on a sympathy card at the last minute. I also shop for cards year round. This allows me to get good cards at bargain prices and eliminates the stress of being in a card shop for an hour looking for the perfect card, which I have done more than once in the past and never will do again with this system. You can also visit your local Christian stores and get great bargains on Christmas cards and Valentine Cards. For Valentine's Day, I got a pack of eight cards to mail. They even had scripture on them and were under $2! They were a hit at a bargain price and it allowed me to spend the money on stamps and surprise a couple of people I would not have normally sent a card to.

Psalm 138:8 says "..do not abandon the works of your hands." By shopping this way, you will avoid the pit of overspending on last minute gifts and the time that shopping under pressure takes away from your family. I hope this helps you be a good steward in shopping...especially if shopping is one of your loves, like it is mine!