Christmas in undeniably coming very soon. The weather is getting colder in this part of the world. Yuletide carols are frequently played in the malls and over the radio. And the main thoroughfares are brightly lighted and decorated for this festive and joyous celebration. Also prevalent in this time of the year is the imminent exchange of gifts between family members, colleagues and good friends.
Despite the numerous mishaps happening everywhere and the fiscal dilemma transpiring around the globe, my all time favorite occasion will always be celebrated. No matter what. Let me share with you some practical tips to purchase gifts even in times of scrimping.
1. Watch out for sales. When the prices of goods are down to 50% or even 70% off it is wise to buy items that you can hoard for Christmas. Practical items and those that can be used are often appreciated. If you have the leisure of time, shop as soon as the mall opens so you can choose from a variety of things and look hi and lo for good buys. Be sure to be in your most comfortable shoes to keep you going the whole day.
2. Make a list of the possible places you can explore for budget friendly gifts. My personal choices are Saizen, where items are an affordable P80 each. Marks and Spencer is another store I often go to for healthier gift options. They have dark chocolate coated digestive biscuits for only P135 per pack that comes with a paper bag. You can also enlist the likes of the those you intend to give gifts to. When you see them in sale, you can get one or two of those and cross out their names after.
3. Avoid the Christmas rush. This will prevent you from giving gifts that may just be sitting in the closet for years. You can handpick gifts you know your recipient will use or love if you shop leisurely minus the maddening crowd. You can also purchase vouchers online to spare you from the hassles of shopping. MetroDeal and Ensogo are some of the famous online shopping sites that offers discounts on foods, activities, travel and getaways, beauty and wellness, etc. Remember the rule in gift giving: if you like receiving the same item, then purchase it.
4. Be creative. Showcase your skills this season. If you are good at baking, give your baked specialties to friends and relatives as gifts. This could also be the beginning of a business you've been dreaming about.
Remember, it is the thought that counts when receiving a gift. Similarly, it is always blessed to give than to receive. Happy shopping to all of you and may you find the right gift for everyone on your list!
Photos from Gerard
Now those are GREAT ideas!! Although the husband and I like to take part in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, I am very much a practical girl! The trick is staying focused while being amongst the crowd.
ReplyDeleteThe weather's getting cold and I've started early with my Christmas shopping as early as September. :D Now I'm down to family members! Merry Christmas, Farida!
ReplyDeleteWonderful ideas.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas!
ReplyDeleteVery useful and good ideas :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love gift giving and have started on my list...thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteHello Farida,
ReplyDeleteApologize for being late, my children are ill. wow..great tips how to spend for the gifts.
sadly true all over the world in financial crisis .
For sure there are someways to give a special gift for this best moment for us.
Thanks so much for you last visit and comment.
sending you a big hugs
great tips to follow...remain the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas...and you will not be worn out physically and emotionally. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas, and I have already found some cute little Christmas baking loaf pans I will fill with my Christmas breads. Also will fill large Christmas mugs with my homemade English Toffee.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips!!!
Great tips! Just followed you back :)
ReplyDeleteMandy
http://bunnygirlblog.com
I am always a last minute Christmas shopper lol Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm your newest follower. :)
ReplyDeletegreat tips.. I make it a point to buy something usable for my ina-anak's...yeah, the weather is getting colder
ReplyDeleteCould I just give out origami paper cranes? Lol! Gift giving has always been stressful during this season because of all the rushing and all. I really appreciate tips like these. I actually have a list already but I might squeeze in the Marks and Spencers. All I need now is money for shopping :-)
ReplyDeleteWe are actually planning to make crochet items as a gift. Problem is time. We should start now :)
ReplyDeleteMommy Maye
http://www.momaye.com/
In your list, I usually do Christmas list and watching out for SALE. :)
ReplyDeleteWill surely follow your tips!have a great christmas sis!
ReplyDeleteI think this all fit for any occasion and celebration! Well put up your thoughts… last minute purchase is not a good idea for me personally.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these tips Ms. Farida. have a nice day! :)
ReplyDeleteReally great ideas. I too buy gifts all year round when I find great bargains. Have a great christmas.
ReplyDeletewe are planning to give our crochet items as gifts. Simple but with a personal touch.
ReplyDeleteI hope we will have plenty of SALES here in Baguio, though. I won't have time to go down there to Manila...
ReplyDeleteHi! Thanks for stopping by Grown-Ups For A Day! I have followed your lovely blog. Cheers and hope to read more soon. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's always best to buy ahead of the holidays coz the prices of almost everything gets doubled or tripled during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! So far, I have crossed off six people because I found the perfect gift for them early. I have yet to help my mom with the list for our family gifts. That will prove to be a big challenge.
ReplyDeleteMy most reliable trick is make the list and stick to it. Christmas shopping can be very overwhelming. :)
ReplyDeletegreat tips! i hope it gets colder in the following days.. to feel the presence of Christmas.. :)
ReplyDeleteNice tips! It sure is difficult to go with the crowd during shopping. If possible, I like to buy the gifts from just one place. Preferably online, so the shipping fee would just be a one-time thing. www.zalora.com.ph has nice branded items, it always offers sales, and if you will just spend Php500, you can use CymCazza123G to get 5% off. :-)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think online shopping is a good option. But sometimes, blending with the crowd to shop is also fun! :D We need frenzy too in our life. haha
ReplyDeletehow i wish zamboanga will also be filled with Bazaars.... that's one thing i miss about christmas in Manila... i find it more fun to hunt for gifts in bazaars... :-)
ReplyDeleteI have not started xmas shopping yet as I am still saving for it:) I will surely hunt out sales para makatipid!
ReplyDeleteThis remind me, I have to make a list! :) Thanks for sharing your great tips!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it would also be fun to pick a theme for gifts one is giving this year. For example, handmade, or eco friendly. I'm not sure if it will make it easier, but definiely more fun diba? :)
ReplyDeleteBe Creative! I love that advice. I love the time before Christmas, we have Advent in my church and the quiet waiting is so peaceful, if you can block out all the clamor. Peace to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I usually buy ahead. If I saw a nice item in one of my shoppings and they are on sale, I just buy it and keep it in my gift cabinet for future use. For me, that's practical! Thanks for he tips.
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for The Liebster Award. I really think you deserve that!
ReplyDeletehttp://discoveringranchlife.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-liebster-award.html
xo Maria
These are great tips Farida. i also made a Spend-Less Christmas post. I wrote about fun Christmas Kiddie crafts using things around. Hope you can check it out. http://www.henrysmom.com
ReplyDeletethese are great tips
ReplyDeletei also watch out for sales
Those are handy tips. But please be careful with buying vouchers from Metrodeal as I have a bad experience with them.
ReplyDeletethank you for all these tips... they are very helpful
ReplyDeletegreat tipster!
ReplyDeletei haven't done shopping for christmas gifts
You have such great and practical ideas! We have changed how we do gifts and it is working just fine. . I am liking the idea of homemade gifts and useful things. Thank you so much for stopping by! Xo
ReplyDeleteI love #4 I can give handmade jewelries as Christmas gift. :)
ReplyDeleteBecause of my pregnancy, I'm doing most of my holiday shopping online. Great that we now have access to online stores who gives generous discounts!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I also avoid the holiday rush and hoard gift items from sales throughout the year. By doing so, I cut down my Christmas list by half come December. Oh, and my expenses aren't that big also during December.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these tips! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why I'm not all hyped up, but I can definitely feel it coming closer. This time last year, I'm done with all the gifts. This year, I haven't even started making a list. I could really use your tips since I'm doing everything the last minute.
Naku i super agree with the idea of avoiding xmas rush. When I was still in the Philippines, my bff and I were shopping end of September pa lang. We did our list August of that year kasi hehehe! Happy holidays to you and your family sis :) (advance greetings narin LOL!)
ReplyDeleteCE 11/27
Thanks for the practical tips! So concise!
ReplyDeleteI always dig the #3 tip. Avoiding the sale/Christmas rush. Thanks for the list!
ReplyDeleteI'll be shopping online for my pamangkins' gifts para diretso na sa kanila ang delivery ng items. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for these practical tips. As mush as possible, I don't want to spend money in giving gifts. i just have to be creative :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips. I got items from Saizen... for myself. hehe. Online shopping is a good alternative. :D
ReplyDeleteThese are interesting tips that can be used this coming Christmas. I always go with number 4, be creative. There are things around us that needs to be discovered that they are great as gifts, all it need is a little imagination and a playful mind.
ReplyDeleteyup! and go visit bazaars. there are great deals there.
ReplyDeletethanks for the tips..i haven't started my christmas shopping yet..
ReplyDeletehelpful tips indeed! :)
ReplyDeleteLately,I have been doing a lot of online shopping. It is more convenient for me
ReplyDeleteI don't do online shopping but I do take note of bargains and great discounts on items which I am interested in.m
ReplyDeleteAgain, I need these tips. I don't know why I'm procrastinating too much.
ReplyDeleteI usually take advantage of sales or promo events. It helps me lessen my Christmas holiday expenses.
ReplyDeleteTry buying in bulk like bags, wallet, cosmetics. I already bought my family last 2nd week of December. I did not join the mob for Christmas rush.
ReplyDeletei'll be doing my last minute shopping tomorrow. wish me luck! Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteI'm back here. I might probably apply those tips next year coz I won't be home for Christmas this time. Thanks for the tips. Merry Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the ideas. I'm planning to have a cupcake business and you just gave me an idea :D I will send my samples as gifts. ^_^
ReplyDeleteAll are best ideas for buy gift but I like first one more because I use it many time in Christmas times on local store and online store also. Really they give us many discount on regular things. Now I buy gifts online for my family and friend.
ReplyDelete