Gift Giving on a Budget
Gift-Giving on a Budget
Make “Home Entertainment” a Home-Run!
The holidays are a special time of year where friends and family celebrate the magic of the season together. And if you’re like a lot of people, you want convenient, budget-friendly holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list. This year, save money and surprise your loved ones with gifts the whole family can enjoy.
Here are some tips to help maximize your gift-giving budget, while making new, fun, family traditions this holiday season.
Itemize Your Spending. Carefully managing your holiday spending on a day-to-day basis will help you keep your costs in check. That way, if you have that great, big gift you want to splurge on, you can—you've already planned and budgeted for it. There are some really cool, and free, smartphone apps such as Spend Free, available at www.iTunes.com that can really help keep you on track. Also, try a free membership at www.mint.com. Not only can this free site help you with your holiday spending, it's a great tool to manage your entire household, including your bank account, mortgage payments and other monthly bills.
Video Fun From Santa: A great way to maximize your gift-giving, while keeping expenses down, is to pay close attention to what DVDs and/or video games your family has asked Santa to deliver. Don't ignore these requests—it's these gifts that can make for the perfect stocking stuffers, and family fun-time. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey (conducted by BIGresearch) 44.4 percent of consumers have DVDs, movies and/or video games on their wish lists. So, home entertainment can be a home-run!
Subscription Gifts Keep Giving: A big favorite, and one that is often over-looked, are the gifts that keep on giving, month-after-month. Set up grandpa with his favorite fishing magazine subscription—he'll be reminded of you every time his magazine comes in the mail. There are also monthly subscriptions for specialty food items that come delivered right to your door. Think outside the box, and get creative! DVD rentals can also arrive by mail—family and friends can receive Blu-ray movies and games, then exchange them for new rentals later. This “by mail” concept is convenient, fun and a thoughtful gift that will be appreciated.
Box-Set Ideas. The gift of entertainment can be for everyone—as a hostess gift or for a hard-to-buy-for family member, personalize the holiday experience with box-sets. Blockbuster offers 3 to 5-disc Build Your Own Box Sets of movies, TV shows and video games, so you can't go wrong. And bonus! They come in a festive gift box, so you don't even have to wrap it. Score! For other gift ideas under $50, visit www.blockbuster.com.
Game Night/Movie Night/Family Night. Expand your special family time this holiday season with affordable entertainment. Create a new family tradition—your little one's will love it! Instead of going out, opt to stay in for game night, movie night, video/board game night, etc. Pop up some popcorn or brew some hot chocolate—your kids will love the special time and attention. It's these family moments and traditions they'll remember for a life-time, and possibly pass on to their own kids. To save on movies, just rent. Create a family game tournament—kids love to compete, and “Tournament Night” can sound extra special. Instead of splurging on holiday treats, create your own at-home “bakery,” and have the kids help. It can be a sticky mess, but there's something extra special about homemade holiday treats. Make togetherness your goal this year, and get cozy at home.
Photo courtesy, Getty Images
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