Saving Sunday: This Holiday Season….
Shoppers around the country say they are planning to spend an average of $929 for gifts this holiday season, up from $882 last year according to the 32d annual survey on holiday spending from the American Research Group, Inc. Planned gift spending for 2016 is $47 above spending in 2015 and it is the first time planned gift spending exceeds $900 since 2006.
https://americanresearchgroup.com/holiday/
$929 per person? That is a lot of money! For family of three adults, that would be almost $3000.
During the holiday seasons, we see so many wasteful gifts.
Here’s my 3 rules of FRUGAL GIFT GIVING.
1) Is it PRACTICAL? No joke gifts, no clothings unless you know the person REALLY well.
2) Is it CONSUMABLE? Give an upgrade version something she or he already has and using that is consumable.
3) Are you sure that is something she or he wants. When in doubt – go for a gift cards or 1) & 2).
My not too exciting but not wasteful gifts includes:
- Soft bath towel sets
- Throw Pillows
- Silk scarves (made by local artists)
- Organic not perfumery soaps
- Socks
Also, my golden rule: DO NOT USE A CREDIT CARD. USE CASH FOR ALL THE GIFTS. (And keep the receipts if it is business related, of course)
Happy Saving