Gift Giving - Tips and Ideas

Oh boy, touchy subject...

First, let me share with you why my family has chosen to give gifts.  We give because He gave.  God gave us His very best; His Son.  We give gifts to those around us in thanksgiving and honor of that gift. So, for us, that does NOT mean we decide to spend "x" amount on someone, head to the mall and burn the money on whatever.  We put A LOT of thought into gifts.

With that being said, we also believe we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the financial blessings we've been granted.

Here's my two cents worth:

1. Pay attention ahead of time - What have your loved ones mentioned that they need?  Did your dad's jeans have holes in them when you saw him last?  Does your mom have a desk at work?  Could she use some updated photos?  Is your sister a coffee fanatic?  Does your brother love to golf?
2. Plan - There is no reason you have to wait until December to start your shopping.  We would seriously be hurting financially if we did that.  Consider setting up a separate fund in the summer and stick what you can away.  Make a list and decide what is comfortable for you to spend on each person.  Even if it's only $5, make the list and stick to the plan. There's also a neat idea floating around on social media, which I think is great for "Santa Planning".  It's along the lines of fulfilling one need, one want, something to read, and something to wear.
3. Shop Early - Instead of saving money and shopping closer to the Holidays, we start shopping within our budget in July.  I have learned an awesome trick... what to hear it???  Go to your favorite store's website after the Holidays and search "Christmas". What's left of last season's merch (which I found to be a vast selection) will show up at a deep discount.  That's how we purchased our kid's gifts this year.  I'm sorry... they do not NEED this year's version of the same toy that sold last year in a different color. They will have wonderful, new toys for their new stage of development and new-found interests.  They'll have no idea that they were purchased on sale. 
4. Consider Supporting Small Businesses - There are SO MANY direct sales companies out there! Consider hosting an online or in-home party through a friend and use your hostess credits towards something you know a loved one will appreciate.  It's a generous and economical way to buy for loved ones and you will be supporting a friend in his or her small business.  Craft shows are a treasure-trove for good deals and thoughtful gifts, especially if you are not a crafter but love the hand-made touch.  
5. Use the talents you've been blessed with - Bake a platter of cookies. Crochet a blanket. Write a heart-felt note.  Create a craft project. Offer your time to shovel snow or to help someone run their errands.  These are often some of the very best gifts, in my opinion, because they come of one's own self.
6. Thoughtfulness DOES NOT equate to "expensive" - Remember the reason we give at Christmas. This should NOT be a popularity contest.  Your love and appreciation of your family and friends does NOT correlate to the amount of money you spend.  Some of the most precious gifts I've been given have been thoughtful notes, small trinkets that reminded someone of me, photos and cards.  For example,  I have a dear friend who often mails me cards.  I can tell she took the time to select the best one and her notes inside are from the heart.  I've actually kept many of them and framed them.  They're hanging on the wall next to my work space and now I'm smiling as I look at them and write this.

I Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Cheers, 

Alyssa