On A Shoestring Budget ?

1. Get to know more about the recipient if possible.

2. Do not buy gifts that are personal in nature such as lingerie unless you know the person well and are in the right environment.

3. Evaluate the environment you are giving the gift in.
Office ( may have set limits on amount to spend on gifts)
Don't know them well get a less expensive gift unless you are trying to impress them for very good reason
Business clients, go overboard and they may question your motives
Family may be more sympathetic to your financial concerns

4. Shop with a list. Shop with a plan(prevents confusion) and prevents you from you from running around in circles
Continually remind yourself of the plan to keep you on budget

5. Make a budget unless you are independently wealthy you should avoid overspending

6. Shop when you are well rested. Your thoughts and ideas will be clearer. You are less likely to go overboard

7. Shop for the recipients you know the best. Ideas may come easier

8. Get "just in case" gifts especially in the case you get a last minute invitation to a party .During the holidays have a token gift .It can be a small gift such as a book, a cd, bottle of wine, candles or a gift card.

9. Shop when you are not hungry; hunger may divert your attention and you may miss items that may have been just right for your recipients.

10. Online shopping (from your home or office)
Gives you powerful searching capabilities.
Shop from your seat not your feet , leaving you well rested and ready to shop another day.

Avoid long lines, busy traffic, fighting for the parking space close to the door.
Irritation clouds your thinking and may cause you to overspend.
Readily comparison shop
Last minute purchases
Get a gift card or a gift certificate sent quickly

Hopefully, these tips get you on your way to shop with a budget and a plan that's right for you.

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Written by Fran Gratton of Heart Filled Baskets (www.heartfilledbaskets.com) A gift and gift basket company.